NFL - Week Fifteen Preview

The AFC East division could be clinched this weekend when the New England Patriots, who are 11-2 and winners of ten straight games, host the Buffalo Bills (9-4) and will be looking to sweep them for the first time since quarterback Tom Brady was still taking the snaps.

The Bills had a big win against Cincinnati last week and the Patriots are coming off the bye, so whoever can get the early jump and keep the momentum from slipping away in this game will be in good shape. The Patriots stunned the Bills back in October on a Sunday night game and have been riding that wave ever since. The key will be the Pats keeping Bills quarterback Josh Allen under wraps while continuing to mix it up on offense and protect QB Drake Maye, who has been outstanding this season. Look for another tight game, but this time the Bills get it done and keep the Patriots from celebrating. 

In Seattle, all eyes will be on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers? Yes, that is correct as the team was in desperation mode and signed the 44-year old quarterback out of retirement to the practice squad after losing not only the game in Jacksonville last week, but also starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles injury) as well as backup Riley Leonard (knee injury) who may not be available for the game against the Seahawks, who are 10-3 and rolling with a strong defense. On paper, the Seahawks should dominate an injury ravaged Colts team and that will likely be the case. 

Two other games on Sunday will have a big impact on the AFC West race, where the Denver Broncos (11-2) host the Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) in an afternoon game. The Broncos have won ten games in a row and many of them have come right down to the final minutes to decide. The Packers have won four in a row and lead the NFC North division and will look to keep it going against a strong Broncos defense, which leads the NFL with 55 quarterback sacks. Green Bay QB Jordan Love has been on a roll in recent weeks, leading the offense to better numbers after scoring just 13 points or less in back-to-back home losses in early November. The Broncos have to protect QB Bo Nix from the Packers pass rush specialist Micah Parsons. This game is a toss up. 

Meanwhile in Kansas City, the Chiefs (6-7) will face the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) and try to stay alive in the AFC playoff chase. The Chiefs have not missed the playoffs since the 2014 season and quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company are coming off a punishing loss at home against Houston last Sunday evening. The Chargers are looking to make it six wins in seven games in this tilt while also keeping QB Justin Herbert (injured left hand) on the playing field. Herbert played a gutsy game in a 22-19 win at home against the Philadelphia Eagles last Monday night, throwing a scoring pass and rushing for 66 yards while being sacked seven times. The Chiefs lost the season opener to the Chargers and a loss in this game would pretty much eliminate them from playoff contention. Expect a close game and the team with the football at the end of this one will have a chance to win.

The Detroit Lions (8-5) face the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) in a road game on Sunday and will be trying to stay in the NFC North race, where the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears running are neck and neck for first place. The Lions offense got back on track in a 44-30 pasting of the Dallas Cowboys a week ago with running back Jahmyr Gibbs scoring three touchdowns. The Rams blew out Arizona, 45-17 and QB Matthew Stafford had three more touchdown passes, giving him 35 this season to just four interceptions thrown. The 17-year veteran QB would love to stick it to his former team while keeping the Rams atop the NFC West race, where the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers are right there with them. This game is yet another one that could go down to the wire and considered to be a toss up. 

The rest of the games for Week Fifteen are featured in the capsule previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

Atlanta (4-9) at Tampa Bay (7-6) - Thursday night game in Florida and the Buccaneers are in a battle for first place in the NFC South division. The Falcons are just playing out the schedule. 

Cleveland (3-10) at Chicago (9-4) - It is expected to be very cold with below zero wind chills in the Windy City on Sunday and the Bears need this one. Take the Bears. 

Baltimore (6-7) at Cincinnati (4-9) - The Ravens will look to avenge an embarrassing loss to Cincy just two weeks ago. The Bengals must win out and get help to make the playoffs. 

Arizona (3-10) at Houston (8-5) - The Texans will be looking for their sixth straight win in this one and should get it. 

N.Y. Jets (3-10) at Jacksonville (9-4) - Jaguars have no excuse to lose this one at home. The Jets continue to be a mess. 

Washington (3-10) at N.Y. Giants (2-11) - Can the Giants stop their seven game losing streak against a very injury depleted Commanders team? Yes! 

Las Vegas (2-11) at Philadelphia (8-5) - Eagles get it back on track in this one. 

Carolina (7-6) at New Orleans (3-10) - The Saints will be at home and going for the season sweep against the Panthers in this one. Are the Panthers contenders or pretenders for the NFC playoffs? 

Tennessee (2-11) at San Francisco (9-4) - 49ers roll ! 

Minnesota (5-8) at Dallas (6-6-1) - Can the Vikings play spoiler to the Cowboys playoff hopes? 

Miami (6-7) at Pittsburgh (7-6) - The Steelers should get the win in this Monday night game, but the Dolphins have won four in a row. For what it's worth . . . many years ago (in 2007) these two teams played a 3-0 MNF game (won by the Steelers) in a monsoon in Pittsburgh where a punt literally got stuck in the mud when it landed. 

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

Tampa Bay over Atlanta 

Chicago over Cleveland 

Baltimore over Cincinnati 

Houston over Arizona 

Jacksonville over N.Y. Jets 

Kansas City over L.A. Chargers 

Buffalo over New England 

N.Y. Giants over Washington 

Philadelphia over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Denver 

L.A. Rams over Detroit 

New Orleans over Carolina 

Seattle over Indianapolis 

SAN FRANCISCO over Tennessee 

Dallas over Minnesota 

Pittsburgh over Miami 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 135-72-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 12 -2  

NFL - Week Fourteen Recap

So many games with playoff implications on the line this past weekend and when all was said and done, there is a little more separation of the contenders and pretenders. 

The Detroit Lions smoked the Dallas Cowboys, 44-30 on Thursday night for the home win to improve to 8-5 as running back Jahmyr Gibbs (pictured left) scored three touchdowns while David Montgomery added a 35-yard rushing touchdown and QB Jared Goff (309 passing yards) threw a 12-yard TD pass to Isaac TeSlaa for a 27-9 lead early in the third quarter. The Cowboys (6-6-1) battled back to close to within 30-27 with 9:52 remaining in the game when Dak Prescott (376 passing yards, one TD, two INT) connected with WR Ryan Flournoy for a 42-yard touchdown pass. But Gibbs scored twice on the ground to seal the win as both teams gained over 400 yards in total offense. In addition, the Lions defense forced three turnovers and had five sacks, including three by defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) picked up a huge road win in Baltimore, 27-22 to take over sole possession of first place in the AFC North division and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (284 passing yards) ran for a touchdown and also threw for another while running back Kenneth Gainwell scored a rushing touchdown and Chris Boswell made two field goals. The Ravens (6-7) looked to take the lead late in the game but an apparent touchdown pass from QB Lamar Jackson (219 passing yards, one TD, one INT and one rushing TD) to tight end Isaiah Likely was overturned. Baltimore outgained the Steelers by a 420-318 margin in yards, but fell short in this game. 

On Sunday night in Kansas City, the Chiefs playoff hopes took a serious hit when they lost, 20-10 to the Houston Texans (8-5), who ran their winning streak to five games. The key to the game was twice in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs (6-7) were stopped twice in their own territory on fourth down. The Texans took advantage as running back Dare Ogunwobale scored on a five-yard run with 6:56 left in the game for a 17-10 lead and then the Houston defense, which intercepted Patrick Mahomes three times, sealed the game with the third pick that led to a 28-yard field goal by Ka'imi Fairbairn. Kansas City had won the AFC West division nine straight seasons, but this loss assured they will not win it this year. 

In Green Bay, the Packers and Chicago Bears locked up in a battle for first place in the NFC North division that saw the Packers (9-3-1) hang on to beat the Bears, 28-21 thanks to an interception by Keisean Nixon in the end zone on a fourth down play with only 27 seconds remaining in the game. Packers QB Jordan Love had three TD passes along with 234 passing yards and one interception while running back Josh Jacobs scored on a two-yard run with 3:32 left to play to make the difference. The Bears (9-4) saw their five game win streak snapped as QB Caleb Williams had two scoring passes and the crucial interception thrown in defeat. 

 

Bills QB Josh Allen dashed through the snow for a 40-yard touchdown run.

The Buffalo Bills (9-4) overcame an eleven point deficit and toppled the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, 39-34 in snowy conditions as QB Josh Allen (251 passing yards) threw for three touchdowns and ran 40 yards for another score and defensive back Christian Benford took back an interception 63 yards for the go ahead (32-28) touchdown with 5:25 left in the game. The Bengals (4-9) jumped out to a 14-3 lead and maintained that edge into the fourth quarter as QB Joe Burrow (284 passing yards, four TD, two INT) connected with Mike Gesicki on a 12-yard pass for his third scoring strike and a 28-18 lead with 8:44 remaining. The Bills scored 21 unanswered points in the next 4:30 to grab a 39-28 lead with Allen running and passing for scores and the "pick six" by Benford in between. The Bills gained 416 yards in offense, including 183 rushing yards. 

The Denver Broncos (11-2) laid claim to the top spot in the AFC playoff chase with a 24-17 road win against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) to run their winning streak to ten games. Broncos QB Bo Nix and running back RJ Harvey each had a rushing score and Marvin Mims, Jr. returned a punt 48 yards for another touchdown to pace the victory. Las Vegas QB Geno Smith tossed a 15-yard TD pass to tight end Brock Bowers before leaving the game with hand and shoulder injuries. Backup QB Kenny Pickett had a TD pass on 8-of-11 passing as the Raiders lost for the seventh consecutive time. 

The AFC South division has the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) alone in first place as they defeated the reeling Indianapolis Colts, 36-19 in Jacksonville.  The Jaguars jumped out to a 28-10 lead as RB Travis Etienne scored two rushing touchdowns while QB Trevor Lawrence passed for two scores along with 244 passing yards. The Colts dropped to 8-5 and lost starting QB Daniel Jones to an Achilles injury in the first half while Jonathan Taylor and Riley Leonard each scored on the ground in the setback. 

New Orleans (3-10) surprised the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-20 behind two rushing scores by QB Tyler Shough, including a 13-yard run with 8:26 left in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers (7-6) had a brief 17-14 lead when running back Sean Tucker scored on a one-yard run. Saints kicker Charlie Smyth drilled a 30-yard field goal to it up at 17-17 heading to the final quarter. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield had a TD pass and also one interception in the loss. 

The Seattle Seahawks (10-3) continued to roll on with a 37-9 thumping against the host Atlanta Falcons (4-9) that got kick started in the second half thanks to a 100-yard kickoff return for touchdown by Rashid Shaheed. The game was tied 6-6 at the half and then Seahawks completely took control by scoring 17 points in the third quarter and another 14 points in the fourth as quarterback Sam Darnold (249 passing yards, three TD, one INT) threw two scoring passes to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had seven receptions for 92 yards in the rout. The Falcons managed just three field goals and had three turnovers in defeat. 

Keeping pace with the Seahawks in the NFC West division, the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) smashed the Arizona Cardinals, 45-17 behind three TD passes from QB Matthew Stafford (281 passing yards) while WR Puka Nacua (seven receptions for 167 yards) and RB Blake Corum (128 rushing yards on 12 carries) both scored two touchdowns to lead the rout as they gained 530 yards in offense, including 249 rushing yards. The Cardinals fell to 3-10 this season as QB Jacoby Brissett had two touchdown passes and one interception along with 271 yards in the loss, giving them two five-game losing streaks this season. 

Minnesota won at home, 31-0 against the Washington Commanders (3-10) who lost quarterback Jayden Daniels to the same elbow injury that kept him out for several weeks. The Vikings (5-8) snapped a four game losing streak as J.J. McCarthy had three scoring passes and RB Jordan Mason added a rushing touchdown while the defense limited Washington to just 206 total yards and forced three turnovers, including two interceptions. 

The Miami Dolphins (6-7) won their fourth consecutive game with a 34-10 decision on the road against the New York Jets as four different players scored a touchdown and the Dolphins defense limited the Jets (3-10) to only 207 yards in total offense while intercepting three passes. Miami rushed for 239 yards, including 107 yards (on 24 carries) for Jaylen Wright. The Jets only touchdown came on a 78-yard punt return by Isaiah Williams. 

In snowy Cleveland, the Tennessee Titans (2-11) snapped a seven game losing streak with a 31-29 win against the Browns (3-10), who eschewed two extra point kicks in favor of a two-point attempt, that both failed, in the final quarter. Titans RB Tony Pollard (161 yards on 25 carries) had two long scoring runs (65 and 32 yards) and rookie QB Cam Ward threw two touchdown passes to pace the offense. Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders had three TD passes (along with 364 passing yards, one interception) and one scoring run in the loss.  

What an exciting, yet sloppy game on Monday Night Football between the host Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles as the Chargers (9-4) came away with a 22-19 win in overtime. Both teams combined for eight turnovers as the Eagles (8-5) lost their third straight game with QB Jalen Hurts losing a fumble and he was intercepted four times, including to end the game when Chargers defensive back Tony Jefferson came up with the pick off a deflection at the L.A. two-yard line. Eagles RB Saquon Barkley scored on a 52-yard run while going for 122 yards on 20 carries and kicker Jake Elliott made four field goals. Chargers QB Justin Herbert played with a broken left hand and had a four-yard TD pass to running back Omarion Hampton in the first quarter. Herbert also rushed for 66 yards while being sacked seven times. Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made five field goals, including a 54-yard boot in the OT session as well as a 46-yard effort with eight seconds remaining to send the game into overtime. 

  

WEEK FOURTEEN RESULTS 

Detroit 44, Dallas 30  

Minnesota 31, Washington 0  

Jacksonville 36, Indianapolis 19 

Seattle 37, Atlanta 9 

Tennessee 31, Cleveland 29

New Orleans 24, Tampa Bay 20 

Miami 34, N.Y. Jets 10 

Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 22 

Buffalo 39, Cincinnati 34  

Denver 24, Las Vegas 17

L.A. Rams 45, Arizona 17

Green Bay 28, Chicago 21

Houston 20, Kansas City 10 

L.A. Chargers 22, Philadelphia 19 (OT)  

 

 

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

There are some big games on the slate this weekend around the NFL as far as playoff contending teams are concerned. The Dallas Cowboys take on the Detroit Lions on Thursday night in Motown and both teams need this win as both are in the thick of the NFC playoff chase with just five games left in the season. 

Dallas (6-5-1) has won three straight games and the defense has shown improvement in that span. The offense continues to hum, especially the passing game and if quarterback Dak Prescott can avoid turnovers, the Cowboys will be in good shape. Wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens have been outstanding this season and Prescott will look to continue that trend. The Lions (7-5) lost last week against Green Bay and could be without top wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle injury) for the game. The Lions offense will look to mix it up with running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and quarterback Jared Goff still has Jameson Williams as a main target in the passing game. This game could be a shootout and perhaps the Lions (at home) will get it right this week. 

On Sunday night, the Kansas City Chiefs (6-6) take on the visiting Houston Texans (7-5), winners of four in a row and with a defense that is currently playing out of their minds, holding opponents to 16.3 points per game. The Chiefs offense has been so-so this season because the running game has lagged behind Patrick Mahomes and the passing attack. Neither team has been knocking it out of the park on offense in the past month or so meaning this game could be a low scoring affair. If the Chiefs don't get the win in this one, they could be staying home this January as in missing the playoffs. The good news is they almost never lose to the Texans, so they have that going for them heading into this huge game. 

The Chicago Bears (9-3) have won five consecutive games and this Sunday travel up the road to Green Bay to face the Packers (8-3-1) in battle for first place in the NFC North division. Chicago leads the NFL in takeaways on defense (25) and would do well  to keep it going against the Packers, who put up 31 points on Thanksgiving Day to beat the Detroit Lions. Getting to QB Jordan Love will be the key for the Bears to have a successful day in Cheeseland. The Packers defense is led by Micah Parsons, who has been ramping it up lately and has 12 1/2 sacks. The Bears will win if QB Caleb Williams doesn't make mistakes with the football and the defense does its thing. Green Bay wins if their defense wins the turnover battle. This game will likely go down to the final possession with the Packers sneaking away with the victory. 

The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are both 8-4 this year and this AFC South game will be  played in Florida, where the Colts have struggled in recent years. The Colts need QB Daniel Jones to play within his limits and not turn the football over while the same could be said of Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who tends to try to do too much and that leads to interceptions. Jacksonville has won three in a row (and four of five) while the Colts have dropped three of their last four games, including two close games to Kansas City and Houston. Expect a battle with the game going down to the wire, but the Jaguars get the win at home. 

In Baltimore, the Ravens (6-6) face the reeling Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6), who have lost three of the last four games. Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has been under intense fire this season and a win in this game would do good to quell the naysayers calling for him to be fired. Meanwhile, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has been under fire to a certain degree in 2025 as they have struggled with numerous injuries that nearly derailed their season with a 1-5 start. Five wins in succession helped big time, but then last week they looked terrible in a home loss against Cincinnati. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson needs to get off the schnide and play his style of football if the Ravens want to win this game. Call this one a toss up. 

The Monday Night Football game in Los Angeles features a pair of 8-4 teams as the Chargers take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who have dropped two straight games and now have the surging Dallas Cowboys nipping at their heels in the NFC North race. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will look to get the offense in gear after putting up just 15 points in last week's loss to Chicago and it would do wonders if running back Saquon Barkley could have his second 100-yard rushing game this season in this one. The Chargers have a real gauntlet of games down the stretch and will hope to have QB Justin Herbert (left non-throwing hand injury) ready to go in this game. Both teams have offenses that can be hit-and-miss at times, so whoever has it clicking better on Monday night will win this game.   

The remaining schedule for Week Fourteen is featured with the capsule previews and the Heftyinfo picks for the games follows up. 

Seattle (9-3) at Atlanta (4-8) - Can the Falcons pull of the upset at home? On any given Sunday . . . but not this time. 

Cincinnati (4-8) at Buffalo (8-4) - Take the Bills at home in this game, but the Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow will make it a battle. 

Tennessee (1-11) at Cleveland (3-9) - The stinker game of the week . . . take the Browns at home. 

Washington (3-9) at Minnesota (4-8) - Hard to believe both of these teams were in the playoffs last year. 

Miami (5-7) at N.Y. Jets (3-9) - Jets rate a slight edge in frigid New York in December against Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, who almost never wins football games in cold weather. Toss up in this game. 

New Orleans (2-10) at Tampa Bay (7-5) - If the Buccaneers don't get the win at home in this game, they don't deserve to make the playoffs. 

Denver (10-2) at Las Vegas (2-10) - The Raiders are terrible, but usually play the Broncos tough, so Broncos QB Bo Nix and company better be ready. 

L.A. Rams (9-3) at Arizona (3-9) - The Cardinals are terrible, but usually play the Rams tough, so Rams QB Matthew Stafford and company better be ready. 

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

Detroit over Dallas 

Seattle over Atlanta 

Buffalo over Cincinnati 

Cleveland over Tennessee 

Minnesota over Washington 

Miami over N.Y. Jets 

Tampa Bay over New Orleans 

Jacksonville over Indianapolis 

Baltimore over Pittsburgh 

Denver over Las Vegas 

Green Bay over Chicago 

L.A. Rams over Arizona 

KANSAS CITY over Houston 

Philadelphia over L.A. Chargers  

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5 

SEASON RECORD - 126-67-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 12-1 

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Recap

Panthers QB Bryce Young threw for three scores in big win over the Rams. 

The Sunday action saw the Carolina Panthers (7-6) shock the Los Angeles Rams, 31-28 behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Bryce Young (206 passing yards) and a "pick six" interception return 48 yards for a score by Mike Jackson that made the difference and stopped the Rams six-game winning streak. The Rams (9-3) got a pair of scoring passes from QB Matthew Stafford, who had 243 passing yards, but was intercepted twice and also lost a fumble in the loss. The win for Carolina kept them right with Tampa Bay in the NFC South division race for first place. 

 

In Pittsburgh, the Buffalo Bills (8-4) bounced back from a disappointing loss (to Houston) and beat the Steelers, 26-7 behind a scoring pass and an eight-yard touchdown run from quarterback Josh Allen along with a defensive score when Christian Benford put the Bills ahead, 10-7 in the third quarter with a scoop and score 17-yard fumble return. The Bills had the football for nearly 42 minutes and gouged the Pittsburgh defense for 249 rushing yards in the win. Meanwhile, the Steelers gained only 166 yards in total offense as they fell to 6-6 this season. 

The San Francisco 49ers improved to 9-4 with a blowout win in Cleveland, 26-8 as quarterback Brock Purdy passed and ran for touchdowns while Christian McCaffrey rushed for another score. The Browns dropped to 3-9 as QB Shedeur Sanders threw a 34-yard TD pass to Harold Fannin, Jr. for a brief 8-7 lead in the second quarter. 

The Houston Texans (7-5) continued to roll in a 20-16 road victory against the Indianapolis Colts (8-4), who dropped their third game in the last four. Texans wide receiver Niko Collins scored a rushing touchdown and Nick Chubb also rushed for a score to pace the offense. Colts QB Daniel Jones threw for two touchdowns, but it wasn't enough in this game.   

Jacksonville (8-4) moved into a first place tie with Indianapolis in the AFC South with a 25-3 road win against the Tennessee Titans (1-11) as the defense limited the Titans to only 188 total yards in offense while getting two fumble recoveries. Jags QB Trevor Lawrence had two scoring passes to help the winning effort. 

 

The Seattle Seahawks (9-3) rolled past the visiting Minnesota Vikings, 26-0 as the defense forced five turnovers, including intercepting Vikings QB Max Brosmer four times, one of which was taken back 85 yards by Ernest Jones IV (pictured right) for a touchdown to help build a 13-0 halftime lead. The only offensive touchdown for Seattle came on a 17-yard scoring run by Zach Charbonnet while Jason Myers kicked four field goals. The Vikings (4-8) managed to gain just 162 yards in offense and lost their fourth straight game. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) outlasted the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 20-17 with QB Baker Mayfield throwing a TD pass and RB Bucky Irving scoring on a 13-yard run. The Cardinals (3-9) were eliminated from playoff contention as QB Jacoby Brissett (301 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw for a pair of touchdowns after the Bucs took a 17-3 lead in the third quarter. 

The Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) used a balanced offensive attack in a 31-14 home win against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-10) with QB Justin Herbert throwing for two touchdowns and running backs Kimani Vidal (126 yards on 25 carries) and Jaret Patterson each scoring a rushing touchdown. The Chargers totaled 341 yards, including 192 yards on the ground. The Raiders two scores came on scoring passes from QB Geno Smith to tight end Brock Bowers as they gained just 156 total yards while losing for the sixth consecutive time. It was also revealed following the game that (Chargers quarterback Justin) Herbert suffered an injury to his non throwing hand and could possibly be out for next week. 

In Miami, the Dolphins (5-7) won their fourth straight game as they defeated the visiting New Orleans Saints, 21-17 as running back De'Von Achane (134 yards on 22 carries) scored on a 29-yard run and Riley Patterson made four field goals to lead the way. The Saints (2-10) closed to within 19-17 with 1:17 remaining in the game when QB Tyler Shough (239 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw a 15-yard TD pass to Devaughn Vele, but the two-point conversion pass was intercepted by Minkah Fitzpatrick and taken back for two points for the Dolphins to make the difference. 

The New York Jets (3-9) squeaked past the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 27-24 when Nick Folk made a 56-yard field goal as time expired. The game went back and forth with the Falcons (4-8) leading 17-14 in the fourth quarter before Folk tied it up with a 32-yard field goal. The Falcons took a 24-17 lead on a nine-yard TD pass from Kirk Cousins to David Sills. The Jets tied the game with 1:53 left to play on a ten-yard scoring run by QB Tyrod Taylor. The Jets defense then stood tall and forced a punt to set up the finish.  

The Sunday night game went into overtime and the Denver Broncos (10-2) came away with a 27-26 victory for their ninth consecutive win as they stopped the Washington Commanders (3-9) from a two-point conversion attempt to end the game. Broncos QB Bo Nix passed for 321 yards along with a touchdown and an interception and running back RJ Harvey scored two rushing touchdowns, including a five-yard scoring run in the OT session for a 27-20 lead. Washington had tied the game 20-20 to force the OT on a pair of field goals by Jake Moody in the fourth quarter. Commanders QB Marcus Mariota had a pair of TD passes and one pick thrown along with 294 passing yards in the loss. 

The New England Patriots improved to 11-2 by smashing the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, 33-15 as they jumped out to a 17-0 lead after the first quarter. Marcus Jones took a punt back 94 yards for a touchdown and Drake Maye (282 passing yards) threw the first of his two touchdown passes (three yards  to Kayshon Boutte) before the Giants (2-11) got on the scoreboard. A 30-yard TD pass from Jaxson Dart to Darius Slayton cut the deficit to 17-7 before Maye threw a 33-yard scoring strike to Kyle Williams and Andy Borregales (four field goals in the game) booted two short field goals to make it 30-7 at halftime. 

 

WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS 

Green Bay 31, Detroit 24

Dallas 31, Kansas City 28 

Cincinnati 32, Baltimore 14 

Chicago 24, Philadelphia 15  

Carolina 31, L.A. Rams 28  

San Francisco 26, Cleveland 8 

Tampa Bay 20, Arizona 17  

Miami 21, New Orleans 17 

Houston 20, Indianapolis 16 

Jacksonville 25, Tennessee 3  

N.Y. Jets 27, Atlanta 24  

Seattle 26, Minnesota 0

L.A. Chargers 31, Las Vegas 14 

Buffalo 26, Pittsburgh 7 

Denver 27, Washington 26 (OT) 

New England 33, N.Y. Giants 15  

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Recap (Thanksgiving Day and Friday games)

Bears running back D'Andre Swift scores the first TD in the game on Friday. 

The "Black Friday" game in Philadelphia showed the Chicago Bears (9-3) are for real as they beat the Eagles, 24-15 with a strong running game (281 rushing yards) that saw both D'Andre Swift (125 rushing yards on 18 carries) and Kyle Monangai (130 yards on 22 carries) score rushing touchdowns while QB Caleb Williams hit tight end Cole Kmet with a 28-yard scoring pass with 6:19 left in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Eagles (8-4) never led in this one as QB Jalen Hurts threw for two scores (and also one interception) along with 230 passing yards in the loss.  

Three Thanksgiving Day games took place and all three "favorites" lost as the Detroit Lions fell at home to the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) by a 31-24 final score as Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw four touchdown passes and had 234 passing yards. Packers DE/LB Mich Parsons had 2 1/2 sacks  and the Lions (7-5) never led in this game as QB Jared Goff was sacked three times while throwing two TD passes along with 256 passing yards in defeat. 

In Dallas, the Cowboys prevailed against the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-28 to get to 6-5-1 for the season as QB Dak Prescott had a pair of scoring passes along with 320 passing yards and one interception while Malik Davis ran 43 yards for another touchdown. Kicker Brandon Aubrey added three field goals and the defense did enough to thwart any comebacks by the Chiefs (6-6) as Patrick Mahomes was sacked three times while passing for 261 yards and four touchdowns. Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had eight receptions for 92 yards and two scores while Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (seven receptions, 112 yards) caught a TD pass to help the 'Pokes win their third consecutive game. 

The night cap game in Baltimore was all Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) as they toppled the Ravens, 32-14 with the return of injured starting quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw a pair of touchdown passes and had 261 passing yards while Evan McPherson kicked six field goals to provide the difference in the final score. The Ravens (6-6) took an early 7-3 lead when running back Derrick Henry raced 28 yards for a touchdown, but that was about it as QB Lamar Jackson was intercepted once and fumbled the ball away twice as they turned it over five times. 

WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS 

Green Bay 31, Detroit 24 

Dallas 31, Kansas City 28 

Cincinnati 32, Baltimore 14  

Chicago 24, Philadelphia 15

 

 

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Preview

 

No turkeys on the menu this Thanksgiving with three games featuring the annual game in Detroit between the host Lions (7-4), who will face the Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) in a huge battle in the NFC North division that has both teams looking up at the first place Chicago Bears, who play the Eagles on Friday in Philadelphia. The Lions have been up and down in 2025 and so have the Packers, who are struggling to score points in recent weeks. This game could turn into a shootout and perhaps go into overtime. Hold that pumpkin pie for now. 

The Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1), who have played every Thanksgiving Day game since the 1978 season, will host the Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) in a battle that could be considered an "elimination game" as both teams have multiple opponents ahead of them in the conference playoff races. The Chiefs hung tough for a big win against the Indianapolis Colts last week and now face a resurgent Dallas defense that has been less generous in giving up yardage and points since a trade with the New York Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Kansas City will look to pressure Cowboys QB Dak Prescott into forcing the ball out too soon to his receiving duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, who is having a huge season. 

Thursday night will have the surging Baltimore Ravens, who at 6-5 have won five in a row and share first place in the AFC North division with the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking on the Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) in Charm City. The Ravens are looking to become just the fifth team ever in NFL history to make the playoffs after starting the season with a 1-5 record. The Bengals will have starting quarterback Joe Burrow returning from a severe toe injury suffered back in Week Two that required surgery. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has been less than stellar since his return from a hamstring injury and needs to get the offense humming against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. This one will be a treat to watch as the holiday winds down. 

On Friday, the Chicago Bears (8-3) take on the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) in a game between two first place teams. The Bears have definitely been a surprise this season, but the Eagles have been there and done that as they look to defend their Super Bowl title and are coming off a very disappointing loss in Dallas last Sunday. They blew a 21 point lead and gave the Cowboys new hope for their seemingly slim playoff chances. The Bears have won four consecutive games and their defense leads the league in takeaways through the first eleven games. Philadelphia has been up and down in 2025, but still has a sizeable lead in their division. 

On Sunday, two games stand out as the Buffalo Bills (7-4) host the slumping Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), who once upon a time this season, had a big lead in their division only to see the Baltimore Ravens come storming back with five straight victories while they have lost four of their last five games. Also, starting QB Aaron Rodgers has been nursing a fractured left wrist injury and missed last week's loss to the Chicago Bears. The Bills have been struggling as well after a hot start and are looking at a tall task to win their AFC East division again this season. Better balance on offense for Buffalo is needed and QB Josh Allen cannot turn the football over if they are going to win this game. 

The Houston Texans are 6-5 and will take on the leaders in the AFC South this weekend on the road when they face the Indianapolis Colts (8-3) in what will be a tough game. The Texans, Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4) are in a log jam in the division race and this is the first of two times they play each other over the final six games, including the season finale in Houston. Indianapolis lost a heart breaker in Kansas City last week, blowing an eleven point lead in the final quarter before losing, 23-20 in overtime. Colts QB Daniel Jones has come under fire in  recent weeks for the amount of turnovers, so this will be a big test facing a rugged Houston defense that leads the AFC in scoring defense. 

The rest of the NFL action (all 32 teams are playing this week) is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks will follow up. 

 
L.A. Rams (9-2) at Carolina (6-6) -  The Rams are on fire and look to be the odds on favorite for the Super Bowl, but there are still six games left to play. The Panthers need this one to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South race. 

San Francisco (8-4) at Cleveland (3-8) - The 49ers should get the win, but that Browns defense gets after opposing quarterbacks, especially Myles Garrett, who leads the NFL with an astounding 18 sacks in eleven games. 

New Orleans (2-9) at Miami (4-7) - Suddenly, the Dolphins are winning games and that should continue in this one against a bad Saints team. 

Atlanta (4-7) at N.Y. Jets (2-9) - Who cares? 

Arizona (3-8) at Tampa Bay (6-5) - The slumping Buccaneers need a "get right" game and this one vs. the Cardinals should do. However, Bucs starting QB Baker Mayfield is injured and could miss this one against a plucky Cards team that plays hard. 

Jacksonville (7-4) at Tennessee (1-10) - The Jaguars are looking to keep the momentum going against a Titans team that has taken many lumps this season. 

Minnesota (4-7) at Seattle (8-3) - You think Seahawks QB Sam Darnold doesn't want to stick it to his former team after they let him go following a career season? 

Las Vegas (2-9) at L.A. Chargers (7-4) - Chargers roll in this one. 

Denver (9-2) at Washington (3-8) - This Sunday night game could be another blowout (like last week) if Denver's offense shows up to play. The Commanders are still battling too many injuries. 

N.Y. Giants (2-10) at New England (10-2) - The Monday Night Football game featuring the only team already eliminated from the playoffs race taking on the most improved team from a year ago. Take the Patriots. 

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

Thanksgiving Day Games  

Detroit over Green Bay 

Kansas City over Dallas 

Baltimore over Cincinnati 

Friday Game 

Philadelphia over Chicago 

Sunday Games 

L.A. Rams over Carolina 

San Francisco over Cleveland 

Houston over Indianapolis 

Miami over New Orleans 

N.Y. Jets over Atlanta 

Tampa Bay over Arizona 

Jacksonville over Tennessee 

Seattle over Minnesota 

L.A. CHARGERS over Las Vegas 

Buffalo over Pittsburgh 

Denver over Washington 

Monday Night Game 

New England over N.Y. Giants  

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 115-62-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 11-1 

 

NFL - Week Twelve Recap

Cowboys players celebrate huge comeback win against the Eagles. 

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) blew a 21-point lead in Dallas and eventually lost, 24-21 as Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey made a 42-yard field goal as time ran out for the improbable victory that improved the 'Pokes to 5-5-1 this season. The Eagles had a 21-0 lead when QB Jalen Hurts (289 passing yards, one TD and two rushing touchdowns) scored on a one-yard run early in the second quarter. But Dallas began the big comeback when QB Dak Prescott (354 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw a scoring pass to WR George Pickens (nine receptions, 146 yards) to trim the deficit to 21-7 at halftime. The Cowboys dominated the second half, shutting down the Eagles (penalized 14 times for 96 yards) while piling up 473 yards in total offense as Prescott threw another TD pass and ran eight yards for another score early in the final quarter to tie the game at 21-21. The game winning drive went 49 yards in nine plays to keep the Cowboys playoff hopes alive. 

The Kansas City Chiefs showed they still have it as they rallied from an 11-point, fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Indianapolis Colts, 23-20 in overtime, thanks to a Harrison Butker's 26-yard field goal. The win improved Kansas City to 6-5 this season as running back Kareem Hunt (104 rushing yards on 30 carries) scored on a two-yard run and the two-point conversion was successful to get to within 20-17 midway through the fourth quarter. The Chiefs forced the OT session when Butker made the third of his four field goals from 25 yards away as time expired. The Colts (8-3) had a 14-3 lead when QB Daniel Jones (181 passing yards) threw his second TD pass in the game. The Chiefs outgained the Colts, 494-255 in total yards and the Colts managed only ten first downs in the loss. 

The Chicago Bears (8-3) won their fourth straight game with a thrilling 31-28 decision at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), who with the loss, dropped into a tie for first place in the AFC North with Baltimore. The Bears got three TD passes from QB Caleb Williams (239 passing yards) and RB Kyle Monangai scored a rushing touchdown along with a 47-yard field goal by kicker Cairo Santos to make the difference. The Steelers were without starting QB Aaron Rodgers (wrist injury) and reserve Mason Rudolph passed for 171 yards and had a TD pass and one interception while the defense scored once on a sack (T.J. Watt) and fumble recovery (Nick Herbig) in the end zone while running back Jaylen Warren scored a rushing touchdown in the loss. 

The Baltimore Ravens beat the visiting New York Jets, 23-10 for their fifth straight win to improve to 6-5 and move into a first place tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North division. Ravens RB Derrick Henry scored twice on the ground and had 64 rushing yards while the defense had three sacks and forced two turnovers. The Jets (2-9) scored on a 13-yard TD pass from QB Tyrod Taylor (222 passing yards, one TD, one INT) to John Metchie III for a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. But then Henry did his thing for the Ravens and kicker Tyler Loop drilled three field goals to help lead the way. 

In Cincinnati, the New England Patriots (10-2) won their ninth consecutive game with a 26-20 decision as QB Drake Maye passed for 294 yards and one TD while Marcus Jones took back an interception 33 yards for a score and kicker Andy Borregales kicked four field goals. The Bengals (3-8) jumped out to a 10-0 lead with Geno Stone getting a "pick six" 32-yard interception and the first of two long field goals (54 and 63 yards) by Evan McPherson. Bengals QB Joe Flacco threw a 17-yard scoring pass to Mitchell Tinsley with 4:40 left in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 23-20 but the Patriots added another field goal and the defense held off a late Cincinnati drive to finish the game. 

 

The Detroit Lions (7-4) stormed back from a double digit deficit to beat the visiting New York Giants, 34-27 in overtime as running back Jahmyr Gibbs (pictured right) scored on a 69-yard run to give his team the win. Gibbs rushed for 219 yards (on just 15 carries) and scored three times (two rushing, one receiving) while QB Jared Goff passed for two touchdowns along with one interception and 279 passing yards. The Giants (2-10) had a 27-17 lead in the fourth quarter following a great trick play that saw QB Jameis Winston (366 passing yards, two TD, one INT) catch a 33-yard TD pass from Gunner Olszewski before the Lions mounted the comeback to force the overtime. Gibbs scored on a 49-yard run with 10:50 left to trim the deficit to 27-24 and later, kicker Jake Bates nailed a 59-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining to tie the game. 

The Houston Texans defeated the visiting Buffalo Bills, 23-19 on Thursday night as their defense dominated, especially in the second half, sacking Bills quarterback Josh Allen (253 passing yards, two interceptions) eight times and intercepting two passes (both by Calen Bullock), including on fourth-and-six from Texans 22-yard line with 20 seconds left in the game. The Texans (6-5) had a 20-16 lead at halftime over Buffalo (7-4) and increased their lead to 23-16 on Ka'imi Fairbairn's third field goal in the game while the Bills managed only one field goal in the second half. Texans QB Davis Mills had two touchdown passes along with 153 passing yards to help in the winning effort. Bills running back James Cook rushed for 116 yards and scored the Bills only offensive touchdown while Ray Davis took a kickoff back 97 yards for a score in the loss. 

In Green Bay, the Packers improved to 7-3-1 with a 23-6 win against the Minnesota Vikings (4-7), who gained only 145 yards in total offense, which included a paltry 52 passing yards as J.J. McCarthy was sacked five times and threw two interceptions while the Vikings had three turnovers in the loss. Packers RB Emanuel Wilson (107 rushing yards) rushed for two touchdowns and Brandon McManus made three field goals to provide the difference in the final score. 

The Seattle Seahawks (8-3) knocked off the host Tennessee Titans, 30-24 with QB Sam Darnold throwing a pair of TD passes to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (eight receptions for 167 yards) while passing for 244 yards and Zach Charbonnet scoring on a five-yard run. The Titans fell to 1-10 this season as rookie QB Cam Ward had 256 passing yards and one scoring pass and one rushing touchdown in the loss. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4) and Arizona Cardinals went back and forth in a thriller that saw the visiting Jaguars win it, 27-24 in overtime as Cam Little kicked a 52-yard field goal and then the Jags defense stood firm to seal the win. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (256 passing yards) had three TD passes and three interceptions thrown in the win while Arizona (3-8) scored once on defense (Walter Nolen III seven-yard fumble return) and also on a TD run By Bam Knight and a 39-yard TD pass from QB Jacoby Brissett to WR Greg Dortch before a 29-yard field goal by Chad Ryland with three seconds left sent it to overtime. 

In Las Vegas, Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders (209 passing yards, one TD, one INT) made his first NFL start and threw a 66-yard TD pass to Dylan Sampson and fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins had two rushing touchdowns as the Browns (3-8) beat the Raiders, 24-10. The Browns defense had TEN quarterback sacks, including three by NFL leader Myles Garrett. The Raiders (2-9) only touchdown came on a five-yard scoring pass from QB Geno Smith to Ashton Jeanty late in the fourth quarter. 

The Atlanta Falcons (4-7) knocked off the host New Orleans Saints, 24-10 and snapped their five game losing streak as QB Kirk Cousins threw two scoring passes and Zane Gonzalez kicked three field goals to lead the way. The Saints (2-9) scored on a 49-yard interception return by Justin Reid, but the offense struggled and allowed five sacks while turning the ball over twice in the setback. 

On Sunday Night Football, the host Los Angeles Rams improved to an NFC best 9-2 record as they throttled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 34-7 with QB Matthew Stafford throwing for 273 yards with three touchdowns and defensive back Cobie Durant had a 50-yard interception return for touchdown to pace the rout. The Buccaneers (6-5) dropped their fourth game in the last five and QB Baker Mayfield left the game with a shoulder injury as the team gained just 193 yards in offense. 

A sloppy game on Monday Night Football as the San Francisco 49ers knocked off the visiting Carolina Panthers, 20-9 and improved to 8-4 with running back Christian McCaffrey scoring a 12-yard rushing touchdown and QB Brock Purdy (193 passing yards, one TD, three INT) throwing a 12-yard scoring pass to WR Jauan Jennings. The Panthers (6-6) turned the football over twice in the loss with QB Bryce Young (169 passing yards, one TD, two INT) throwing a a 29-yard TD pass to WR Tetairoa McMillan.

 

WEEK TWELVE RESULTS 

Houston 23, Buffalo 19  

Chicago 31, Pittsburgh 28 

Green Bay 23, Minnesota 6  

Baltimore 23, N.Y. Jets 10  

Detroit 34, N.Y. Giants 27 (OT) 

New England 26, Cincinnati 20

Kansas City 23, Indianapolis 20 (OT) 

Seattle 30, Tennessee 24 

Jacksonville 27, Arizona 24 (OT)

Cleveland 24, Las Vegas 10

Atlanta 24, New Orleans 10 

Dallas 24, Philadelphia 21 

L.A. Rams 34, Tampa Bay 7   

San Francisco 20, Carolina 9 

NFL - Week Twelve Preview

It's the weekend before the Thanksgiving Day holiday and in the NFL that means crunch time is right around the corner and there are some very impactful games in Week Twelve. 

None more so than the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon as Patrick Mahomes and company seek to get over the .500 mark. Kansas City is 5-5 and this one really is a must win as they trail the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC West. The Colts are 8-2 and coming off the bye week and they lead the NFL in scoring, averaging 32 points per game. Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones has been nothing short of spectacular, but needs to limit the turnovers in this game. He has seven turnovers in the last two games and against the Chiefs that will not bode well for the Colts if they cannot take care of the football. The Chiefs will look to limit Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, who by far has been the best back in the NFL this season.

On Thursday night in Houston, the surging Texans (5-5) will host the Buffalo Bills (7-3), who have had a roller coaster type season and trail the surprising New England Patriots in the AFC East race. Bills QB Josh Allen is coming off a monster game in which he scored three rushing touchdowns and also threw for three touchdowns in a big win over Tampa Bay. The Texans had the huge fourth quarter comeback against Jacksonville two weeks ago and then won on a last second field goal against the lowly Tennessee Titans last week, not to mention they are going with backup quarterback Davis Mills in this one. The one big edge for Houston is their stellar defense, which leads the NFL in scoring, allowing just 16.3 points per game. 

Sunday in Chicago, the surprising Bears (7-3), who lead the NFC North, take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4), who lead the AFC North race to this point. The Bears defense gets turnovers and they lead the league with 21 so far in ten games. The Pittsburgh Steelers must protect the football and (if he does play) quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is nursing a wrist injury to his non throwing hand. The Bears have been living on the edge in recent weeks, with five come from behind victories, including last week against Minnesota on a field goal at the final gun. The Steelers are trying to hold off the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional race and Rodgers has owned the Bears (25-5 record vs. Chicago) during his 21-year career. This game will probably go down to the wire and the question is whether the Bears can do it yet again. 

In Dallas, the NFC East leading Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) take on the Cowboys (4-5-1) and with a win, will cement away their second consecutive division crown, which no team has done in that division since the 2004 season, when the Eagles did it. The Dallas offense has been sensational this year, scoring just under 30 points per game. But their poor defense allows just as much and that has been the problem in the 2025 season. On the other side, Philadelphia is a top ten defense in scoring, giving up just over 20 points per game and that will be the difference in this game. 

The Sunday night "prime time" game features the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) against the Los Angeles Rams (8-2) in Tinsel Town. The Bucs have lost three of their last four games and have struggled to limit opposing offenses. Last week, they allowed the Buffalo Bills to score 44 points and now face Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who has 27 touchdown passes and only two interceptions through the first ten games. The Rams defense has been steadily improving as the season goes along and will look to pressure Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield into mistakes. If that happens, look for the Rams to roll in this game. 

The rest of the action for Week Twelve is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks for those games follow up. 

N.Y. Giants (2-9) at Detroit (6-4) - The Lions need this game and the Giants are just playing out the string of their schedule from now on. Take the Lions. 

New England (9-2) at Cincinnati (3-7) - Hunch pick here is the Bengals pull off the upset. 

N.Y. Jets (2-8) at Baltimore (5-5) - The Ravens need this game and the Jets are just playing out the string of their schedule from now on. Take the Ravens. 

Seattle (7-3) at Tennessee (1-9) - The Seahawks are coming off a tough loss in L.A. last week and now have to travel cross country for this seemingly easy one . . .   Beware! 

Minnesota (4-6) at Green Bay (6-3-1) - Given the way the Packers have been in 2025, this one could be considered a toss up. The Vikings are pretty much toast, but this is a division game and they recently toppled the Detroit Lions on the road.  

Jacksonville (6-4) at Arizona (3-7) - The Cardinals will battle the up and down Jaguars in this one. 

Cleveland (2-8) at Las Vegas (2-8) - Flip a coin in this one. 

Atlanta (3-7) at New Orleans (2-8) - See above comment. 

Carolina (6-5) at San Francisco (7-4) - Two teams battling for wild card playoff positions in the NFC. This game will be close, but take the home team. 

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

Buffalo over Houston 

DETROIT over N.Y. Giants 

Kansas City over Indianapolis 

Chicago over Pittsburgh 

Cincinnati over New England 

Baltimore over N.Y. Jets 

Seattle over Tennessee 

Green Bay over Minnesota  

Arizona over Jacksonville  

Las Vegas over Cleveland 

Atlanta over New Orleans  

Philadelphia over Dallas

L.A. Rams over Tampa Bay

San Francisco over Carolina 

 

Last Week' s Record - 11-4

SEASON RECORD - 106-57-1

Lock of the Week Record - 10-1 

 

NFL - Week Eleven Recap

The Chicago Bears did it again! 

The Bears (7-3) won their seventh game in the last eight, and fifth comeback win this year, this time 19-17 against the host Minnesota Vikings on a 48-yard field goal by Cairo Santos (pictured left) as time expired. The winning kick was set up by a 56-yard kickoff return by Devin Duvernay right after the Vikings (4-6) took a 17-16 lead on a 15-yard touchdown pass from quarterback J.J. McCarthy (150 passing yards, one TD, two interceptions) to wide receiver Jordan Addison with 50 seconds remaining. The Bears had a 16-3 lead entering the fourth quarter before the Vikings scored twice, the other being a 16-yard scoring run by running back Jordan Mason with 12:33 left to play. The Bears took a 10-3 halftime lead thanks to a one-yard TD run by RB Kyle Monangai and the first of Santos' four field goals in the game. Two more Santos field goals in the third quarter built the lead up before Minnesota came back, only to fall short in this one. 

On Thursday night, the New England Patriots (9-2) ran their winning streak to eight games with a 27-14 home victory against the New York Jets (2-8), led by rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, who had three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) and QB Drake Maye, who passed for another score along with 281 passing yards. Jets QB Justin Fields had a rushing and passing touchdown in the loss. 

The Buffalo Bills (7-3) bounced back this week with a 44-32 home win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who dropped their third game in the last four to fall to 6-4 this season. Bills QB Josh Allen had a monster game, passing for three touchdowns and rushing for three more scores along with passing for 317 yards as they racked up 414 yards in total offense. Bucs RB Sean Tucker scored three times (two rushing touchdowns, one receiving)  and had 106 rushing yards on 19 carries and QB Baker Mayfield had a TD run and pass along with 173 passing yards and one interception thrown in the loss. 

In Denver, the Broncos (9-2) held off the Kansas City Chiefs, 22-19 to get their eighth consecutive win in a nail biter thanks to Will Lutz connecting on a 35-yard field goal as time ran out. It was all field goals in the first half and a 6-6 tie before Denver got a rushing score by RB Jaleel McLaughlin and the Chiefs (5-5) scoring on a two-yard TD run by Kareem Hunt for a 13-13 tie entering the final quarter. Lutz made two more field goals sandwiched around Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes tossing a 21-yard scoring pass to tight end Travis Kelce for a 19-16 lead, but the extra point was blocked. Lutz finally ended the drama with his fifth field goal of the day to win it.  

The Los Angeles Rams escaped with a 21-19 win at home against the Seattle Seahawks (7-3) to take over sole possession of first place in the NFC West while improving to 8-2 this season. Seattle kicker Jason Myers missed a 61-yard field goal try as time ran out in a game that saw 'Hawks QB Sam Darnold throw four interceptions in defeat. Rams QB Matthew Stafford had two TD passes and RB Kyren Williams ran for another score to lead the victorious effort. 

The Green Bay Packers (6-3-1) beat the host New York Giants, 27-20 with QB Jordan Love (174 passing yards) throwing two TD passes and also Malik Willis throwing for a score to help snap the two-game losing skid. The Giants slipped to 2-9 for the season as RB Devin Singletary scored two rushing touchdowns in defeat. 

 

Panthers QB Bryce Young had record setting day in win. 

Carolina beat Atlanta, 30-27 in overtime as kicker Ryan Fitzgerald made a 28-yard field goal to win it and the Panthers improved to 6-5 this season as QB Bryce Young set a team record by passing for 448 yards and he also had three TD passes in the win. The Falcons (3-7) tied the game at 27-27 when Zane Gonzalez made a 45-yard field goal with 16 seconds left to play, but still dropped their fifth game in a row even with RB Bijan Robinson scoring twice on the ground and going for 104 rushing yards on 23 carries as they built a 21-10 halftime lead. Following the game, it was learned that Falcons QB Michael Penix, Jr. suffered a knee injury and could be out for the remainder of the season. 

The San Francisco 49ers (7-4) crushed the host Arizona Cardinals, 41-22 behind three touchdowns by RB Christian McCaffrey (two rushing, one receiving) and also three TD passes from QB Brock Purdy, who returned from a toe injury that kept him out for the past month. The Cardinals (3-7) outgained the 49ers, 488-281 in yardage, but three turnovers proved to be too much to overcome even with QB Jacoby Brissett throwing for 452 yards on 47-of-57 passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Over is Spain, the Miami Dolphins (4-7) beat the Washington Commanders, 16-13 in overtime to win for the third time in their last four games as kicker Riley Patterson made a 29-yard field goal. The Commanders (3-8) took a 13-6 lead in the third quarter when QB Marcus Mariota hit WR Deebo Samuel for a 20-yard TD pass. But the Dolphins tied it up, 13-13 early in the fourth quarter when RB Ollie Gordon II scored a rushing touchdown from one yard out to cap a ten play, 53 yard drive. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars dominated for a 35-6 win against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) as they rushed for 192 yards and held the football for nearly 38 minutes in the easy victory. The Chargers managed just two field goals and 135 yards in total offense in this game. Jacksonville improved to 6-4 with QB Trevor Lawrence passing and running for a touchdown while RB Travis Etienne scored twice on the ground and RB Bhayshul Tuten added another scoring run. 

The Baltimore Ravens (5-5) had to battle the host Cleveland Browns, but came away with a 23-16 win as tight end Mark Andrews ran 35 yards for the winning touchdown with 2:31 left in the fourth quarter to get their fourth straight win. Running back Derrick Henry scored a rushing touchdown and had 103 yards (on 18 carries) to go with three field goals by Tyler Loop. The Browns (2-8) went ahead 13-3 when Devin Bush took an interception back 23 yards for a score midway through the second quarter. The Browns only gained 187 yards in offense in the loss as the defense kept them in it with three takeaways and five sacks, including four by Myles Garrett. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) remained atop the AFC North division with a 34-12 thrashing of the visiting Cincinnati Bengals (3-7) as the defense scored on a 73-yard interception return by Kyle Dugger and a fumble return of 34 yards by James Pierre along with TD passes from QB Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, who came into the game when Rodgers left with a wrist injury in the first half. Bengals QB Joe Flacco (199 passing yards) had a TD pass and the "pick six" interception thrown in defeat.

Houston improved to 5-5 as they toppled the host Tennessee Titans, 16-13 when kicker Matthew Wright made a 35-yard field goal as time ran out. The Titans (1-9) tied the Texans at 13-13 with 1:35 left to go when rookie QB Cam Ward threw a four-yard scoring pass to WR Van Jefferson. Texans QB Davis Mills (274 passing yards) threw for a score to go with the three field goals by Wright to make the difference in the final outcome.  

The Sunday night game in Philadelphia was a low scoring one as the Eagles (8-2) defeated the Detroit Lions, 16-9 behind solid defense that held their opponent under ten points for the second straight game. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts scored on a one-yard run late in the first half for a 13-6 edge and kicker Jake Elliott was successful on three field goals to help make the difference. Meanwhile, the Lions (6-4) scored their only touchdown on a 40-yard pass from Jared Goff to WR Jameson Williams with 5:05 left in the second quarter. The Eagles defense stiffened late in the game while limiting Detroit to just a field goal in the second half. 

The game on Monday night in Las Vegas was all Dallas as the Cowboys (4-5-1) rolled past the Raiders, 33-16 behind four touchdown passes from QB Dak Prescott, who passed for 268 yards and threw the scoring passes to four different receivers. The Raiders (2-8) were limited to just 27 rushing yards and QB Geno Smith was sacked four times while passing for 238 yards with one touchdown and one interception. 

 

WEEK ELEVEN RESULTS 

New England 27, N.Y. Jets 14  

Miami 16, Washington 13 (OT)  

Jacksonville 35, L.A. Chargers 6 

Chicago 19, Minnesota 17

Pittsburgh 34, Cincinnati 12 

Buffalo 44, Tampa Bay 32 

Houston 16, Tennessee 13 

Green Bay 27, N.Y. Giants 20 

Carolina 30, Atlanta 27 (OT)  

L.A. Rams 21, Seattle 19  

San Francisco 41, Arizona 22

Baltimore 23, Cleveland 16

Denver 22, Kansas City 19  

Philadelphia 16, Detroit 9

Dallas 33, Las Vegas 16  

 

 

 

NFL - Week Eleven Preview

 

There are many big games this weekend around the NFL as the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) travel to take on the Denver Broncos (8-2), who lead the AFC West division. In the NFC West, first place is up for grabs as the Los Angeles Rams host the Seattle Seahawks and both teams have identical 7-2 records at this point of the season.  

The Sunday night game will feature the NFC East leading Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) hosting the Detroit Lions (6-3), who are in first place in the NFC North division while earlier on Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) and Buffalo Bills (6-3) face each other in Buffalo and both teams are coming off losses. 

 

The Chiefs really need to win this game in Denver if they are going to continue to hold their dominance in the AFC West, where they have won nine consecutive division titles. The Broncos have been getting by with close wins week after week this year and currently have a seven game winning streak. The Denver defense has been solid all season long and will look to contain the Kansas City offense, which has been bolstered by the return of several players, including wide receivers Rashee Rice (back from league suspension) and Xavier Worthy, who missed three games with a shoulder injury. Getting pressure on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be the key for the Denver defense, which leads the NFL with 46 sacks through the first ten games. Meanwhile, the Broncos offense needs to get in gear after scoring just ten points last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. 

The battle in L.A. between the Rams and Seahawks will be a good one with both offenses rolling in high gear in recent weeks. The Rams hung 42 points on the San Francisco 49ers in last week's win and QB Matthew Stafford has 25 touchdown passes and just two interceptions this season. Seattle scored 82 points in the last two games, but will face much stiffer opposition with the Rams defense looming. The same is true of Stafford and the Rams going up against the 'Hawks defense, which is allowing 20 points per game this year. This game will likely come down to the last possession and the call here is the Rams at home coming away with the win in this first meeting between these two teams. 

The Buffalo Bills should bounce back (at home) and knock off the Buccaneers, who looked lost at times last week on offense against the New England Patriots defense in a loss. The Bills got rolled in Miami by a weak Dolphins team with QB Josh Allen committing two turnovers in the loss. As long as they take care of the football, the Bills will get the win. 

The Detroit Lions will have a tough time against a good Philadelphia defense, even with Head Coach Dan Campbell now calling the offensive plays. On the other side, the Eagles offense has been lackluster and inconsistent all season long. They must establish the run this week if they want to have success, so look for that to happen and another win for the Eagles as a result. But the Lions will not just roll over, even if they have been up and down in their nine games. 

The rest of the NFL action for Week Eleven is featured in the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up.  

N.Y. Jets (2-7) at New England (8-2) - The Patriots are looking to make it eight straight wins on Thursday night and should get it done, but the Jets will battle them. 

Washington (3-7) vs. Miami (3-7) - (game being played in Madrid, Spain) - This game could go either way, but the Dolphins are the less banged up team, so go with them in this meaningless game.  

Carolina (5-5) at Atlanta (3-6) - The Falcons need a win and will also be looking to avenge their worst loss this season, which came against the Panthers two months ago.

Houston (4-5) at Tennessee (1-8) - Can the Titans pull off the upset win at home? It's possible, but the Texans defense will likely make the difference in this one. 

Chicago (6-3) at Minnesota (4-5) - The Vikings already beat the Bears this season and their backs are to the wall. The Bears have been rolling with four wins in their last five games, so expect a tight one that could go into overtime. 

Green Bay (5-3-1) at N.Y. Giants (2-8) - The Giants just fired Head Coach Brian Daboll and will be going with Jameis Winston starting at quarterback if Jaxson Dart (concussion) cannot play. The Packers are reeling after losing their last two games (at home) while scoring just 20 combined points in those two games. 

Cincinnati (3-6) at Pittsburgh (5-4) - Can the Steelers right their ship in this home game? They better because all of sudden they have the Baltimore Ravens breathing down their necks in the AFC North race. 

L.A. Chargers (7-3) at Jacksonville (5-4) - They say things happen in threes . . . The Chargers have so far traveled twice across the country for early time starts and won. The Jaguars will look to snap out of it as they have dropped three of their last four games. 

Baltimore (4-5) at Cleveland (2-7) - The Ravens have won three straight games and should continue to roll on in this one. 

San Francisco (6-4) at Arizona (3-6) - The Cardinals are a mess and the 49ers need to win to keep pace with the Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West battle. 

Dallas (3-5-1) at Las Vegas (2-7) - Once upon a time, this matchup would have been a dream game to see on Monday Night Football . . . not so much these days. 

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

New England over N.Y. Jets 

Miami over Washington (game being played in Madrid, Spain) 

Atlanta over Carolina 

Buffalo over Tampa Bay 

Houston over Tennessee 

Minnesota over Chicago 

Green Bay over N.Y. Giants 

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati 

L.A. Chargers over Jacksonville 

L.A. Rams over Seattle 

San Francisco over Arizona 

BALTIMORE over Cleveland 

Kansas City over Denver 

Philadelphia over Detroit 

Dallas over Las Vegas 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 95-53-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 9-1 

 

Well, What Now?

Now that the U.S. Government shutdown is over and U.S. House Representative Adelita Grejalva (Democratic member from Arizona) has FINALLY been sworn in, what is next for the Epstein Files?

Current President Donald J. Trump is known to be in those files about the sex trafficking ring that put many underage girls at risk several years ago due to the actions of the late Jeffrey Epstein and imprisoned child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. In fact, he campaigned in part on those files being released, but U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi abruptly switched gears in that whole matter several months ago. 

However, newly sworn-in U.S. House member Grijalva immediately signed onto the release of the Epstein files, which will be voted on as early as next week, according to embattled U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a republican from Louisiana. Here is hoping that situation gets resolved and justice finally prevails. No child should have to endure what happened to those victims by the deviant sexual predators that sexually abused and perhaps assaulted them in unspeakable acts. 

So the question is . . . what now? 

This must be vindicated and those evildoers who raped and assaulted those young girls need to be held accountable. In fact, Great Britain already got ahead of the situation by stripping (former) Prince Andrew as King Charles III formally stripped him of his royal titles recently, including the title of "Prince," following years of scandal related to his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. How many "movers and shakers" are named in those files? 

This shit runs worldwide and it could be quite sometime before the truth finally comes out because of the cover up for so many high money donors and political figures. Keep in mind too, that Trump could also still pardon Maxwell, which would throw a monkey wrench into the works, but justice will prevail in good time. 

Full speed ahead and let's go regarding this whole thing.  

The women (including the late Virginia Giuffre, who committed suicide) deserve restitution for what happened to them at the hands of these creatures. 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Ten Recap

The Patriots continued to roll in Tampa Bay. 

The New England Patriots (8-2) proved they are for real by going on the road and beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 28-23 for their seventh straight win to increase their lead in the AFC East division. Quarterback Drake Maye threw a pair of touchdown passes and running back TreVeyon Henderson rushed for two scores (55 and 69 yards) and had 147 yards on 14 carries to lead the winning effort. The Bucs (6-3) got three TD passes from Baker Mayfield in the losing effort. 

 

 

The surprise of the day happened in Miami as the Dolphins (3-7) beat down the Buffalo Bills, 30-13 as running back De'Von Achane scored on long runs of 59 and 35 yards while gaining 174 yards on 22 carries. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa had two TD passes along with two interceptions in the win. Buffalo dropped to 6-3 with the setback as QB Josh Allen threw for two scores along with 306 passing yards and one interception and also lost a fumble as the Bills turned the football over three times.

The Chicago Bears (6-3) pulled out another late game victory as they topped the visiting New York Giants, 24-20 in blustery Soldier Field as QB Caleb Williams threw a TD pass and then ran for the go ahead score from 17 yards away with 1:47 remaining in the game. The Giants (2-8) went ahead by a 20-10 count as QB Jaxson Dart scored two rushing touchdowns before leaving the game with a concussion in the second half. A key part of the game happened in the third quarter before Dart left the game and the Giants leading 17-7 as the Bears recovered a fumble by Dart to stop the Giants drive at the Chicago 16-yard line and begin their comeback effort. The Giants fired Head Coach Brian Daboll following the game. 

The Seattle Seahawks (7-2) continued to roll on as they pasted the Arizona Cardinals, 44-22 for the home victory. Seahawks defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence returned two fumbles for touchdowns while QB Sam Darnold had a TD pass and running backs George Holani and Zach Charbonnet each had scoring runs. The Cardinals (3-6) fell behind 35-0 in the second quarter and QB Jacoby Brissett was sacked five times while throwing for two scores in the loss. 

The Detroit Lions (6-3) dismantled the host Washington Commanders, 44-22 as QB Jared Goff (320 passing yards) threw for three touchdowns and RB Jahmyr Gibbs scored three times (two rushing, one receiving) and rushed for 142 yards on 15 carries while the Lions piled up 546 yards in offense, including 226 rushing yards. The Commanders (3-7) were without starting QB Jayden Daniels (elbow injury) and were never in this one as backup QB Marcus Mariota had two scoring passes in the blowout loss. 

The Baltimore Ravens (4-5) made it three wins on a row with a 27-19 triumph at Minnesota with QB Lamar Jackson throwing for a touchdown while RB Justice Hill had a scoring run and kicker Tyler Loop made four field goals to lead the way. The Vikings (4-5) had three turnovers in the loss as QB J.J. McCarthy was intercepted twice and had one scoring pass. 

In San Francisco, the Los Angeles Rams dominated the 49ers in a 42-26 win and improved to 7-2 with QB Matthew Stafford passing for 260 yards and four touchdowns. Rams RB Kyren Williams had a pair of rushing touchdowns to bolster the offense, which gained 401 yards. The 49ers (6-4) got three TD passes from QB Mac Jones (319 passing yards on 33-of-39 with one interception) and pulled to within 21-14 in the third quarter before the Rams took over. 

The Sunday night game saw the Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) defeat the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 25-10 with QB Justin Herbert throwing for a touchdown and 220 passing yards while RB Kimani Vidal scored on a two-yard run. Meanwhile, the Chargers defense recorded thee sacks, including one for a safety and forced three turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The Steelers (5-4) dropped their third game in the last four as QB Aaron Rodgers threw for 161 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss. 

 

The game in Berlin, Germany went to the Indianapolis Colts, 31-25 in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons, who dropped their fourth consecutive game to fall to 3-6 this season. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (pictured right) rushed for 244 yards (32 carries) and scored three rushing touchdowns, including the game winner from eight yards out and also an 83-yard romp. The Colts (8-2) tied the game at 25-25 when Mike Badgley made a 44-yard field goal with 25 seconds left in regulation. Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier had two rushing scores in the loss. 

How about the big fourth quarter comeback for the Houston Texans as they beat the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, 36-29 by scoring 26 unanswered points in the final 15 minutes of the game to improve to 4-5 this season. The icing on the cake was defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins scoring on a 32-yard fumble return as time ran out. The Jaguars (5-4) went up 17-0 when Parker Washington hauled in a seven-yard scoring pass from Trevor Lawrence followed by a 73-yard punt return for another score. Texans QB Davis Mills (292 passing yards, two TD, one INT) had two scoring passes and also a rushing touchdown to lead the big fourth quarter comeback. The Texans defense had five sacks and got two turnovers while limiting Jacksonville to just 213 yards in total offense. 

The New York Jets improved their record to 2-7 with a 27-20 win against the visiting Cleveland Browns, which was aided by two kick returns for touchdowns (99-yard kickoff return by Kene Nwangwu and 74-yard punt return by Isaiah Williams) and a 42-yard scoring pass from Justin Fields to Breece Hall. The Browns (2-7) scored twice on passes from Dillon Gabriel, who also was sacked six times in defeat. Will McDonald IV had four of the Jets six sacks.

The New Orleans Saints (2-8) smacked the host Carolina Panthers, 17-7 behind two TD passes by rookie QB Tyler Shough, who had 282 passing yards. The Saints defense limited the Panthers (5-5) to only 175 yards in offense as Carolina RB Rico Dowdle scored their only touchdown in the first quarter on a five-yard run.

On Thursday night in Denver, the Broncos (8-2) won a 10-7 snooze fest against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) as Bo Nix threw a seven-yard scoring pass to Troy Franklin and Will Lutz made a 32-yard field goal in the third quarter to help the Broncos win their seventh consecutive game. Running back Ashton Jeanty scored on a four-yard run in the first quarter, but that was it for the Raiders as they only had 188 yards in offense in this game. 

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers, 10-7 on Monday Night Football in Lambeau Field to improve to 7-2 this season. Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made a 39-yard field goal in the third quarter to break a 0-0 deadlock. Early in the fourth quarter, Philly QB Jalen Hurts threw a 36-yard TD pass to WR DeVonta Smith for a 10-0 lead. The Packers (5-3-1) answered back with a six-yard scoring run by Josh Jacobs with 5:49 left to play. The last gasp for the Packers failed as kicker Brandon McManus missed on a 64-yard field goal attempt as time expired. 

 

WEEK TEN RESULTS 

Denver 10, Las Vegas 7

Indianapolis 31, Atlanta 25 (OT)  

New Orleans 17, Carolina 7 

Miami 30, Buffalo 13 

Houston 36, Jacksonville 29 

N.Y. Jets 27, Cleveland 20 

Chicago 24, N.Y. Giants 20 

New England 28, Tampa Bay 23

Baltimore 27, Minnesota 19 

Seattle 44, Arizona 22 

L.A. Rams 42, San Francisco 26

Detroit 44, Washington 22 

L.A. Chargers 25, Pittsburgh 10 

Philadelphia 10, Green Bay 7  

NFL - Week Ten Preview

The calendar is now in November and the NFL season is in Week Ten as the contenders are separating from the pretenders around the league. This weekend will see two of the top teams from each conference go at it as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) host the New England Patriots, who are 7-2 and have won six games in a row. Pats quarterback Drake Maye has been a pleasant surprise so far and if the Buccaneers don't get pressure on him, he can carve up their secondary. The Buccaneers lead the NFC South division and are coming off their bye week and QB Baker Mayfield has been solid through the first eight games. 

In San Francisco on Sunday, the 49ers (6-3) will take on the Los Angeles Rams (6-2), who right now share the NFC West lead with the Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco has been getting it done in spite of so many injuries, including going with backup QB Mac Jones in place of injured starter Brock Purdy. Both teams have solid defenses and the big factor in this game will be whether Rams QB Matthew Stafford (2,147 passing yards with 21 touchdowns and only two interceptions) can continue to lead the offense on a torrid pace. 

The Sunday night game will have the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) taking on the Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) in a road tilt. The Steelers defense finally had a big game last week as they thrashed the Indianapolis Colts, getting five quarterback sacks and forcing six turnovers. The Chargers have been banged up all season long and will be without All-Pro (left) tackle Joe Alt (ankle surgery) for the remainder of the season. The key to this game will be protecting the football and whether the Chargers defense will get after Pittsburgh QB Aaron Rodgers. 

The biggest game (on paper) for Week Ten is the Monday night game in Green Bay between the Packers (5-2-1) and the Philadelphia Eagles (6-2). The Packers were shocked at home last week by the Carolina Panthers as they managed just 13 points. The Eagles cruised past the New York Giants two weeks ago and are coming off their bye. The Packers defense needs to contain the Eagles O-line and if they do, they will have success. The Eagles will look to get after Packers QB Jordan Love and force mistakes. This game should be close and the call here is the Eagles will soar yet again. 

The rest of the NFL action for Week Ten is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks will follow up. 

Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) at Denver Broncos (7-2) - The Broncos shouldn't have to pull off another fourth quarter comeback in this Thursday night home game. 

Atlanta Falcons (3-5) at Indianapolis Colts (7-2) - Both of these teams traveled to Berlin, Germany to play this game. Take the Colts. 

New York Giants (2-7) at Chicago Bears (5-3) - Possible wintry conditions could be a factor in this game in Chicago. The Bears should get the win against a team that has too many injuries on offense. 

Buffalo Bills (6-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-7) - The Bills are coming into this one after a big win against the Chiefs. The Dolphins have been a mess all season long. Take the Bills. 

Baltimore Ravens (3-5) at Minnesota Vikings (4-4) - The Ravens seem to be back on track with players getting healthy, especially QB Lamar Jackson. The Vikings beat the Detroit Lions on the road last week with a healthy (QB) J.J. McCarthy back on the field. Toss up in this game. 

Cleveland Browns (2-6) at New York Jets (1-7) - Who cares?

New Orleans Saints (1-8) at Carolina Panthers (5-4) - Panthers better be ready in this one. The Saints have lost four in a row and their pattern so far this season says they should get the win this week. 

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) at Houston Texans (3-5) - The Texans will be without starting QB C.J. Stroud for this game, so it will be up to their defense to keep it close. The Jaguars finally got off the schnide last week, but barely, against the lowly Las Vegas Raiders. Toss up here. 

Arizona Cardinals (3-5) at Seattle Seahawks (6-2) - The Cardinals have been playing better with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. The Seahawks just added a big time wide receiver (Rashid Shaheed) to their offense at the trade deadline. Take the Seahawks in what should be a high scoring game. 

Detroit Lions (5-3) at Washington Commanders (3-6) - The Lions will look to rebound after a disappointing loss to Minnesota last week. The Commanders will be without starting QB Jayden Daniels (elbow injury) for perhaps the rest of the season. 

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

DENVER over Las Vegas 

Indianapolis over Atlanta (Game being played in Berlin, Germany) 

Chicago over N.Y. Giants 

Buffalo over Miami 

Minnesota over Baltimore 

Cleveland over N.Y. Jets 

Tampa Bay over New England 

New Orleans over Carolina

Jacksonville over Houston 

Seattle over Arizona 

L.A. Rams over San Francisco 

Detroit over Washington 

L.A. Chargers over Pittsburgh 

Philadelphia over Green Bay  

  

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 86-48-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 8-1