RIP Mike Ditka

Chicago Bears and NFL legend Mike Ditka passed away today at the age of 86 . . . Ditka was Chicago. 

Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame in 1988 and he had a lengthy playing career as a tight end with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys before becoming an assistant coach with Dallas and eventually the Chicago Bears, where he was the Head Coach from 1982 through 1992 seasons and the 1985 Bears won the Super Bowl, crushing the New England Patriots, 46-10. 

Ditka won an NFL championship as a player with the Chicago Bears in 1963, defeating the New York Giants, 14-10 under legendary Head Coach George Halas. He later won a Super Bowl as player with Dallas following the 1971 season and he also had a touchdown reception in that game. He also won another Super Bowl ring with the Cowboys in 1977 as an assistant coach before the crown jewel with Da Bears . . . the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears. 

Rest in Peace Coach. 

  

NFL - Week Five Preview

Week Five is here already as the NFL season continues and the divisional races are starting to take shape. There has been some surprises and disappointments in the first four weeks, but also some expectations throughout the league with the four games played and this week two teams (Carolina Panthers and the Kansas City Chiefs) will have the bye week. 

The action gets started on Thursday night in Dallas where the Cowboys (2-2) should dismantle the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) in that one. On Sunday in London, England, the Jacksonville Jaguars play the first of two consecutive "home" games when they face the Philadelphia Eagles (2-2), who have lost two in a row and looked clueless with their passing game last week, gaining just 93 yards in the area while blowing a double digit lead and losing at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The Jaguars are 3-1 and smacked the Cincinnati Bengals last week for a road win and they border on cockiness with their approach each week. 

The Las Vegas Raiders are 3-1 and they take their show on the road against the New England Patriots (2-2), who surprised the Buffalo Bills last week with a 29-26 road victory that saw quarterback Drake Maye snap out of it with three touchdown passes. The Raiders lost at home, 30-27 against Kansas City, but they are one of the surprise teams so far this season with the good start they have had. 

Four other games that should be very competitive include the Chicago Bears (3-1) traveling north to face the Green Bay Packers (2-2) in what is the NFL's oldest rivalry. The Bears will again start Tyson Bagent at quarterback in place of injured starter Caleb Williams, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered three weeks ago. Green Bay did just enough for a road win last week against Tampa Bay, so they need to get the offense going in this one if they want to win. 

Also on tap on Sunday afternoon will be the Seattle Seahawks (3-1) hosting the unbeaten San Francisco 49ers (4-0) in an NFC West battle for first place. The 'Hawks offense scored 30-plus points for the third straight game last week while the 49ers won a game at home against the Denver Broncos, 24-14 with QB Brock Purdy and company continuing their winning ways. Purdy hasn't been sacked yet this season, but the Seattle defense will look to change that in what should be a game that goes down to the final minutes to decide.

On Sunday night, the surging Atlanta Falcons (2-2) host the Baltimore Ravens (3-1) in the battle of the birds and the Ravens will likely be without starting QB Lamar Jackson, who suffered an injury to his left ankle last week in a home win against the Tennessee Titans. The Falcons blew out the host New Orleans Saints, 45-24 on Monday night and will look to make it three wins in a row with Michael Penix, Jr. playing quarterback. This one could get ugly if the Falcons are able to pound the football with running back Bijan Robinson doing his thing against the Baltimore defense. 

On Monday Night Football in Los Angeles, the Rams (2-2) face the Buffalo Bills (3-1) in what could be a shootout type of game. Rams QB Matthew Stafford didn't have a touchdown pass in the win last week in Philadelphia, but the Rams can light it up with their passing attack. Meanwhile, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has to get over the turnovers that plagued his team last week in the loss to New England and the Bills just need to play their game as they did the first three weeks with mistake free football and consistency with a balanced offense. If the Bills can get back to running the football with James Cook while Allen and his wide receiving corps do their part, they can win this game. 

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

Cincinnati (2-2) at Miami (0-4) - The Bengals are banged up on offense and Miami did battle the Vikings in their road loss last week. This one could be a surprise. 

Minnesota (4-0) at New Orleans (1-3) - Can the Saints bounce back after laying a huge egg last week on national TV? The Vikings are unbeaten, but they don't look like a dominant type of team so far this season.  

Cleveland (3-1) at N.Y. Jets (1-3) - Two good defensive teams go at it in this one. The Browns have definitely been a surprise team so far. The Jets need a win in the worst way. 

Indianapolis (2-2) at Pittsburgh (2-2) - Two teams that have been hard to read this season battle it out. Toss up call for this game. 

Houston (0-4) at Tennessee (0-4) - Two winless teams from the AFC South battle in the "stinker" game of the week. 

N.Y. Giants (3-1) at Washington (1-3) - The host Commanders definitely need a win in this game. The Giants have been doing just enough to get by in the three wins they have. Another toss up game here. 

Denver (2-2) at L.A. Chargers (0-4) - This game will go down to the wire . . . will the Chargers fall to an 0-5 record this season? 

Detroit (2-2) at Arizona (1-3) - The Cardinals defense has been getting lit up since their opening game win and the Lions defense allows over 30 points per game. The Red Birds could win this one at home. 

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

DALLAS over Tampa Bay 

Jacksonville over Philadelphia (game played in London, England) 

Cincinnati over Miami 

New Orleans over Minnesota  

New England over Las Vegas 

N.Y. Jets over Cleveland 

Pittsburgh over Indianapolis 

Houston over Tennessee 

Washington over N.Y. Giants 

L.A. Chargers over Denver 

Arizona over Detroit 

Chicago over Green Bay 

Seattle over San Francisco 

Atlanta over Baltimore 

L.A. Rams over Buffalo 

 
Last Week's Record - 11-5 

SEASON RECORD - 41-23 

Lock of the Week Record - 3-1  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Four Recap

Patriots QB Drake Maye and Bills QB Josh Allen meet up after the game. 

The New England Patriots (2-2) kept the AFC East race competitive as they went into Buffalo and beat the Bills, 29-26 thanks to a late scoring pass of 23 yards to wide receiver Efton Chism III yards from quarterback Drake Maye (269 passing yards, three TD, one interception) with 1:50 remaining in the fourth quarter. Buffalo QB Josh Allen (253 passing yards, one TD, one INT) had a TD pass and also a scoring run and running back James Cook scored a touchdown as the Bills suffered their first loss this year and fell to 3-1 and saw their division lead drop to one game instead of three full games. 

In Las Vegas, the Kansas City Chiefs won in the battle of the unbeaten teams as they knocked off the Raiders, 30-27. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes threw two scoring passes to Tyquan Thornton, but the key in the win was late in the fourth quarter after the Chiefs (4-0) took a 23-19 lead when Kenneth Walker III (177 yards, two touchdowns) scored on a two-yard run and the Raiders (3-1) fumbled away the ensuing kickoff. From there, Kansas City quickly scored again when Walker scampered 22 yards for an 11-point lead with 3:02 left to play. The Raiders bounced back on a 20-yard TD pass from QB Kirk Cousins (365 passing yards, two TD, one INT) to tight end Brock Bowers with 1:46 left, but that wasn't enough to avoid defeat. 

In San Francisco, the 49ers won and improved to 4-0 as they topped the Denver Broncos, 24-14 behind two TD passes from QB Brock Purdy and a one-yard scoring run by RB Christian McCaffrey. The Broncos (2-2) lone touchdown in the loss came on a scoring pass by QB Bo Nix.  

The Minnesota Vikings stayed undefeated at 4-0 with a 15-10 win at home against the Miami Dolphins (0-4) as kicker Will Reichard connected on five goals and the defense limited the Dolphins offense to only 198 total yards. 

The Chicago Bears improved to 3-1 with a 23-12 win at home against the New York Jets as running back Kyle Monangai scored twice on the ground and rushed for 146 yards with the Bears piling up 492 total yards in offense, including 232 rushing yards. The Jets (1-3) had the football for only 17:15 in the game and only gained 157 total yards with QB Geno Smith throwing a 58-yard TD pass to Isaiah Williams. 

Baltimore (3-1) beat the visiting Tennessee Titans, 24-18 but lost quarterback Lamar Jackson to an ankle injury as he didn't return to the game in the second half after throwing for two touchdowns and 222 passing yards in the first half as the Ravens built a 24-7 lead. The Titans (0-4) got to within 24-18 with 1:32 left in the game when QB Cam Ward threw a three-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. 

The Seattle Seahawks (3-1) held off the visiting Los Angeles Chargers for a 30-23 win as the defense came up big by getting a strip sack and fumble recovery from linebacker Derick Hall with 54 seconds remaining to help drop the Chargers to 0-4 this season. Seahawks RB Emanuel Wilson had a rushing and receiving touchdown and QB Sam Darnold had two TD passes and one interception in the win. The Chargers had four turnovers, including two interceptions thrown and the fumble by QB Justin Herbert, who had one TD pass and was sacked four times.

Over in London, England, the Indianapolis Colts (2-2) blew out the Washington Commanders, 30-13 with RB Jonathan Taylor scoring two rushing touchdowns along with QB Daniel Jones adding a four-yard TD run. The Commanders (1-3) lost starting QB Marcus Mariota to a knee injury in the first half and backup Athan Kaliakmanis had 186 passing yards with one TD and one interception. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars improved to 3-1 with a 22-17 road victory at Cincinnati led by a TD pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who had 227 passing yards and a 25-yard scoring run by Chris Rodriguez. The Bengals (2-2) fell short as QB Joe Burrow (428 passing yards, one TD two INT) had a TD pass and run in defeat. 

Last Thursday night in Cleveland, the Browns (3-1) knocked off the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24 when kicker Andre Szmyt made a 56-yard field goal with ten seconds left in the game. Brown QB Deshaun Watson had a scoring pass and one interception along with 268 passing yards in the win while Quinshon Judkins and Jaleel McLaughlin had touchdown runs. The Steelers fell to 2-2 as QB Aaron Rodgers had 299 passing yards and three touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. 

The Los Angeles Rams (2-2) rallied back from a ten-point deficit to beat the host Philadelphia Eagles, 24-20 with two scoring runs by RB Kyren Williams in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley left the game with a hamstring injury as the Eagles (2-2) were shut out in the second half and only gained 172 yards in offense in the loss with QB Jalen Hurts throwing two TD passes, but he was limited to 93 passing yards. 

 

The Dallas Cowboys (2-2) beat the Houston Texans, 34-30 as QB Dak Prescott (335 passing yards) threw a 12-yard scoring pass to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (pictured right) with 40 seconds left to play. Lamb finished the game with 17 receptions for 189 yards and the game winning touchdown. The game was back and forth in the second half as Dallas scored 28 points to erase a 16-6 halftime deficit with running back Javonte Williams scoring three rushing touchdowns. The Texans dropped to 0-4 this season even with quarterback C.J. Stroud throwing for two scores along with 347 passing yards. 

The New York Giants (3-1) held on for a 36-24 win at home against the Arizona Cardinals (1-3) as defensive back Deonte Banks took back an interception 98 yards to end the game as the Cardinals were in a fourth-and goal situation with ten seconds left to play. Giants QB Jameis Winston had three TD passes and two interceptions and 250 passing yards to help lead the winning effort. Arizona lost their third straight game as QB Jacoby Brissett had a pair of scoring passes, but was intercepted three times. 

The Green Bay Packers (2-2) won in Tampa Bay, 17-14 to keep the Buccaneers (0-4) winless this season as QB Jordan Love (197 passing yards, two TD, one INT) tossed a two-yard scoring pass to tight end Tucker Kraft for a 17-7 lead early in the third quarter. The Bucs had rookie QB Jalon Daniels starting in place of injured Baker Mayfield (thumb) and he finished with 148 passing yards and one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss. 

The Sunday night game in Carolina saw the Panthers (2-2) beat the Detroit Lions, 32-26 as QB Bryce Young (320 passing yards, two TD) and running back Chuba Hubbard (122 rushing yards, two TD) led the way. Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan had 14 receptions for 192 yards and two touchdowns as well. The Lions (2-2) piled up  452 total yards, but had just 46 rushing yards in defeat and QB Jared Goff finished the game with 412 passing yards and one scoring pass. 

The Monday Night Football game in New Orleans belonged to the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) as they blasted the Saints, 45-24 behind three rushing touchdowns from running back Brian Robinson (14 carries for 62 yards) and two more from Bijan Robinson, who rushed for 145 yards on 19 carries and scored the first TD in the game on a 59 yard romp. The Falcons gained 420 yards in the game, including 205 yards on the ground. Atlanta QB Michael Penix, Jr. passed for 223 yards and one touchdown in the romp. Saints QB Tyler Shough had one TD pass and 286 passing yards in the loss, which dropped New Orleans to 1-3 this season. 

 

WEEK FOUR RESULTS 

Cleveland 27, Pittsburgh 24

Indianapolis 30, Washington 13  

Chicago 23, N.Y. Jets 12

New England 29, Buffalo 26 

Green Bay 17, Tampa Bay 14 

L.A. Rams 24, Philadelphia 20 

Jacksonville 22, Cincinnati 17

Baltimore 24, Tennessee 18 

N.Y. Giants 36, Arizona 24 

Dallas 34, Houston 30 

Minnesota 15, Miami 10

Seattle 30, L.A. Chargers 23 

San Francisco 24, Denver 14 

Kansas City 30, Las Vegas 27 

Carolina 32, Detroit 26

Atlanta 45, New Orleans 24  

 

NFL - Week Four Preview

Week Four around the NFL got started on Thursday night and the Cleveland Browns got a late 56-yard field goal to defeat the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-24 and continue their winning ways this season.  

Quite a few games that can be put into the "toss up" category this weekend as that one was include the Green Bay Packers (1-2) taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) in Florida. The Philadelphia Eagles (2-1), fresh off their Monday night beating they suffered in Chicago, host the Los Angeles Rams (1-2), who are off to a slow start. The Denver Broncos are 2-1 and travel to play the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) in what should be another tight game while the Jacksonville Jaguars  (2-1) face the Bengals (2-1) in Cincinnati. Another game that could be called a toss up is the battle in Texas on Sunday afternoon when the Houston Texans (0-3) host the Dallas Cowboys, who are 1-2 this season. Both teams are off to disappointing starts so far. 

Other games that look to be too close to call are the Indianapolis Colts (1-2) and Washington Commanders (1-2) playing over in London, England on Sunday morning and the Monday night game in New Orleans as the Saints (1-2) take on their NFC South division rival Atlanta Falcons (1-2) in what is being celebrated as the 20th anniversary "Rebirth" game when the Superdome was re-opened after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the roof of that venue in August of 2005. The Saints reopened the Superdome on Monday Night Football in 2006, and they scored their first touchdown in dramatic fashion as Steve Gleason, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011, blocked the Falcons punt and Curtis DeLoatch recovered it in the end zone. 

The rest of the games are featured in the capsule style previews and the byes for teams don't start until next week, so there are 16 games this week. Only five teams are still unbeaten and there are also five winless teams through the first three games. 

Tennessee (0-3) at Baltimore (2-1) - Take the Ravens. 

New England (1-2) at Buffalo (3-0) - With a win in this one, the Bills have a shot at creating some big time distance in the AFC East division. 

N.Y. Jets (1-2) at Chicago (2-1) - The Bears offense came back to life last week with third string quarterback Case Keenum in control. The Jets have been competitive so far this season, but will likely fall short in this game. 

Arizona (1-2) at N.Y. Giants (2-1) - Two teams that have been competitive go at it here . . . another toss up? 

Miami (0-3) at Minnesota (3-0) - This game looks to be a total mismatch on paper, but . . . on any given Sunday. Never mind - Vikings roll ! 

Kansas City (3-0) at Las Vegas (3-0) - The Chiefs and Raiders go at it in a battle of unbeaten teams. This game belongs in Oakland with that scenario. Take the Chiefs. 

L.A. Chargers (0-3) at Seattle (2-1) - What is wrong with the Chargers offense? The Seahawks boast a strong defense, but they were lit up for 33 points by Washington last week. Go figure. 

Detroit (2-1) at Carolina (1-2) - Sunday Night Football in Carolina for the first time in eleven years. Lions should win this one in what will be a high scoring game. 

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

Cleveland over Pittsburgh 

Indianapolis over Washington (game played in London, England) 

Baltimore over Tennessee 

Buffalo over New England 

Chicago over N.Y. Jets 

Cincinnati over Jacksonville 

Houston over Dallas 

N.Y. Giants over Arizona 

L.A. Rams over Philadelphia 

Green Bay over Tampa Bay 

MINNESOTA over Miami 

Kansas City over Las Vegas 

Seattle over L.A. Chargers 

San Francisco over Denver 

Detroit over Carolina 

New Orleans over Atlanta   

  

Last Week's Record - 8-8

SEASON RECORD - 30-18 

Lock of the Week Record - 2-1  

 

 

Major League Baseball - 2026 Postseason Preview & Predictions

The 2026 Major League Baseball playoffs begin today with the Wild Card rounds in both the American League and National League. And this MLB postseason could be more wide open than in recent years, even with the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers once again in the mix. 

The Dodgers won 100 games and are the number two seed in the senior circuit, behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who won a franchise record 103 games this year and are the favorites to win it all. In the American League, the two teams getting the bye will be the top seeded Tampa Bay Rays and also the Cleveland Guardians, who won the A.L. Central division by one game over the Chicago White Sox, the surprise team of the 2026 baseball season. Just two years ago, the White Sox set the record for worst ever single season record with 121 losses and now here they are in the post season after three consecutive 100-loss seasons. 

There are always surprises once the playoffs begin and just three years ago, two of the lowest ever seeded teams faced off in the 2023 World Series with the Texas Rangers beating the Arizona Diamondbacks. So, the bottom line is, when it comes to sports, especially baseball, the unexpected can and likely will happen in October. 

The New York Yankees will take on the Boston Red Sox in The Bronx and the Houston Astros, winners of the American League West division with an 81-81 record, will host the White Sox. The National League wild card series will feature the Chicago Cubs against the host San Diego Padres and the Atlanta Braves, winners of the N.L. East division, hosting the Philadelphia Phillies. 

There are many questions once again this year, including teams having injured players who may or may not play once the action gets started, but taking into account where things are right now with the 12 teams involved, Heftyinfo will attempt to figure it out and take a guess at what happens.  

Over the years, the picks here haven't always been accurate when it comes to October baseball and the eventual Fall Classic, but here it goes anyhow with picks for what could unfold in the next month. 

Play Ball !  

AMERICAN LEAGUE 

Wild Card Round - Chicago White Sox over Houston (2-1); Boston over New York Yankees (2-1)

ALDS - Tampa Bay over Boston (3-1); Cleveland over Chicago White Sox (3-1) 

ALCS - Cleveland over Tampa Bay (4-3) 

NATIONAL LEAGUE 

Wild Card Round - San Diego over Chicago Cubs (2-1); Philadelphia over Atlanta (2-1) 

NLDS - San Diego over Milwaukee (3-1); Los Angeles Dodgers over Philadelphia (3-1)

NLCS - San Diego over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-2)   

 

 

                                                                WORLD SERIES 

 

                                      San Diego Padres over Cleveland Guardians (in  six games)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Three Recap

Newsflash  . . . The Dallas Cowboys defense is still terrible. 

The Baltimore Ravens won in the most improbable way in Rio de Janeiro when Tyler Loop (number 33 pictured left)  kicked a 56-yard field goal as time expired for a 34-31 win over the Cowboys. The Ravens (2-1) were able to get set up for the game winner when quarterback Lamar Jackson (186 passing yards, two touchdowns) completed a 27-yard pass to Zay Flowers and called timeout with one second remaining. 

The Cowboys (1-2) settled for a  game tying 23-yard field goal by Brandon Aubrey with seven seconds left in regulation after having the ball with first-and-goal on the Ravens 2-yard line following a pass interference penalty against Baltimore with 20 seconds left. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott had 276 passing yards and one touchdown pass in defeat while Ravens running back Derrick Henry had two rushing touchdowns to help lead the winning effort. 

The Minnesota Vikings improved to 3-0 this season with a 23-16 road win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) as Myles Price took a punt back 86 yards for a touchdown and QB Kyler Murray threw his first scoring pass of the season with a 41-yard effort to wide receiver Jordan Addison for a 17-10 halftime lead. The Vikings defense picked off two passes and knocked Buccaneers starting QB Baker Mayfield (217 passing yards, one TD, one INT) out of the game with a dislocated thumb injury late in the fourth quarter. 

In New Orleans, the unbeaten Las Vegas Raiders scored 19 unanswered points in the second half and won, 35-27 over the Saints (1-2) as QB Kirk Cousins had three TD passes along with 248 passing yards while running back Mike Washington, Jr. had a 36-yard scoring run to lead the offense. Saints QB Tyler Shough had four scoring passes (and one interception) and 255 yards passing in the loss. 

Even with five turnovers (two interceptions, three lost fumbles) the Buffalo Bills also improved to 3-0 in this young season as they held on for a 24-16 home victory against the winless Los Angeles Chargers, who were limited to just two field goals after leading 10-0 after the first quarter. Bills QB Josh Allen scored two rushing touchdowns and RB James Cook had a three-yard TD run and 154 yards on 24 carries. Chargers QB Justin Herbert (226 passing yards) threw for one score and also one interception in defeat. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) blasted the visiting New England Patriots, 35-6 with QB Trevor Lawrence passing for three scores as the Jags used balanced offense (137 rushing yards, 178 passing) to build a 28-3 lead entering the fourth quarter. Patriots QB Drake Maye was intercepted twice and also lost a fumble as New England (1-2) had three turnovers in the loss. 

In a back and forth game in Pittsburgh, the Steelers (2-1) knocked the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) from the ranks of the undefeated teams with a 30-27 win. Pittsburgh QB Aaron Rodgers had three scoring passes and 292 passing yards while the defense recovered two fumbles to help offset three touchdown passes from Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who passed for 282 yards in defeat. Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made three field goals, including the game winner from 33 yards with 2:15 remaining in the game. 

The Cleveland Browns made it unanimous in the AFC North division as every team is now 2-1 this season as they bested the visiting Carolina Panthers, 21-18. Browns QB Deshaun Watson threw his second TD pass in the game to tight end Harold Fannin, Jr. (from 14 yards) with 1:48 left to play. The Panthers managed four field goals and a TD pass from quarterback Bryce Young, who had 291 passing yards and one interceptions as well in the losing effort, which dropped the Panthers to 1-2 for the season. 

 

Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White celebrates a touchdown. 

How about the host Washington Commanders (1-2), playing without starting QB Jayden Daniels (elbow injury) knocking off the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, 33-31 behind three TD passes from QB Marcus Mariota and a 50-yard  "pick six" interception touchdown by linebacker Kain Medrano? Seattle (2-1) out gained the Commanders by 437-258 in total yards and QB Sam Darnold had four TD passes and two interceptions with 379 passing yards, but the Seahawks fell short in this one. 

The New York Giants improved to 2-1 this season with a 12-7 home win in a rain storm against the winless Tennessee Titans as kicker Dominic Zvada made four field goals for a 12-0 lead before Titans QB Cam Ward threw a four-yard scoring pass to Wan'Dale Robinson late in the fourth quarter. 

In Detroit, the Lions (2-1) won a nail biter against the New York Jets, 31-24 with running back Jahmyr Gibbs (20 carries for 99 yards) scoring three times, including a receiving touchdown to lead the way. Lions QB Jared Goff had two TD passes along with 269 passing yards and the Lions defense had five sacks and a fumble recovery. Jets QB Geno Smith passed for 321 yards and three touchdowns in the loss, which dropped the Jets to 1-2 this season.

The Kansas City Chiefs are 3-0 as they won, 24-10 over the host Miami Dolphins (0-3) with QB Patrick Mahomes (246 passing yards) throwing for two scores, including an 11-yard effort to tight end Travis Kelce to seal the game. Kansas City running back Kenneth Walker III had a rushing and receiving touchdown as well. Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon had a rushing touchdown in the loss and starting running back De'Von Achane left the game with a knee injury and it was reported he will be out for the rest of the season. 

Last Thursday night in Green Bay, the Packers (1-2) were throttled by the Atlanta Falcons in a 35-14 defeat as the Falcons (1-2) piled up 498 total yards, including 194 rushing yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns by RB Bijan Robinson. Falcons QB Michael Penix, Jr. had 256 passing yards and one TD pass and one interception as well. Green Bay took an early 7-0 lead when QB Jordan Love (312 passing yards, two TD, one INT) connected with WR Christian Watson on a four-yard scoring pass. After that, it was all Falcons and their defense limited the Packers to just 17 rushing yards in the game. 

The San Francisco 49ers (3-0) topped the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 36-30 with QB Brock Purdy throwing four touchdown passes along with 297 passing yards in the win. The Cardinals (1-2) fell behind 23-6 in the third quarter before QB Jacoby Brissett (280 passing yards) threw for two scores and ran for another to make it close. Big plays were the difference as the 49ers used an 80-yard TD on a lateral play to Deebo Samuel and two scoring passes to tight end George Kittle to hold off the Cardinals, who had the ball for nearly 39 minutes in the loss. 

The Indianapolis Colts (1-2) won at home, 19-17 against the Houston Texans, who dropped to 0-3 for the second straight year. The Texans defense forced three turnovers (one interception, two fumbles) but the offense gained only 223 yards as quarterback C.J. Stroud had a scoring pass and Woody Marks had a touchdown run. Colts kicker Spencer Shrader made four field goals, including a 53-yard kick with 16 seconds left to win it. 

The Sunday night game in Denver saw the Broncos win, 30-26 as QB Bo Nix (186 passing yards, two TD, one INT) scored on a one-yard run  following a penalty called against the Los Angeles Rams defense in the end zone on third down to set up first-and-goal in the final minute of the game. Nonetheless, Denver overcame a 16-0 halftime deficit to improve to 2-1 this season. The Rams (1-2) had taken a 26-23 lead when QB Matthew Stafford (390 passing yards with two TD and two interceptions) threw a 48-yard scoring pass to Konata Mumpfield with 3:38 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

Earlier in the final quarter, Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga (two interceptions) took his first interception back 66 yards for a touchdown that gave Denver a 23-19 lead with 4:49 left in the game. This one was back and forth in the second half with Denver tying the game at 16-16 with two scoring passes and two successful two-point conversions in the third quarter. The Rams totaled 482 yards to just 257 for the Broncos, but the two turnovers and four sacks by the Denver defense helped provide the final outcome. 

The Chicago Bears (2-1) dominated the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, 27-7 on Monday Night Football with veteran backup QB Case Keenum turning back the hands of time leading the offense with two touchdown passes and 247 passing yards and he also scored on a one-yard touchdown plunge midway through the final quarter to ice the game. The Eagles (2-1) had closed to within 10-7 at halftime when QB Jalen Hurts scored on a one-yard run as time ran out, but the second half was all Bears in this game. 

 

 WEEK THREE RESULTS 

Atlanta 35, Green Bay 14  

Jacksonville 35, New England 6 

N.Y. Giants 12, Tennessee 7 

Kansas City 24, Miami 10 

Detroit 31, N.Y. Jets 24 

Buffalo 24, L.A. Chargers 16 

Cleveland 21, Carolina 18  

Indianapolis 19, Houston 17 

Washington 33, Seattle 31

Pittsburgh 30, Cincinnati 27

Minnesota 23, Tampa Bay 16

San Francisco 36, Arizona 30 

Las Vegas 35, New Orleans 27

Baltimore 34, Dallas 31

Denver 30, L.A. Rams 26  

Chicago 27, Philadelphia 7  

 

NFL - Week Three Preview

 

 

When it comes to the NFL, expect the unexpected.

That seems to be the case every season and could very well hold true as this season goes along. This weekend could prove that as there are some games that feature very desperate teams going against what looks to be a prohibitive favorite. 

The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-2 and face the unbeaten Buffalo Bills on the road. The Bills have looked like world beaters so far with quarterback Josh Allen scoring at will it seems with 582 passing yards and five touchdowns and no interceptions. He also has scored four rushing touchdowns in the first two games. The Chargers have looked listless in their two home losses to Arizona and the Las Vegas Raiders, committing numerous turnovers and averaging only 14 points per game. 

That sounds like a genuine recipe for a Buffalo Bills rout this Sunday afternoon. However, the way teams play these days in pro sports, in particular the NFL, anything is possible. The longer the underdog hangs around in the game, the better their chances are to win. The Bills should win this one, but it could be much closer than people would think. 

Some other games of interest include the Dallas Cowboys taking on the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday. Dallas bested the Washington Commanders last Sunday while the Ravens blew a 14-3 lead and lost at home to the upstart New Orleans Saints. Once again, a team (Saints) that was allowed to hang around eventually won the game. This one should be a battle for sure as Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and company want to atone for the embarrassment they suffered last week. The Cowboys defense hasn't lived up to the off-season hype with the new faces in place, so this one could be a higher scoring game. 

On Sunday night in Denver, the Broncos face the Los Angeles Rams in what should be another exciting game. The Rams crushed the New York Giants on Monday Night Football with QB Matthew Stafford throwing four touchdown passes while the Broncos woke up and beat the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars with the defense limiting the highly powered Jags offense in check in the second half. Look for a defensive struggle here as both teams have solid defenses. This game will most likely go down to the final minutes. 

Another game featuring two desperate teams will be played in Indianapolis between the Colts and Houston Texans and both teams are off to 0-2 starts this season. The loser of this game will be staring at longer odds of making the AFC playoffs, but at least they're not too far gone as they play in the AFC South, which features three 0-2 teams and Jacksonville (1-1) in first place. Once again, anything is possible in this one.  

Another interesting game looks to be in Pittsburgh where the Steelers (1-1) take on the unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals and their new look defense that has been beating up on the opposition. Cincinnati has allowed just 33 points through two games while scoring 53 points with Joe Burrow and the offense doing their part so far. The defense dominated against the Houston Texans last week in a 20-6 road win and could do the same in this one against a Steelers team that was manhandled by the New England Patriots last Sunday in a 20-3 defeat.

 Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers is really looking his age (42 years old) in the early part of the season and if the offensive line doesn't give him protection against a rugged Bengals defense, this one could get ugly. This is an AFC North tilt, so these teams do know each other well and that could make for a close game. The Bengals rate the edge, but if Pittsburgh's defense can rattle Burrow with pressure, they could win this one. 

The Monday night game in Chicago should be a good game as well with the 2-0 Philadelphia Eagles looking to topple the Bears (1-1) who could be starting Case Keenum, their third string quarterback in this game due to injuries to Caleb Williams (hamstring) and Tyson Bagent (concussion). Philadelphia survived in Tennessee last Sunday for a 24-20 win while the Bears lost, 9-3 in a rain storm against Minnesota with Williams going down with the hamstring injury late in the game. 

Philly will be looking to exact some revenge from the beating the Bears gave them last season the day after Thanksgiving in an easy road win that helped pave the way for the Bears to eventually make the playoffs. This game is definitely in the toss up category. 

The rest of the NFL action for Week Three is presented in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks for all the games follows. 

Atlanta (0-2) at Green Bay (1-1) - The Thursday night game in Lambeau Field. Packers rate the edge here as Falcons QB Michael Penix, Jr. makes his first start this season. 

Carolina (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1) - Two teams coming off impressive wins go at it in this game. Can the Panthers defense stymie Deshaun Watson and the Browns? Will the Browns defense be able to contain Panthers QB Bryce Young? Stay tuned this Sunday. 

N.Y. Jets (1-1) at Detroit (1-1) - The Lions will look to get back in the win column against a Jets team that let one slip away late against Green Bay last week. 

New England (1-1) at Jacksonville (1-1) - The Jaguars bounce back at home for a win in this one, but the Patriots will not be an easy opponent. 

Kansas City (2-0) at Miami (0-2) - The Chiefs have been rolling so far this season with QB Patrick Mahomes looking good. The Dolphins are huge underdogs at home in this one. 

Tennessee (0-2) at N.Y. Giants (1-1) - The Giants lost starting QB Jaxson Dart for the season (knee injury) and face a Titans team that took the Philadelphia Eagles to the wire last week. Beware! 

Seattle (2-0) at Washington (0-2) - The host Commanders will be without starting QB Jayden Daniels (elbow injury) and face a rugged Seattle defense. Take the Seahawks, but the game will be closer than one might think. 

Arizona (1-1) at San Francisco (2-0) - The 49ers have looked impressive so far, but the Cardinals are a divisional foe and this one could be a tight one. 

Minnesota (2-0) at Tampa Bay (0-2) - The Buccaneers need a win in the worst way, but the Vikings defense is legitimate and will look to keep things rolling in this road contest. 

Las Vegas (2-0) at New Orleans (1-1) - The Saints should burst the Raiders bubble in The Big Easy this Sunday. 

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

Green Bay over Atlanta 

Buffalo over L.A. Chargers 

Cleveland over Carolina 

Detroit over N.Y. Jets 

Houston over Indianapolis 

Jacksonville over New England 

KANSAS CITY over Miami 

N.Y. Giants over Tennessee 

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati 

Seattle over Washington 

San Francisco over Arizona 

Tampa Bay over Minnesota 

Dallas over Baltimore  (game played in Rio de Janeiro) 

New Orleans over Las Vegas 

L.A. Rams over Denver 

Philadelphia over Chicago 

Last Week's Record - 10-6 

SEASON RECORD - 22-10 

Lock of the Week Record - 1-1