NFL - Week Six Preview

The Thursday night game between the Seattle Seahawks (3-2) and Denver Broncos (3-2) in the Mile High City will be an interesting game to watch. Both teams are similar in that they have solid defenses and offenses that run hot and cold. This was the projected matchup a lot of people thought would be the Super Bowl LX game last February, but it didn't happen because Denver lost at home in the AFC Championship while the Seahawks won the NFC title and then destroyed the New England Patriots in that Super Bowl game. 

The Broncos beat the winless Los Angeles Chargers, 23-17 last weekend while the Seahawks lost at home, 32-29 against undefeated San Francisco. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has to get the turnovers under control in this one or else the host Broncos will come away with the victory. Denver will be without defensive stalwart Talanoa Hufanga at safety because of a severe ankle injury that could keep him out of action for three weeks. Broncos QB Bo Nix has been adequate through five games, but the Broncos would like to see him get it going with his wide receivers as Denver has averaged just 19.4 points per game and only 188 passing yards per game. The Seattle defense will present a tough challenge to improve on those numbers. 

This Sunday will see another game over in London, England as the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) face the Houston Texans, who at 1-4 won their first game last week, defeating the winless Tennessee Titans. Avoiding turnovers will be crucial and the Jags and Texans know each other well as AFC South divisional foes, so this game should be a tight one.   

The Chicago Bears (3-2) travel to play the Atlanta Falcons (2-3) and might have quarterback Caleb Williams back for this one. Williams has been out for three games with a hamstring injury and the team really struggled last week against Green Bay, losing the road game 31-7 against the Packers while committing five turnovers. The Falcons lost in overtime at home last Sunday night to the Baltimore Ravens, who gashed their defense for 208 rushing yards in that 30-23 win. The Bears strength has been running the football, so they will look to pound the ball against Atlanta. This game will likely be a close one and the Bears defense will be challenged by Falcons QB Michael Penix, Jr. and company. 

Dallas and Green Bay will do battle in Lambeau Field on Sunday night and this year will look to not finish in a tie game like they did a year ago in a 40-40 game. The Cowboys are 2-3 and were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week in a home loss while the Packers (3-2) crushed their arch rivals from Chicago in the home win with QB Jordan Love going off with long completions and twice throwing touchdown passes to wide receiver Christian Watson. Green Bay rates the edge, but the Cowboys have been unpredictable in the early part of the season and just might come away with the win. 

The rest of the NFL games are featured in the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

Baltimore (4-1) at Cleveland (3-2) - The Ravens should win this one, but  the Browns defense always keeps them in games, especially against division opponents. 

Tennessee (0-5) at Indianapolis (2-3) - The Colts need a win to stay close in the AFC South race while the Titans cannot seem to be able to get out of their own way. 

N.Y. Jets (2-3) at New England (3-2) - Are the Patriots finally getting things going in the right direction after back-to-back wins and mistake free football from QB Drake Maye? The Jets defense will test him in this one. 

New Orleans (1-4) at N.Y. Giants (3-1-1) - The Giants were very fortunate to get a tie at Washington last week. The Saints have been very inconsistent so far this season. 

Carolina (2-2) at Philadelphia (2-3) - The Eagles have lost three straight games and won't have starting QB Jalen Hurts in this game. The Panthers are coming off their bye week and should be ready for this tough road game. 

Pittsburgh (3-2) at Tampa Bay (1-4) - Hard to get a read on this contest as the Steelers have been on a roller coaster through five games and the Bucs finally played a good game last week, beating Dallas on the road without starting QB Baker Mayfield. Toss up in this one. 

Arizona (1-4) at L.A. Rams (2-3) - Rams should get the win in this game at home . . .  the Cardinals are looking to snap a four game skid. 

L.A. Chargers (0-5) at Kansas City (4-0) - The Chiefs are rested and ready for the injury riddled Chargers. 

Buffalo (4-1) at Las Vegas (3-2) - Can the Raiders get back on track at home after dropping their last two games? The Bills look good so far this season, but they always seem to let their opponents hang around in games. 

Washington (1-3-1) at San Francisco (5-0) - The Monday night game looks to be a mismatch on paper, but they have to play it on the field. Take the 49ers in this one. 

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

Seattle over Denver 

Jacksonville over Houston (game played in London, England)

Chicago over Atlanta 

Baltimore over Cleveland

Indianapolis over Tennessee 

New England over N.Y. Jets 

N.Y. Giants over New Orleans 

Philadelphia over Carolina 

Pittsburgh over Tampa Bay 

L.A. Rams over Arizona 

Kansas City over L.A. Chargers 

Buffalo over Las Vegas

Dallas over Green Bay 

SAN FRANCISCO over Washington 

  

Last Week's Record - 9-5-1

SEASON RECORD - 50-28-1 

Lock of the Week Record - 3-2  

 

NFL - Week Five Recap

In a game that saw several lead changes in the battle for first place in the NFC West division, the San Francisco 49ers outlasted the host Seattle Seahawks, 32-29 to improve to 5-0 this season as kicker Eddy Pineiro made a 44-yard field goal with 1:56 left to play and the 49ers defense (which had five quarterback sacks and a first half fumble recovery for touchdown by Gracen Halton) held off the Seahawks offense to get the win. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (number 13, pictured left) had two touchdown passes (and one interception) with 189 passing yards and running back Christian McCaffrey scored a rushing touchdown to pace the win. The Seahawks dropped to 3-2 with the loss as QB Sam Darnold passed for 195 yards with one TD and was intercepted twice while running back Emanuel Wilson scored a rushing touchdown. 

The Minnesota Vikings also stayed undefeated at 5-0 as they went on the road and topped the New Orleans Saints, 23-13 behind a scoring pass from QB Kyler Murray to wide receiver Justin Jefferson and RB Aaron Jones (113 rushing yards), who scored on an eight-yard run early in the fourth quarter for a 20-13 lead. The Saints (1-4) had three turnovers and gained just 142 yards in offense with touchdowns coming on a two-yard run by Kendre Miller and an 87-yard fumble return by Jonas Sanker that tied the game at 13-13 late in the third quarter. 

In Green Bay, the Packers (3-2) erupted with an early barrage of points and coasted to a 31-7 win against the Chicago Bears (3-2) in the NFL's oldest rivalry that was enhanced following the passing of Bears and NFL legend Mike Ditka two days earlier. Packers QB Jordan Love passed for two touchdowns and 367 yards and RB MarShawn Lloyd had a pair of scoring runs in the easy win. Packers WR Christian Watson caught both TD passes and had six receptions for 143 yards. The Bears trailed 14-7 at the half, but committed five turnovers (two fumbles, three interceptions) that proved to be too costly. 

The New York Giants and Washington Commanders played in what was the most bizarre game in recent memory that finished in a 27-27 tie as Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (199 passing yards and 103 rushing yards, two TD) inexplicably ran the ball rather than clock it at the Giants 24-yard line for a potential game winning field goal attempt in the overtime session and time expired. Washington (1-3-1) got the ball  back after Giants RB Cam Skattebo fumbled it away at the Commanders 24-yard line. The Giants (3-1-1) rallied back from a 14-point deficit with QB Jameis Winston (326 passing yards) tossing two of his three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, including a 17-yard strike to WR Malik Nabers (11 receptions for 121 yards) to tie it up at 27-27 with 1:43 remaining in regulation. Giants kicker Dominic Zvada missed three field goals, including a 46-yard try with 8:01 left in overtime. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) won, 19-17 over the Philadelphia Eagles when kicker Cam Little made a 57-yard boot as time expired in London, England. Jags kick returner Ameer Abdullah took a kickoff back 53 yards to set up the game winning field goal after Eagles kicker Jake Elliott booted a 48-yard field goal with just eight seconds remaining. The Eagles (2-3) dropped their third straight game even with QB Jalen Hurts throwing for a touchdown as they were held to a paltry 22 rushing yards. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (331 passing yards, two TD, one INT) threw two scoring passes to wide receiver Parker Washington (six catches for 124 yards) to help lead the winning effort. 

The New England Patriots (3-2) won their second straight game as they smashed the Las Vegas Raiders, 45-17 behind four TD passes and 374 passing yards by QB Drake Maye as they built a 35-10 lead after three quarters. The New England offense gained 536 yards, including 165 on the ground. The Raiders (3-2) managed just 38 rushing yards and QB Kirk Cousins passed for 243 yards and one score in defeat. 

On Thursday night in Dallas, the Cowboys (2-3) laid a huge egg and lost to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 24-16 as running back Bucky Irving scored a rushing touchdown and had a TD reception as well and gained 165 yards on 21 carries. The Buccaneers (1-4) piled up 419 yards in total offense and their defense forced three turnovers. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott had a TD pass and two interceptions along with 316 passing yards in the loss. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers won at home, 34-22 in a rain storm against the Indianapolis Colts as RB Jaylen Warren (101 rushing yards and 87 receiving yards) had a big game with two huge scoring plays (80 yard TD reception and 50 yard rushing score) while QB Aaron Rodgers threw for three touchdowns, two of them to tight end Pat Freiermuth and had 235 passing yards in the win, which helped the Steelers improve to 3-2 this season. The Colts (2-3) settled for five field goals by Spencer Shrader and a rushing touchdown by Tyler Warren in the setback. 

Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff led the way for Lions in rout of the Cardinals. 

 

The Detroit Lions (3-2) throttled the host Arizona Cardinals, 45-21 with RB Jahmyr Gibbs (151 rushing yards) scoring twice on the ground while QB Jared Goff (271 passing yards) had three TD passes and one running score with the Lions gaining 412 yards in offense. The Lions defense had five sacks as well. The Cardinals (1-4) dropped their fourth straight game even with QB Jacoby Brissett passing for 292 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. 

In Miami, the Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) snapped a two-game losing streak and kept the Dolphins (0-5) winless with a 31-24 victory as Joe Burrow threw touchdown passes to four different players and defensive back Jordan Battle had two interceptions as Cincinnati's defense forced three turnovers. Miami QB Malik Willis had a scoring run and threw a TD pass and RB Ollie Gordon (88 rushing yards) had a scoring run in defeat. 

The Denver Broncos (3-2) scored 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter en route to a 23-17 road victory against the Los Angeles Chargers as QB Bo Nix fired a five-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton to tie it at 17-17 with 8:53 remaining and Will Lutz kicked a pair of field goals to help seal it. The Chargers had three turnovers and QB Justin Herbert (121 passing yards, one TD, one INT) was sacked five times as the Chargers fell to 0-5 this season. 

The Houston Texans (1-4) won for the first time this season as they blasted the host Tennessee Titans, 26-3 behind a rushing and passing score by quarterback C.J. Stroud, who had 261 passing yards. The Titans (0-5) led 3-0 early on, but were dominated the rest of the way as they totaled just 187 yards in offense. 

The New York Jets won 17-12 at home in the rainy weather against the Cleveland Browns (3-2) to improve their record to 2-3 this season as QB Geno Smith (182 passing yards) had a scoring pass to WR Garrett Wilson and Braelon Allen (116 rushing yards on 24 carries) scored on a 22-yard run with 3:01 left in the game to provide the difference. Cleveland QB Deshaun Watson had a 29-yard TD pass to Denzel Boston for a 12-10 lead with 6:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, but he was sacked eight times in the loss and the Browns were held to 198 yards in total offense. 

The Baltimore Ravens controlled the football for over seven minutes in overtime and won, 30-23 against the host Atlanta Falcons (2-3) on Sunday night when Tyler Huntley, filling in as the starting quarterback for injured Lamar Jackson (ankle) scored on a one-yard plunge and then Ravens DB Kyle Hamilton intercepted Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa to end the game. Tagovailoa was in for Atlanta because starting QB Michael Penix, Jr. (240 passing yards, one TD) was injured in the fourth quarter. 

The Ravens (4-1) battled back late in the final quarter to overcome a 23-15 deficit when Huntley (201 passing yards, two TD) threw a seven-yard scoring pass to Devontez Walker with 40 seconds left in regulation. From there, Baltimore RB Derrick Henry (24 carries for 102 yards, one receiving TD) ran in for the two-point conversion to tie the game at 23-23 to force the overtime. The Falcons led 14-9 at the half, but managed only three field goals in the second half as the Ravens defense helped make the difference in the final outcome. 

The Buffalo Bills (4-1) won a 37-34 overtime thriller against the Los Angeles Rams (2-3) on Monday night as QB Josh Allen rushed for a touchdown along with 121 yards (on 10 carries) and also passed for 210 yards with a touchdown and one interception. Bills running back James Cook III (25 carries for 111 yards) had a pair of rushing touchdowns as well and kicker Tyler Bass made the winning 45-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining. The Rams had a chance to win it, but Harrison Mevis' 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Greg Rousseau with 4:16 remaining in OT and the Bills took advantage. Rams QB Matthew Stafford had 383 passing yards along with three scoring passes in the loss. Rams running back Kyren Williams tied it up at 34-34 when he scored on a one-yard run with five seconds left to play to force the overtime. 

 

WEEK FIVE RESULTS 

Tampa Bay 24, Dallas 16

Jacksonville 19, Philadelphia 17 

Green Bay 31, Chicago 7 

Washington 27, N.Y. Giants 27 (OT) 

Cincinnati 31, Miami 24 

Minnesota 23, New Orleans 13 

N.Y. Jets 17, Cleveland 12 

Pittsburgh 34, Indianapolis 22 

Houston 26, Tennessee 3 

New England 45, Las Vegas 17 

Detroit 45, Arizona 21 

Denver 23, L.A. Chargers 17 

San Francisco 32, Seattle 29 

Baltimore 30, Atlanta 23 (OT) 

Buffalo 37, L.A. Rams 34 (OT)  

 

 

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 

Minnesota over New Orleans 

New England over Las Vegas 

N.Y. Jets over Cleveland 

Pittsburgh over Indianapolis 

Houston over Tennessee 

Washington over N.Y. Giants 

Denver over L.A. Chargers  

Detroit over Arizona  

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)