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  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Two Recap

The 2026 NFL season took a strange twist in the second week as star quarterbacks were injured and some major upsets occurred throughout the league. 

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (pictured left) suffered a hamstring injury on a scramble run late in the fourth quarter of a 9-3 home loss for the Bears against the Minnesota Vikings in a steady downpour of rain all game long. It was all field goals accounting for the final score in this one, but the Vikings came up with a huge block on Bears kicker Cairo Santos 23-yard attempt with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter and holding a 6-3 lead. Minnesota kicker Will Reichard made his third field goal (from 39 yards) in the game with 1:09 left to help provide the final outcome as the Bears final drive was thwarted on fourth and goal when Bears backup QB Tyson Bagent was sacked on the final play. 

In Dallas, the Cowboys throttled the Washington Commanders, 37-20 as QB Dak Prescott had four touchdown passes, including two of them to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, who caught eight passes for 153 yards in the win. Washington QB Jayden Daniels left the game with a severe elbow injury in the second quarter and was replaced by Marcus Mariota, who had one TD pass in the loss. 

The New Orleans Saints stunned the Baltimore Ravens, 24-17 as QB Tyler Shough scored on a one-yard run with 1:28 left to play in the fourth quarter. The Saints outscored Baltimore, 18-3 in the second half and intercepted Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in the red zone with just 20 seconds remaining in the game to seal the victory. The Ravens led 14-3 after Jackson threw a scoring pass to wide receiver Rashod Bateman late in the second quarter. In the decisive fourth quarter, Shough threw a 21-yard TD pass to WR Chris Olave to tie the game at 17-17 and later scored the winning touchdown to stun the Baltimore crowd in the Ravens home opener.

In Los Angeles, the Chargers lost again, this time to the Las Vegas Raiders, 26-14 as they turned the football over three times, including a crucial fumble by RB Omarion Hampton in Raiders territory and the deficit at three points (17-14) with just over three minutes remaining in the game. From there, the Raiders scored on an 11-yard TD pass from QB Kirk Cousins (253 passing yards, three TD, one interception) to Cody White with 2:59 remaining to ice the game. 

The Cleveland Browns beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 23-19 for a road win that featured a lengthy weather delay which lasted over two hours. Browns QB Deshaun Watson had two scoring passes along with 238 passing yards as they overcame a second half ten-point deficit. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield had a scoring pass along with one interception in defeat as the Bucs dropped to 0-2 this season. 

How about the Cincinnati Bengals going into Houston and knocking off the Texans, 20-6 behind solid defense, including four sacks and limiting the Texans to just two field goals? Despite being out gained by over 100 yards and getting just 12 first downs, Cincinnati won as QB Joe Burrow twice hooked up with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for touchdown passes to make the difference. 

The Green Bay Packers came back from ten points down in the final quarter and eventually won, 20-17 in overtime against the host New York Jets as Trey Smack made a 26-yard field goal to decide the game. Green Bay totaled only 199 yards in offense, but QB Jordan Love had a pair of TD passes. Jets QB Geno Smith had a scoring pass in the loss.   

In Arizona, the Seattle Seahawks dismantled the Cardinals, 31-7 as QB Drew Lock hit WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (nine receptions for 155 yards) for three touchdown passes while the defense held the Cardinals to just 155 yards in total offense and ten first downs. The Seahawks gained 381 yards with a balanced offense that included 162 yards on the ground as they dominated the second half after a 7-7 tie score in the first half. 

The Denver Broncos rallied back from a ten-point second half deficit to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-13 as QB Bo Nix threw for a score and rookie running back Jonah Coleman scored on a three-yard run with 7:39 left to play to provide the final outcome. 

Bills QB Josh Allen had a huge game in win over the Lions. 

 

On Thursday night in Buffalo, the Bills opened their new stadium with a resounding 41-31 win against the Detroit Lions as QB Josh Allen threw for three touchdowns along with 248 passing yards and rushed for two more scores while running back James Cook had a touchdown and 135 rushing yards. The Bills totaled 446 yards with a balanced offense (203 rushing, 223 passing) in the win. Lions QB Jared Goff had four TD passes and 327 passing yards in defeat. 

The Philadelphia Eagles survived the extreme heat in Nashville (reported to be as hot as 150 degrees on the playing surface) as well as the stubborn Tennessee Titans for a 24-20 road win with QB Jalen Hurts (264 passing yards, two TD, two INT) throwing the winning three-yard touchdown pass to WR Darius Cooper with only 14 seconds remaining in the game. Eagles WR DeVonta Smith had ten receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown to contribute to the win. Tennessee took a 20-17 lead with 1:56 left to go when Joey Slye kicked a 33-yard field goal. Titans QB Cam Ward had two scoring runs in the loss. 

The Carolina Panthers went on on the road to Atlanta and punished the Falcons, 34-3 as QB Bryce Young had 287 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Panthers defense forced five turnovers, including a 16-yard  "pick six" touchdown by linebacker Devin Lloyd, who had two interceptions in the rout. 

The New England Patriots beat down the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 20-3 as the defense had four sacks,  including a scoop and score 19-yard fumble return for touchdown by linebacker Elijah Ponder. Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson rambled 39 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter as the Patriots took a 10-3 halftime lead. 

In San Francisco, the 49ers crushed the Miami Dolphins, 35-13 as running back Christian McCaffrey had two scoring runs and QB Brock Purdy (287 passing yards on 20-for-22 passing accuracy) ran for another score and threw two touchdown passes to pace the rout. The 49ers broke it open with 21 points in the third quarter and coasted the rest of the way. 

In the Sunday night game in Kansas City, the Chiefs won, 33-30 in overtime when Harrison Butker (two field goals in OT) made a 40-yard field goal as time expired. The Colts had tied the game with 3:11 left in OT when Spencer Shrader drilled a 38-yard field goal. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes had three TD passes and 382 passing yards as Kansas City gained 523 yards in offense with running back Kenneth Walker III gaining 117 yards on 24 carries and tight end Travis Kelce with nine receptions for 101 yards and one touchdown. Colts QB Daniel Jones had 210 passing yards with one TD pass and one interception while running back Jonathan Taylor had two scoring runs while gaining 92 yards on 24 carries in the loss. 

The Los Angeles Rams squashed the visiting New York Giants, 28-6 on Monday Night Football behind 481 yards in total offense, led by QB Matthew Stafford, who had four touchdown passes (and one interception) along with 327 passing yards. Rams wide receiver Davante Adams had a huge game with eight receptions for 195 yards with two touchdowns. The Giants were limited to just 182 total yards and eleven first downs along with two field goals in the loss. In addition, Giants starting quarterback Jaxson Dart left the game with a knee injury in the first quarter and didn't return. 

 

WEEK TWO RESULTS 

Buffalo 41, Detroit 31  

Minnesota 9, Chicago 3 

Philadelphia 24, Tennessee 20 

Carolina 34, Atlanta 3 

New Orleans 24, Baltimore 17 

New England 20, Pittsburgh 3 

Green Bay 20, N.Y. Jets 17 (OT) 

Cincinnati 20, Houston 6 

Cleveland 23, Tampa Bay 19 

Denver 20, Jacksonville 13  

Las Vegas  26, L.A. Chargers 14

Seattle 31, Arizona 7

San Francisco 35, Miami 13 

Dallas 37, Washington 20 

Kansas City 33, Indianapolis 30 (OT)  

L.A. Rams 28, N.Y. Giants 6  

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Two Preview

After so many high scoring games in the opening week of the 2026 NFL season, will there be more of the same in Week Two around the league? 

The action gets started on Thursday night in Buffalo where the Bills will play their first ever regular season game in their new stadium, taking on the Detroit Lions, who won their opener, 31-30 in overtime last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The Bills won a 36-31 contest on the road against the Houston Texans to open their season. 

Bills quarterback Josh Allen will look to lead the offense to a big game against the Lions defense, which allowed 30 points after shutting out the Saints in the first half. The Lions feature many weapons on offense, including do everything running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for 156 yards and scored twice last week and also had five receptions. This game will likely be a high scoring one and could come down to the last possession. One thing for sure, the Bills fans will be jacked up sky high for this one. 

The Chicago Bears put up 59 points (tied for second highest ever) in their season opener and will likely have a harder time doing that against a tough Minnesota defense, which shut down Green Bay in the second half in a 39-22 win last week. The Vikings will probably have to go with Carson Wentz again at quarterback after starter Kyler Murray was knocked out in the opener with a concussion. 

The Bears defense was torched for 37 points by the Carolina Panthers, but it didn't matter because they put up the 59 points on the scoreboard while rushing for close to 300 yards. The Vikings defense got two big turnovers in their comeback win in the final quarter and will need to do more of that against the Bears if they are going to win. The game between these two teams could be high scoring (30-plus points for both teams) but don't be surprised if it isn't. 

The surprising Arizona Cardinals take on the Seattle Seahawks in their home opener on Sunday. The Cards shocked the Chargers in Los Angeles last week, 26-14 as their defense stifled the Chargers offense and forced two turnovers while the special teams also came up big with a blocked punt that led to an easy score (three-yard TD pass) to seal the game early in the fourth quarter.

 The Seahawks put away the stubborn New England Patriots, 13-10 last week, but the offense was lacking as starting QB Sam Darnold was knocked out of the game with a hip injury. Seattle better be ready because the Cardinals looked like a team that was out to prove something to all the doubters with their season opening road win. This game will be close and don't be surprised if the Cardinals win this NFC West tussle. 

The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night and could be 2-0 after this one is over. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes played well in his first game back from the off-season knee surgery and new running back Kenneth Walker III had a huge game, scoring twice and rushing for 173 yards in the 31-10 rout over the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Colts were manhandled by the visiting Baltimore Ravens, 41-23 as their defense had no answers for the Ravens offensive attack that piled up 506 total yards in the easy win. Look for the Chiefs to get another win in this game. 

The Monday Night Football game in Los Angeles will feature two teams on opposite ends as the host Rams look to bounce back after their lethargic performance in the opener against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. The Rams lost 27-7 and the offense was stuffed in a goal line situation that swung the game completely to the 'Niners as they went 99 yards on a touchdown drive for a 24-7 lead following the big stop.

 The New York Giants served notice they will be a team to beat in the NFC East as they knocked off Dallas, 28-20 last Sunday night with QB Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Saktebo leading the way. The Giants defense also came up with big plays to keep the highly touted Cowboys offense in check. This game will be a tight one as the Rams will be without defensive star Myles Garrett (knee injury) for the next four games. A toss up call here is in order, so look for anything to happen when the dust settles in this game. 

The rest of the action for Week Two is featured in the capsule style form and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

Carolina (0-1) at Atlanta (0-1) - The entire NFC South division is winless, so something has to give. 

New Orleans (0-1) at Baltimore (1-0) - The Ravens should roll in this one. 

Cincinnati (1-0) at Houston (0-1) - The Bengals will be going against a buzz saw team in this one. The Texans will be looking to right the ship after laying an egg at home in their season opener. 

Pittsburgh (1-0) at New England (0-1) - The Steelers will have a much tougher game this week against a Patriots team that looked unprepared in their opening game loss. 

Green Bay (0-1) at N.Y. Jets (1-0) - The Jets will look to fly high again this week, but the Packers need this one after getting smashed in the opening game. 

Cleveland (0-1) at Tampa Bay (0-1) - Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has a chance to rip his old team in this game. The Browns looked pathetic in their blowout loss last week. 

Philadelphia (1-0) at Tennessee (0-1) - The Eagles soar again this week in this game. 

Jacksonville (1-0) at Denver (0-1) - Can the Broncos bounce back in their home opener against a Jaguars team that looked really good last week? Toss up here. 

Las Vegas (1-0) at L.A. Chargers (0-1) - If the Chargers are really going to contend in the AFC this season, they better win this one convincingly. 

Washington (0-1) at Dallas (0-1) - The Cowboys should win this game at home, but the Commanders will not go down without putting up a fight. 

Miami (0-1) at San Francisco (1-0) - 49ers roll ! 

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

Buffalo over Detroit 

Atlanta over Carolina 

Baltimore over New Orleans 

Chicago over Minnesota 

Houston over Cincinnati 

New England over Pittsburgh 

Green Bay over N.Y. Jets 

Tampa Bay over Cleveland 

Philadelphia over Tennessee 

Denver over Jacksonville 

L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas 

Seattle over Arizona 

Dallas over Washington 

SAN FRANCISCO over Miami 

Kansas City over Indianapolis 

L.A. Rams over N.Y. Giants 

Last Week's Record - 12-4 

SEASON RECORD - 12-4 

Lock of the Week Record - 0-1  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week One Recap

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense had a huge day in the season opening win.

High scoring was the order of the day around the NFL and the Chicago Bears routed the host Carolina Panthers, 59-37 to set a  record for most combined points scored in a season opening game. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had 269 passing yards with two passing scores and scored twice on the ground, including a 29-yard touchdown run. Bears running back D'Andre Swift rushed for three touchdowns and piled up 124 yards on 18 carries along with RB Kyle Monangai going for 100 yards on just ten carries and he scored on a 61 yard touchdown run. Panthers QB Bryce Young had three TD passes and one rushing score along with 361 passing yards and one interception thrown in the loss. The Bears and Panthers combined for over 1,000 yards in offense in this game as the Bears gained 552 total yards in offense and Carolina amassed 478 yards.

Jacksonville rolled past the visiting Cleveland Browns, 34-10 as Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence had four touchdown passes and 245 passing yards in the easy win. Browns QB Deshaun Watson was sacked five times in the loss as he had one TD pass and one interception.  

In the season opening game last Wednesday night, the Seattle Seahawks rallied for a 13-10 win over the visiting New England Patriots. The Seattle defense intercepted Pats QB Drake Maye (178 passing yards, one TD) three times in the fourth quarter, including a pick in the end zone in the final seconds to seal the win. Seahawks QB Drew Lock, playing in place of injured starter Sam Darnold, threw a 45-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba that tied the game 10-10 early in the fourth quarter. Seattle kicker Jason Myers 26-yard field goal with 5:50 left to go provided the final score. 

In Minnesota, the Vikings rolled up 22 points in the fourth quarter and toppled the Green Bay Packers, 39-22 behind three TD passes by QB Carson Wentz, who came into the game for Minnesota after starter Kyler Murray left with a concussion. The Packers led 22-10 in the third quarter as QB Jordan Love had two scoring passes (along with one interception and 387 passing yards) and Trey Smack drilled three field goals. Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson hauled in two touchdown passes to help lead the way even with the Vikings being out gained by 419 to 239 in total yardage. 

The San Francisco 49ers served notice they also reside in the mighty NFC West division as they crushed the Los Angeles Rams, 27-7 with Brock Purdy throwing three TD passes in the game played in Melbourne, Australia on Friday. The Rams lone score was a five-yard run by RB Kyren Williams. 

Cincinnati held off the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 33-27 as Bengals QB Joe Burrow threw a scoring pass to tight end Mike Gesicki and the defense scored on a 27-yard fumble return by Demetrius Knight, Jr. and RB Chase Brown added a five-yard scoring run to go with four field goals by Evan McPherson. The Bucs linebacker Josiah Trotter had a "pick six" interception touchdown and QB Baker Mayfield and RB Bucky Irving scored rushing touchdowns in the loss. 

 

Ravens RB Derrick Henry scored three times in big win. 

The Baltimore Ravens routed the host Indianapolis Colts, 41-23 behind big games from RB Derrick Henry (144 rushing yards, three TD) and QB Lamar Jackson (324 passing yards and one rushing TD), who connected with wide receiver Zay Flowers (five receptions for 150 yards) for a 54-yard touchdown pass. The Colts were out gained by Baltimore 506-251 in yardage as running back Jonathan Taylor (98 rushing yards) scored twice on the ground in defeat.

The Buffalo Bills went into Houston and punched the Texans and their rugged defense in the mouth en route to a 36-31 win behind a huge game from QB Josh Allen, who had 334 passing yards and two rushing touchdowns along with two scoring passes, including the game winner of 34 yards to WR Joshua Palmer with 1:36 remaining in the game. The Texans turned the football over twice on fumbles and were penalized for 106 yards in the loss as RB David Montgomery scored three times, including a seven-yard TD pass from C.J. Stroud (274 passing yards), who also threw a 12-yard scoring pass to WR Niko Collins. But a strip sack fumble recovery in the final minute by the Bills defense stopped the Texans drive and clinched the victory. 

The Sunday night game saw the New York Giants knock off the visiting Dallas Cowboys, 28-20 behind a balanced offense (165 rushing yards, 229 passing yards) with RB Cam Skattebo (81 rushing yards) scoring on a three-yard run and QB Jaxson Dart throwing for three touchdowns along with 230 passing yards. The Cowboys offense managed just 244 yards as Dak Prescott had two TD passes and running back Javonte Williams scored twice in defeat.  

The Las Vegas Raiders won at home, 27-13 against the Miami Dolphins with running back Ashton Jeanty scoring twice on receptions and gaining 102 rushing yards. Raiders QB Kirk Cousins had three TD passes to overcome two interceptions to help lead the way as well. The Dolphins also had a pair of turnovers and QB Malik Willis ran for a score and was sacked five times in the loss.  

The Philadelphia Eagles squeaked out a 24-22 home win against the Washington Commanders as they stopped a two-point conversion try after Commanders QB Jayden Daniels threw for his second touchdown in the game with just 1:01 left to play in the game. The Eagles got three scoring passes from QB Jalen Hurts to lead the way to the win. 

The surprise of the day was the Arizona Cardinals beating the host Los Angeles Chargers, 26-14 behind four field goals by Chad Ryland and a blocked punt that led to a three-yard scoring pass from QB Jacoby Brissett (277 passing yards) to tight end Trey McBride early in the fourth quarter for a 23-14 edge. The Chargers had two turnovers on offense and QB Justin Herbert had a TD pass with one interception thrown in defeat. 

The Detroit Lions held on for a 31-30 overtime win at home against the feisty New Orleans Saints. Detroit took a 31-24 lead in the OT session when QB Jared Goff threw his second TD pass to WR Amon-Ra St. Brown with 5:04 remaining. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored twice and had 156 rushing yards on 29 carries and the defense registered five sacks to help out in the win. The Saints came back from a 21-0 deficit behind three scoring passes from QB Tyler Shough, who had 410 passing yards and two interceptions, but the effort fell short in overtime as the Lions thwarted the two-point attempt. 

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers won a yawner, 20-13 against the Atlanta Falcons behind T.J. Watt returning an interception 35 yards for a touchdown and one TD pass from QB Aaron Rodgers. Falcons QB Cooper Rush started in place of injured Tua Tagovailoa and was sacked four times along with two interceptions thrown, which offset his one scoring pass in the loss. 

The New York Jets won, 23-10 on the road against the Tennessee Titans as their defense limited the Titans to only 195 yards in total offense and they held the ball for over 38 minutes in the win. Jets running back Breece Hall (102 rushing yards) had a TD run and wide receiver Kenyon Sadiq added a three-yard scoring run. Titans QB Cam Ward threw a TD pass in the loss. 

In the Monday Night Football game, the Kansas City Chiefs crushed the visiting Denver Broncos, 31-10 behind two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown by QB Patrick Mahomes, who had 184 passing yards with two TD and one interception. In addition, Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III had a receiving and rushing touchdown (60 yard scoring run) while piling up 173 yards on 23 carries. The Kansas City defense had four QB sacks and held the Broncos to 176 yards in total offense. The only Broncos touchdown came on a 19-yard scoring pass from quarterback Bo Nix to tight end Evan Engram. 

 

WEEK ONE RESULTS 

Seattle 13, New England 10

San Francisco 27, L.A. Rams 7  

Chicago 59, Carolina 37 

Jacksonville 34, Cleveland 10 

N.Y. Jets 23, Tennessee 10 

Buffalo 36, Houston 31

Detroit 31, New Orleans 30 (OT) 

Cincinnati 33, Tampa Bay 27

Pittsburgh 20, Atlanta 13

Baltimore 41, Indianapolis 23 

Arizona 26, L.A. Chargers 14 

Las Vegas 27, Miami 13 

Philadelphia 24, Washington 22

Minnesota 39, Green Bay 22  

N.Y. Giants 28, Dallas 20  

Kansas City 31, Denver 10 

 

 

 

25 Years Ago

 

NFL - Week One Preview

It's time for football as the 2026 NFL season gets started on Wednesday evening in Seattle with the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots in a "re-match" of the game last February. The 'Hawks crushed the Patriots in that one as their defense dominated the entire game. 

The Thursday night game will be in Melbourne, Australia between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in what should be a good NFC West battle. On Sunday, the Buffalo Bills travel to take on the Houston Texans in a game between two teams that lost in the AFC divisional playoffs last January. Both of these teams are regarded as teams that could get to the Super Bowl this time around. 

There are four games featuring division rivals as the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings go at it in an NFC North tilt. The NFC East will have all four teams facing off in the opener as the Dallas Cowboys face the New York Giants on the road on Sunday Night Football while the Philadelphia Eagles will host the Washington Commanders earlier in the day. On Monday Night Football, the Denver Broncos will face the host Kansas City Chiefs in what should be another exciting one. 

All in all, the opening week around the NFL is one of the most unpredictable as the 32 NFL teams don't usually show too much from their starting players during the pre-season and this time around it was no different. 

This is the 18th season this blog is picking games on a weekly basis and it's always fun to try and figure out how things might go during the course of the NFL season. These picks made here are strictly predictions and are not to be taken serious for gambling point spreads or straight up plays or anything like that. So if people like to do that sort of thing, you're on your own with the sports odds makers. 

With that said, here goes nothing as Heftyinfo makes the picks for Week One around the NFL with the capsule style previews for all 16 games featured and then the actual picks for the games. 

New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks - The home team should come out on top, but in a season opener, expect the unexpected. The Patriots will be without running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle injury) in this game, so quarterback Drake Maye will have the chance to throw more often to his two new wide receivers. Seattle's defense will be ready for the challenge and the offense will look to do the same. 

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (Melbourne, Australia) - When these two teams go at it, expect a battle and this one should be no different. Both teams feature very good defenses in this game in the "land down under." The call here is the Rams win in a close finish. 

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers - The Bears have higher expectations entering this season and the Panthers won the NFC South a year ago. This game will likely come down to the wire. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals - Bucs QB Baker Mayfield has a new contract and should be flying high for this one. The Bengals have Joe Burrow at quarterback with two of the best wide receivers in the game and what they hope will be an improved defense with several new players. 

New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions - Take the Lions in what should be a high scoring game. 

Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans - This game is a test in the opener for two starting quarterbacks looking to shed the "choker" label following earlier than expected playoff exits last year. 

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts - The Ravens looking to bounce back in 2026 after a disappointing season while the Colts will look to do the same after so many injuries ruined a great start last year. 

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars - Take the Jaguars at home against a Browns team being led by QB Deshaun Watson, who hasn't started in nearly two years. 

Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers - The Steelers rate the edge in this opener as QB Aaron Rodgers begins his final NFL season. Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa is looking to revive his career. 

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans - In a game between two teams that went 3-14 a year ago, something positive has to happen. Some payback perhaps for Titans new head coach Robert Saleh as he goes against the team that fired him two years ago. 

Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Chargers - Arizona appears to be in total rebuild mode this year while the Chargers are looking to improve a stagnant offense with new coordinator Mike McDaniel on board this season. This one should be an interesting game. 

Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders - Two teams with new head coaches looking to rebuild on the fly as the season gets started. Toss up. 

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings - NFC North rivals in this one and the Vikings have Kyler Murray now playing quarterback, looking to get the offense back in gear this season. Packers are expecting good things in the 2026 season after making the playoffs last season. This game will likely go down to the final possession and perhaps even into overtime. Definite toss up here. 

Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles - The Eagles coming into this season with a chip on their shoulders as QB Jalen Hurts has been questioned by many following a down 2025 season right after a Super Bowl title. The Commanders also looking to prove themselves after falling hard with QB Jayden Daniels being injured for most of the 2025 season after his spectacular rookie year. 

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants - The Sunday night "prime time" game between two teams that dislike each other. Dallas will attempt to prove all the hype about them is correct as they enter 2026 with a huge revamping of the NFL's worst defense from a year ago. The Giants appear to be up and comers, led by second year QB Jaxson Dart. This game should be a good one with the Cowboys sneaking it out against the home team. 

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - Monday Night Football in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes and company taking on the Broncos, the team that took over AFC West crown a year ago. Take the Chiefs in a squeaker. 

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

Seattle over New England 

L.A. Rams over San Francisco (game played in Melbourne, Australia) 

Chicago over Carolina 

Cincinnati over Tampa Bay 

Detroit over New Orleans 

Buffalo over Houston 

Baltimore over Indianapolis 

Jacksonville over Cleveland 

Pittsburgh over Atlanta 

Tennessee over N.Y. Jets 

L.A. CHARGERS over Arizona 

Las Vegas over Miami 

Minnesota over Green Bay 

Philadelphia over Washington 

Dallas over N.Y. Giants 

Kansas City over Denver

 

2025 FINAL SEASON RECORD - 176-95-1

Lock of the Week Record  - 16-2  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2026 SEASON - Preview And Predictions

The 2026 NFL season is just about here and the opening game kickoff is in Seattle on Wednesday evening when the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks host the New England Patriots. The Seahawks destroyed the Patriots, 29-13 in Super Bowl LX last February as their defense dominated while the offense was steady and running back Kenneth Walker III (now with the Kansas City Chiefs) was named the Most Valuable Player in the game. 

Seattle will have a battle once again in the NFC West division with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers this season and perhaps all three of those teams will again make the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks blasted the 49ers, 41-6 in the divisional round of the playoffs and then outlasted the Rams, 31-27 in the NFC Championship game prior to their Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. Meanwhile, the Patriots made some moves with their offense and have some new faces at wide receiver in A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, to accompany quarterback Drake Maye, who was last seen running for his life in the Super Bowl loss against Seattle. The opening game should be an interesting affair for sure, but look for the Seahawks to prevail over the Patriots yet again. 

On Thursday Night Football, the Rams and 49ers will face each other for some reason all the way over in Melbourne, Australia. That game should be a good one as these fierce rivals go at it with the Rams featuring premier defensive player Myles Garrett, who is the single season sacks record holder. Last year, Garrett (with the Cleveland Browns) totaled 23 quarterback takedowns and he will be teaming with Aaron Donald, a future Hall-of-Fame player who came out of a three-year retirement to join his former team in their quest for a Super Bowl title. The 49ers have a strong defense as well, which should be bolstered by the return of edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner from injuries that kept them out of action for most of last season. 

It will be a fun start to what should be an entertaining and unpredictable NFL season. 

There are so many questions to be answered in the next four and half months as the 32 teams battle it out to see who will emerge as the Super Bowl champions at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on February 14, 2027 in Super Bowl LXI. 

Can the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, with many new faces on defense, overcome their demons and finally get to the NFL promised land? 

Can the Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, finally reach the Super Bowl after so many playoff disappointments? 

What about the Baltimore Ravens and their beleaguered QB Lamar Jackson, the same can be said about them? 

Will quarterback Patrick Mahomes (coming off major knee surgery) and the Kansas City Chiefs bounce back in 2026 and reclaim their throne atop the AFC? 

What about the Denver Broncos in the competitive AFC West division? Can they ride their strong defense and will third year QB Bo Nix show more improvement as he looks to overcome a severe ankle injury that kept him out of the AFC title game last January?

Will the Philadelphia Eagles win a third straight NFC East title with QB Jalen Hurts now devoid of one of his top wide receivers,  A.J. Brown who went to the New England Patriots this off-season? 

Can quarterback Aaron Rodgers lead the Pittsburgh Steelers back to the AFC playoffs in this his 22nd and final NFL season?

Can the Chicago Bears continue to be late-game miracle workers with third year quarterback Caleb Williams, who dubbed himself the "Ice Man" during the frosty weather run last January in the NFC playoffs? 

Will the Detroit Lions make a comeback effort in the 2026 season and get back to the playoffs after tumbling to NFC North division cellar? 

Will the NFC South division winner actually have a winning record this season?  

So many questions to be answered and it will play out over the 18-week schedule from now until early January. So here goes as Heftyinfo looks to predict how the divisional races will shake out and which teams will go at it in the post-season before two teams eventually square off in the Super Bowl in February.  

(Teams listed in italic bold are the number one playoff seeds and get a bye; Wild Card teams listed in bold) 

NFC 

East - 1. Philadelphia 2. Dallas 3. N.Y. Giants 4. Washington 

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

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

West - 1. L.A. Rams 2. Seattle 3. San Francisco 4. Arizona  

 

AFC

East - 1. Buffalo 2. New England 3. N.Y. Jets 4. Miami 

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

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

West - 1. Denver 2. Kansas City 3. L.A. Chargers 4. Las Vegas  

NFC PLAYOFFS 

Wild Card Round  - Philadelphia over Dallas; San Francisco over Detroit; Seattle over Tampa Bay 

Divisional Round -  L.A. Rams over San Francisco; Seattle over Philadelphia 

NFC Championship Game - L.A. Rams over Seattle  

AFC PLAYOFFS 

Wild Card Round - Denver over Houston; L.A. Chargers over Baltimore; Kansas City over Jacksonville

Divisional Round - Buffalo over L.A. Chargers; Denver over Kansas City 

AFC Championship Game - Buffalo over Denver 

 

                                                                   SUPER BOWL LXI 

                                                                Los Angeles Rams over Buffalo Bills