NFL - Week Eight Preview

Some big games in the NFL coming up this weekend as the calendar turns to November and the Monday night game in Seattle between the Seahawks (4-3) and Chicago Bears (5-2) should be one of the better ones for sure. The Bears just traded for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans and whether he plays in the game or not remains to be seen. 

The Seahawks just picked up eight time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts as they look to bolster the offense, which has been lacking in the running game through most of the season. These two teams are solid with the 'Hawks having the edge on defense as they are the top unit in the NFL, allowing only 234 yards per game. The Bears offense averages just under 26 points per game (9th in NFL) and boasts the number one rushing attack, averaging 153 yards per game. This game will be a good one and which ever team has the football last could decide the final score.

 

The Baltimore Ravens (4-3) travel to play the Buffalo Bills (5-1) on Sunday and are hopeful to have quarterback Lamar Jackson back in action after he missed the last three games with an ankle sprain injury. The Ravens have lost two straight games and the Bills (coming off the bye week) have been on a roll this season, averaging a league best 32.8 points per game, led by QB Josh Allen, who has been a force to be reckoned with in the 2026 season. 

The Ravens defense has struggled at times this year and coughed up leads while losing to Cleveland and Cincinnati the past two weeks. The key for them will be to get after Allen and limit the Bills running game, which has been solid with Allen and running back James Cook helping them average 148.8 YPG on the ground. On offense, having Jackson back will be huge as he is always a dual threat with the ball and would take some pressure off running back Derrick Henry, who has been stifled the last two games. This game will likely come down to the final possession. 

Minnesota and Detroit go at it in an NFC North battle and the Lions are coming off an exciting win against Green Bay last Sunday while the Vikings (6-0) escaped with a 16-10 win at home against the Indianapolis Colts as the defense came up big yet again. The Vikings defense has allowed only 74 points so far (12.3 PPG) and has 21 quarterback sacks in their blitz happy scheme. The Lions (4-2) average 30.7 PPG (2nd in NFL) and they have multiple weapons on offense, led by QB Jared Goff (1,788 passing yards with 14 touchdowns and no interceptions), running back Jahmyr Gibbs (620 rushing yards, 4.6 YPC, seven TD) and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown (46 receptions, five touchdowns) and Jameson Williams, who has 23 catches for 367 yards and four touchdowns. This is yet another football game that should go right down to the final seconds. 

Two more divisional games this Sunday feature the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Cleveland Browns with both teams tied for first place in the AFC North with 5-2 records while the Kansas City Chiefs (5-1) travel to take on the Denver Broncos (5-2), who have won three in a row. 

The Steelers have been led by a rejuvenated Aaron Rodgers at quarterback so far this season. The 42-year old has thrown for 1,699 yards in seven games with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. Pittsburgh's defense has allowed 308 YPG and 21.3 PPG and has 16 sacks. Meanwhile, the Browns have pulled off some late game finishes for wins in 2026, led by QB Deshaun Watson, who so far has proved his detractors wrong with his play on the field. Watson has passed for 1,482 passing yards with seven TD passes with three picks thrown while rushing for 215 yards (4.5 YPC average) and has one touchdown. Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion has 30 receptions for 315 yards and teams with Denzel Boston and tight end Harold Fannin, Jr., who has three touchdowns to go with 25 receptions for 257 yards. 

The Steelers defense will look to keep Watson and company in check on Sunday and the same goes for the Browns defense, which allows 20.9 PPG and 318 yards per game along with 20 sacks, led by defensive tackle Mason Graham, who has four sacks. Minimizing mistakes and protecting the football will go a long way in this game and the choice here is the Steelers come away with the victory in a squeaker. 

As for Kansas City vs. Denver in the Mile High City, expect a much closer game than what happened in the opening game in Kansas City, where the Chiefs buried the Broncos, 31-10 with QB Patrick Mahomes and the offense dominating. The Broncos defense has been rounding into form after a poor start, even with injuries taking down Patrick Surtain II, Talanoa Hufanga, Zach Allen and Jonathan Cooper, who finally played his first game in last week's 30-16 win at Arizona. 

This game is for first place in the AFC West, where the Chiefs have been since Week One. They got crushed by Seattle last Sunday night with the offense scoring only three points and not reaching the "red zone" for the first time ever in the Mahomes era. So look for Kansas City Head Coach Andy Reid to dig down deep and get the offense back on track against a very familiar opponent. This one should be back and forth and the Chiefs seem to find ways to win against Denver and barring anything unusual in the turnover category, should come out on top in this game. 

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

Carolina (3-3) at Green Bay (4-3) - Thursday night in Lambeau Field . . . the last time this took place five weeks ago, the Packers were smashed by the Atlanta Falcons. This time they should be ready to go against a Panthers team that was blown at home by Tampa Bay last week.

Tennessee (1-6) at Cincinnati (4-2) - Bengals got things rolling again last week and QB Joe Burrow and company intend to keep it that way. The Titans got their first win last week and will be looking to prove they're better than their record. 

Arizona (2-5) at Dallas (3-4) - Will the real Dallas Cowboys team stand up? The Cardinals will battle the 'Pokes in this one in what will be a higher scoring game. 

Indianapolis (2-5) at Jacksonville (4-2) - The Jaguars have a comfortable lead in the AFC South and the defense has been solid, but they cannot take the Colts for granted, even with them trading away players ahead of the trade deadline. 

Las Vegas (3-4) at N.Y. Jets (2-5) - The Raiders have dropped four straight games and look to stop that against the Jets, who are coming off a loss at home against the Dolphins. Toss up here. 

Atlanta (3-4) at Tampa Bay (2-5) - The Bucs annihilated the Carolina Panthers last week while the Falcons surprised the San Francisco 49ers. These are two teams feeling good about themselves in this game. 

L.A. Chargers (0-6) at L.A. Rams (3-4) - Two of the biggest disappointments in the NFL go at it in this game. Take the Rams. 

New England (4-3) at Miami (1-5) - The Patriots have struggled in South Florida in years past and Miami finally got a win last week. Look for a closer game than one might think, but the Pats should get the win. 

Philadelphia (2-5) at Washington (1-4-1) - Two struggling teams on Sunday Night Football . . . usually the NFL flexes this type of game off the "prime time" schedule. Toss up in this one. 

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

Green Bay over Carolina 

Buffalo over Baltimore 

CINCINNATI over Tennessee 

Dallas over Arizona 

Detroit over Minnesota 

Jacksonville over Indianapolis 

Las Vegas over N.Y. Jets 

Pittsburgh over Cleveland 

Tampa Bay over Atlanta 

L.A. Rams over L.A. Chargers 

Kansas City over Denver 

New England over Miami 

Washington over Philadelphia 

Seattle over Chicago 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 65-41-1

Lock of the Week Record - 4-3  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milwaukee Brewers Win World Series

The Milwaukee Brewers won their first ever World Series title on Wednesday night with a 4-1 road win against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Brewers clinched the series in five games as starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski went 5 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits with one walk and two strikeouts.

It was just the second appearance in the Fall Classic for the Brewers with the only other time coming back in 1982 when they lost in seven games against the St. Louis Cardinals. But this season, the Brewers won a league best 103 games and went 11-2 in the post season behind timely hitting and a stellar bullpen. 

The Most Valuable Player award went to Brewers catcher William Contreras as he finished the five games by going 8-for-21 (.381 batting average) with four RBI, one double, one run scored, one stolen base and two walks. 

              Congratulations to the MILWAUKEE BREWERS - 2026 World Series Champions ! 

 

 

NFL - Week Seven Recap

 

The Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) woke up in the second half and buried the host Baltimore Ravens, 35-13 as quarterback Joe Burrow (pictured left) threw four touchdown passes and had 292 passing yards. The Ravens (4-3) were without starting QB Lamar Jackson and lost their second straight game as they were outscored 35-0 in the second half. Tyler Huntley had a TD pass and one interception thrown along with 298 passing yards in the loss. 

 

 

The Minnesota Vikings (6-0) remained undefeated as they toppled the visiting Indianapolis Colts, 16-10 as QB Kyler Murray had a scoring pass and kicker Will Reichard made three field goals. The Colts (2-5) led 10-6 at halftime with running back Jonathan Taylor (95 rushing yards) scoring on a 38-yard run. 

On Thursday night in Chicago, Bears QB Caleb Williams had 308 passing yards and two touchdown passes as the Bears (5-2) beat the New England Patriots, 30-24. Bears RB D'Andre Swift scored a rushing touchdown and WR Luther Burden III had four receptions for 130 yards which included a 24-yard scoring pass from Williams for a 20-7 lead late in the second quarter. Patriots QB Drake Maye had 321 passing yards along with two TD passes and one interception and a seven yard scoring run in the loss, which left the Pats with a 4-3 record. 

The New York Giants surprised the Houston Texans, 27-21 in overtime for the road win to improve to 4-2-1 this season. Running back Devin Singletary scored on a 30-yard run to help beat his former team as the Texans dropped to 2-5. The Giants gashed the Texans defense for 188 rushing yards, including 124 rushing yards (on 17 carries) and a 16-yard touchdown dash by Cam Skattebo. Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud had two touchdown passes in defeat. 

Over in Paris, France, the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) made it three straight wins as they beat the New Orleans Saints, 16-10.  Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers threw a three-yard scoring pass to tight end Darnell  Washington while RB Jaylen Warren ran for 101 yards on 18 carries and Chris Boswell nailed three field goals to pace the win. The Saints (2-5) tied the game 10-10 late in the first half on a one-yard scoring pass from QB Tyler Shough (278 passing yards, one TD, one INT) to Devaughn Vele, but were shutout in the second half. 

The Detroit Lions (4-2) survived at home to beat the Green Bay Packers, 20-17 as kicker Jake Bates made a 22-yard field goal as time expired. Lions QB Jared Goff (303 passing yards) threw two TD passes to WR Jameson Williams (five receptions for 91 yards) in the win while Jordan Love had a pair of scoring passes (along with 274 passing yards and one INT) for the Packers (4-3). In addition, Green Bay kicker Trey Smack missed two field goals, including a chip shot from 26 yards to help doom the Packers. 

 

 

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes had a tough night in loss to Seattle. 

The Sunday night game in Seattle went the way of the Seahawks (4-3) as they suffocated the Kansas City Chiefs, 20-3 with the defense taking control, not allowing the Chiefs (5-1) to reach the "red zone" as their offense was held in check and they lost for the first time this season. With the Seahawks leading 13-3 in the fourth quarter, running back Emanuel Wilson scored on a 21-yard run with 3:47 remaining to put the game away. It was the first loss this season for Kansas City as their offense gained just 213 yards and RB Kenneth Walker III, the NFL's leading rusher coming into the game, was limited to only 36 yards on 14 carries against his former team. Seattle QB Sam Darnold (257 passing yards, one TD, one INT) connected with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (nine receptions for 150 yards) on a 28-yard scoring pass for a 10-0 halftime lead.  

The Atlanta Falcons knocked off the San Francisco 49ers, 29-20 at home to improve to 3-4 behind three TD passes from quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. The 49ers (6-1) suffered their first loss this season as they blew a 14-3 lead that saw the Falcons score 23 unanswered points. 'Niners QB Brock Purdy had a touchdown pass along with 288 yards, but was intercepted twice as the 49ers had four turnovers in the loss.

The Denver Broncos (5-2) won a road game in Arizona, 30-16 as QB Bo Nix ran 62 yards for a touchdown and also threw a 52-yard TD pass to running back RJ Harvey. Jacoby Brissett had a scoring pass and 272 passing yards in defeat as the Cardinals fell to 2-5 this season. 

The Los Angeles Rams (3-4) got a much needed victory in Las Vegas as they beat the Raiders, 35-21 with QB Matthew Stafford throwing for three scores while running backs Kyren Williams (99 yards) and Blake Corum (93 yards) had scoring runs as the Rams piled up 199 rushing yards. The Raiders (3-4) dropped their fourth straight game as QB Kirk Cousins (295 yards) had a pair of touchdown passes.   

The Cleveland Browns (5-2) stayed in a tie for first place in the AFC North division as they beat the host Tennessee Titans, 27-24 on a 32-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt as time ran out. Browns QB Deshaun Watson (308 passing yards, one INT) ran nine yards for a touchdown for a 24-17 lead with 4:30 left in the fourth quarter. Browns RB Quinshon Judkins (17 carries for 96 yards) had two touchdown runs as Cleveland racked up 491 yards in victory. Tennessee running back Tony Pollard (25 carries for 129 yards) scored three times on the ground, including a 36-yard romp that helped the Titans (1-6) build a 14-0 lead. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-5) rushed for 286 yards and Bucky Irving scored twice and gained 106 rushing yards to lead the way in a 43-13 pasting of the host Carolina Panthers (3-3), who turned the football over four times and QB Bryce Young was sacked five times. Bucs defensive end Calijah Kancey returned a fumble 32 yards for another score and QB Baker Mayfield had a TD pass to aid the rout. 

The Miami Dolphins (1-5) earned their first win this season with a 28-25 decision against the host New York Jets (2-5) behind a scoring run and two TD passes from QB Malik Willis. Jets QB Geno Smith had three touchdown passes and one interception along with 287 passing yards in the loss. 

The Dallas Cowboys (3-4) pulled away in the second half by scoring 18 unanswered points against the Philadelphia Eagles for a 38-21 road victory. Cowboys running back Javonte Williams rushed for 155 yards on 25 carries and scored a touchdown while QB Dak Prescott had three touchdown passes and 212 passing yards. Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb had two TD receptions, including a 16-yard grab that put Dallas ahead 28-21 with 1:30 left in the third quarter. The Eagles (2-5) dropped their fifth straight game as backup quarterback Tanner McKee passed for 211 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Eagles running backs Saquon Barkley and Dameon Pierce both scored touchdowns before leaving the game with injuries.

 
WEEK SEVEN RESULTS 

Chicago 30, New England 24 

Pittsburgh 16, New Orleans 10  

Minnesota 16, Indianapolis 10

Cincinnati 35, Baltimore 13 

Tampa Bay 43, Carolina 13 

Cleveland 27, Tennessee 24 

Miami 28, N.Y. Jets 25 

Atlanta 29, San Francisco 20  

N.Y. Giants 27, Houston 21 (OT) 

Detroit 20,  Green Bay 17

Denver 30, Arizona 16

L.A. Rams 35, Las Vegas 21

Seattle 20, Kansas City 3 

Dallas 38, Philadelphia 21  

 

 

NFL - Week Seven Preview

The Chicago Bears and New England Patriots go at it in Soldier Field in Chicago on Thursday night to get things going for Week Seven around the NFL. The Bears will honor the late Mike Ditka, who died two weeks ago at age 86 and he was Head Coach for the team when they crushed the Patriots in Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season. 

The Bears (4-2) knocked off Atlanta last week as quarterback Caleb Williams returned to action after missing three games because of a hamstring injury. The Patriots (4-2) defeated the New York Jets as quarterback Drake Maye had three touchdown passes. Both teams have been playing well so far this season and the Pats have won three straight after a 1-2 start. Williams and Maye are part of the 2024 NFL draft that saw three quarterbacks picked in the first round, including Williams with the top pick by the Bears. This game should be a tight one and come down to the final possession as so many games seem to these days. 

The AFC North, like the NFC North division has all four teams over .500 through the first six weeks and on Sunday in Baltimore, the Ravens (4-2) take on the Cincinnati Bengals (3-2) and might have quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle injury) back for this one. The Bengals are coming off their bye week and Joe Burrow and company have been doing their thing while the defense has taken a step back after looking strong in the first two games. The Ravens lost to the Cleveland Browns in a very low scoring game last week with backup QB Tyler Huntley playing. This is yet another game that will go down to the wire. 

The Green Bay Packers (4-2) have won three in a row and travel to Detroit to face the Lions (3-2), who are coming off the bye week. The Packers defense has allowed just 20 points the last two weeks and QB Jordan Love has looked good during the winning streak after a rough start when Green Bay was off to a 1-2 start. Detroit features a potent offense led by QB Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs that averages 32.8 points per game, which is tied for the lead in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills. The Lions are tough at home and should put an end to the Packers win streak, but it will likely be a shootout in Motown. 

On Sunday night in Seattle, the struggling Seahawks (3-3) take on the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) who have looked good on both sides of the football. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes will be without wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (on injured reserve with ankle injury) and most likely Rashee Rice (hamstring injury) in this game. However, former Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has been a game changer for the Chiefs so far and is leading the NFL in rushing with 665 yards (6.3 YPC average) and has scored six rushing touchdowns and eight overall. 

The Seattle defense will need to step up if the 'Hawks are going to win this game. On offense, Seattle has been lacking in the running game with top runner Zach Charbonnet (knee injury) missing the first six games, but he could return for this game. Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (1,033 passing yards with seven touchdowns and also seven interceptions) must protect the football or it could be a third straight loss for the team. 

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

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) at New Orleans Saints (2-4) - This game in Paris, France should be a tight one, but the Steelers rate the edge. 

San Francisco 49ers (6-0) at Atlanta Falcons (2-4) - The 49ers better be ready to avoid a "trap game" before the bye week. The Falcons have been inconsistent and QB Michael Penix, Jr. will need to have a big game for them to win. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5) at Carolina Panthers (3-2) - The Panthers have been the best team in the weak NFC South, but the Bucs always battle them tough. 

New York Giants (3-2-1) at Houston Texans (2-4) - The Texans seem to have it going in the right direction after an 0-4 start. The Giants are going with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback in this game. Take the Texans. 

Indianapolis Colts (2-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-0) - The Vikings and their opportunistic defense at home going against the Colts offense, led by QB Daniel Jones should be interesting.  

Miami Dolphins (0-5)  at New York Jets (2-4) - Jets should soar in this one, but the Dolphins have been staying competitive even with a winless record. 

Cleveland Browns (4-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-5) - The Titans coming off a win now face a Browns team with a good defense that is tied for first place in the AFC North. This game could be close. 

Denver Broncos (4-2) at Arizona Cardinals (2-4) - Two teams that have struggled on offense battle it out  in the desert. Broncos have a better defense, so they rate the edge in this game. 

Los Angeles Rams (2-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) - Something has to give in this one featuring teams that have been on losing streaks. The Rams are banged up on both sides of the football and could be playing for their season the rest of the way. 

Dallas Cowboys (2-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) - Monday Night Football in Philly against the Cowboys usually means a big deal. This year, both of these teams have struggled but are still in contention in a weak NFC East division. 

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

Chicago over New England 

Pittsburgh over New Orleans (game played in Paris, France) 

San Francisco over Atlanta 

Cincinnati over Baltimore 

Carolina over Tampa Bay 

HOUSTON over N.Y. Giants 

N.Y. Jets over Miami 

Minnesota over Indianapolis 

Cleveland over Tennessee 

Denver over Arizona 

Detroit over Green Bay 

L.A. Rams over Las Vegas 

Seattle over Kansas City 

Philadelphia over Dallas  

 

Last Week's Record - 6-8

SEASON RECORD - 56-36-1

Lock of the Week Record - 4-2  

NFL - Week Six Recap

Bears QB Caleb Williams had a big game in return from injury. 

The Chicago Bears (4-2) and their offense roared back to life in Week Six with a 31-23 road victory against the Atlanta Falcons (2-4) behind two touchdown runs by running back D'Andre Swift and another by Roschon Johnson and a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams (305 passing yards on 30-of-36 passing accuracy) to tight end  Colston Loveland. Williams returned this week after missing three games with a hamstring injury. The Bears built a 31-7 lead before Atlanta QB Michael Penix, Jr. hooked up with tight end Kyle Pitts, Jr. for two scores in the fourth quarter to account for the final score. The Bears defense had five sacks (three by Kyler Gordon) and three fumble recoveries in the win. 

The Green Bay Packers (4-2) knocked off the visiting Dallas Cowboys, 23-13 on Sunday night for their third straight win as QB Jordan Love (276 passing yards, one TD, one interception) ran for a touchdown and passed for another and rookie kicker Trey Smack made three field goals to lead the way. The Cowboys (2-4) rushed for just 48 yards and QB Dak Prescott had 258 passing yards with a TD pass and two interceptions in the loss. 

Over in London, England the Houston Texans improved to 2-4 with a 34-31 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-2) when Ka'imi Fairbairn made a 49-yard field goal as time expired. The Texans led 31-21 after three quarters behind quarterback C.J. Stroud (312 passing yards, three TD, one INT) and running back Jawhar Jordan's 25-yard scoring run. The Jaguars battled back in the fourth quarter as QB Trevor Lawrence (306 passing yards, three TD, one INT) threw his third scoring pass in the game and Cam Little boomed a 60-yard field goal with 1:55 left to play. 

The action got started on Thursday night in Denver and the Broncos (4-2) nipped the Seattle Seahawks, 17-14 in overtime when Will Lutz made a 53-yard field goal following the second interception thrown by Seattle QB Sam Darnold. The Seahawks (3-3) trailed 14-3, but tied the game with a one yard TD run by George Holani and two-point conversion and then a 34-yard field goal by Jason Myers with 54 seconds left to force the overtime. Denver had scoring runs by J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey to help the winning effort.

In Las Vegas, the Buffalo Bills (5-1) held off the Raiders for a 33-30 win as QB Josh Allen (255 passing yards) threw for two touchdowns and RB James Cook (95 rushing yards) had a scoring run and Tyler Bass made four field goals. The Raiders (3-3) dropped their third straight game and QB Kirk Cousins had two TD passes, one interception and 313 passing yards in defeat. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, 26-19 in overtime thanks to QB Aaron Rodgers (253 passing yards, two TD, one INT) connecting with rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard on a six-yard touchdown pass. The Buccaneers (1-5) couldn't answer back behind QB Jalon Daniels, who had 164 passing yards, one TD and two interceptions in the loss. 

The Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) stayed unbeaten with a 22-6 home win against the hapless Los Angeles Chargers, who dropped to 0-6 this season. Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for two scores, including a 33-yard burst and had 128 yards on 19 carries to lead the way. The Chargers had two turnovers and QB Justin Herbert was sacked four times. 

Carolina beat the Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) for a 25-14 road win and improved to 3-2 as QB Bryce Young (281 passing yards) threw two touchdown passes while RB Chuba Hubbard (120 rushing yards) added a one yard scoring run and the Panthers defense limited the Eagles to only 35 rushing yards. The Eagles lost their fourth consecutive game and it was learned they will be without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts (blood clots in lungs) for the rest of the season.

The New England Patriots (4-2) made it three wins in a row as they toppled the New York Jets, 26-19 behind three TD passes from QB Drake Maye, who had 235 passing yards. The Jets (2-4) had four field goals by kicker Jason Sanders and a scoring pass by QB Geno Smith, who finished the game with 252 passing yards and one TD and one interception. 

 

The Arizona Cardinals (2-4) snapped a four-game losing streak as kicker Chad Ryland (pictured right) made six field goals, including the game winner from 43 yards as time ran out to beat the Los Angeles Rams, 18-16 for the road win. The Rams (2-4) took a 16-15 lead when QB Matthew Stafford threw his second touchdown pass with 47 seconds left in the game.  

 

The Cleveland Browns (4-2) forged a three-way tie for first place in the AFC North division by beating the Baltimore Ravens, 13-10 when kicker Andre Szmyt drilled the game winning 37-yard field goal as time ran out. The Ravens (4-2) had a 10-0 halftime lead thanks to a two yard scoring pass from QB Tyler Huntley to tight end Josh Cuevas. Browns running back Audric Estime had a two yard scoring run midway through the fourth quarter to tie the game. 

The Tennessee Titans (1-5) won their first game this season as they shocked the host Indianapolis Colts, 26-20 behind four field goals by Joey Slye, a touchdown pass from QB Cam Ward and a blocked punt for touchdown. Indianapolis QB Daniel Jones (269 passing yards, one TD, two INT) threw for a score and RB Jonathan Taylor (94 rushing yards) added a four yard scoring run in defeat as the Colts (2-4) blew a 13-point lead in the second half. 

The New Orleans Saints (2-4) defeated the New York Giants, 34-27 for a road win but nearly blew a 24-point lead as the Giants (3-2-1) rallied back for 17 points in the fourth quarter behind backup quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who replaced starter Jameis Winston (152 passing yards, one TD, two INT) and had 243 passing yards and one touchdown and one interception. The Saints built up a 34-10 lead as QB Tyler Shough had three touchdown passes. The Giants out gained New Orleans by 461-319 total yards, but  four turnovers (three picks, one fumble) and five sacks allowed was too much to overcome. 

On Monday Night Football, the San Francisco 49ers (6-0) dominated for three quarters and then almost squandered it away, but held on for a 23-17 win against the visiting Washington Commanders. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey scored twice while rushing for 64 yards and catching nine passes for 53 yards and quarterback Brock Purdy had a touchdown pass and 264 passing yards. The Commanders (1-4-1) battled back as QB Jayden Daniels had two scoring passes along with 300 passing yards, but he was sacked four times, including one to end the game and Washington at the 49ers 40-yard line.   

 

WEEK SIX RESULTS 

Denver 17, Seattle 14 

Houston 34, Jacksonville 31  

Chicago 31, Atlanta 23 

Cleveland 13, Baltimore 10 

Tennessee 26, Indianapolis 20 

New England 26, N.Y. Jets 19 

New Orleans 34, N.Y. Giants 27

Pittsburgh 26, Tampa Bay 19 (OT)  

Carolina 25, Philadelphia 14 

Arizona 18, L.A. Rams 16 

Kansas City 22, L.A. Chargers 6 

Buffalo 33, Las Vegas 30 

Green Bay 23, Dallas 13   

San Francisco 23, Washington 17  

 

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)