NFL - Week Three Recap

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker boots the record 66-yard field goal.

Justin Tucker.

The Baltimore Ravens kicker made NFL history on Sunday when he made a dramatic 66-yard field goal as time ran out in a 19-17 victory over the host Detroit Lions. The ball bounced off the cross bar and over to make it the game winner. It was a real kick in the butt for the Lions (0-3) who had battled back in the fourth quarter to take a 17-16 lead after trailing 13-0 in the third quarter. 

Another game that ended with a game winning field goal was in San Francisco on Sunday night and the Green Bay Packers won, 30-28 when Mason Crosby made a 51-yard kick to make the difference. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (261 passing yards and two TD passes) drove the team into field goal range in 37 seconds with no timeouts after the 49ers (2-1) had gone ahead 28-27 on a 12-yard touchdown pass from QB Jimmy Garoppolo (257 passing yards with two TD and one interception) to fullback Kyle Juszczyk. 

The Los Angeles Rams throttled the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 34-24 behind four TD passes by QB Matthew Stafford, with two of the scoring passes going to wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The Rams defense limited the Bucs (2-1) to 35 rushing yards and had thee QB sacks in the win to improve to 3-0 this season. Tampa Bay QB Tom Brady passed for 432 yards and one score in defeat. 

The Los Angeles Chargers topped the host Kansas City Chiefs, 30-24 to improve to 2-1 as QB Justin Herbert had four TD passes (two to WR Mike Williams) and the defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions. The Chiefs (1-2) took a brief 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter before the Chargers rally in the final minutes. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes had three TD passes and two interceptions in the loss. 

The Las Vegas Raiders (3-0) stayed undefeated with a 31-28 overtime win against the visiting Miami Dolphins (1-2). Raiders kicker Dan Carlson made a 22-yard field goal to win the game as time expired. The Dolphins tied the game 25-25 when QB Jacoby Brissett scored on a one-yard run and then the Dolphins converted the two-point attempt to force the OT session. Raiders QB Derek Carr had two TD passes and one pick thrown along with 386 yards and RB Peyton Barber scored a rushing TD and ran for 111 yards in the win. 

                                                 Elsewhere Around the NFL   . . . . . . . . .     

The Cleveland Browns mauled the Chicago Bears, 26-6 as the defense dominated with nine QB sacks and held the Bears to just 47 yards in total offense and one net yard passing for the game. Browns QB Baker Mayfield had a TD pass and RB Kareem Hunt scored a rushing touchdown to help Cleveland improve to 2-1 this season . . .  The Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) rolled past the host Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-10 as QB Joe Burrow had three TD passes and the defense picked off two passes . . .  The New Orleans Saints (2-1) routed the host New England Patriots (1-2) in a 28-13 win as the defense intercepted three passes, including a "pick six" 34-yard INT return by Malcolm Jenkins. Saints QB Jameis Winston had a pair of scoring passes in the win . . .  Tennessee won at home, 25-16 against the Indianapolis Colts with QB Ryan Tannehill tossing three TD passes. The Colts fell to 0-3 this season despite the defense getting three turnovers . . .  The Atlanta Falcons beat the host New York Giants, 17-14 when Younghoe Koo made the game winning 40-yard field goal as time expired . . .  The Denver Broncos (3-0) shutout the visiting New York Jets, 26-0 with a stellar defense that intercepted two passes and held the Jets (0-3) to just 162 total yards in offense. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus kicked four field goals and two rushing touchdowns provided the easy victory outcome . . .  The Minnesota Vikings (1-2) stormed back from an early 10-point deficit to beat the visiting Seattle Seahawks, 30-17 as QB Kirk Cousins passed for 323 yards and three touchdowns . . .  The Arizona Cardinals came back from a halftime deficit to beat the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-19 with RB James Conner scoring two rushing touchdowns and QB Kyler Murray adding another in the win to help the Cards improve to 3-0 for the season. The Jags (0-3) took a 13-7 lead when kick returner Jamal Agnew took a missed field goal try (from 68 yards) back for a 109-yard touchdown . . .  The Buffalo Bills (2-1) crushed the Washington Football Team, 43-21 behind four TD passes and a scoring run from QB Josh Allen, who also had 358 passing yards. The Bills defense forced three turnovers to help the winning effort . . . The Carolina Panthers (3-0) won, 24-9 on the road last Thursday night against the Houston Texans (1-2). Panthers QB Sam Darnold scored two rushing touchdowns and passed for 304 yards in the win . . .  In the Monday Night Football game, the host Dallas Cowboys (2-1) smashed the Philadelphia Eagles, 41-21 behind three TD passes by QB Dak Prescott and two rushing scores from RB Ezekiel Elliott (95 yards rushing) as well as a 59 yard interception return for touchdown by Trevon Diggs. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts passed for two scores and threw two interceptions along with 326 passing yards in the loss.

 

WEEK THREE RESULTS

Carolina 24, Houston 9 

L.A. Chargers 30, Kansas City 24

Atlanta 17, N.Y. Giants 14 

Cleveland 26, Chicago 6

Cincinnati 24, Pittsburgh 10

New Orleans 28, New England 13 

Buffalo 43, Washington 21

Baltimore 19, Detroit 17 

Arizona 31, Jacksonville 19 

Tennessee 25, Indianapolis 16  

Denver 26, N.Y. Jets 0 

L.A. Rams 34, Tampa Bay 24

Minnesota 30, Seattle 17

Las Vegas 31, Miami 28 (OT)

Green Bay 30, San Francisco 28

Dallas 41, Philadelphia 21 

 

 

NFL - Week Three Preview

 

The game of the week in the NFL is no doubt the Tampa Bay Buccaneers facing the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in L.A. this Sunday afternoon. 

The Bucs (2-0) and Rams (2-0) had a great game last season with the Rams winning it by a 27-24 score in late November. This season the Rams feel they have an upgrade in quarterback with Matthew Stafford now behind center and former QB Jared Goff now taking the snaps for the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, Bucs QB Tom Brady just keeps on rolling along and is coming off a FIVE touchdown pass performance in a rout of the Atlanta Falcons last week. 

Both of these teams feature strong defenses as well, especially against the run. The Rams seem to have the edge in passing defense, but both teams can get after opposing quarterbacks as well. In addition, the Rams defense has been more stingy on the scoreboard, allowing only 38 points through the first two games, compared to 54 points allowed by Tampa Bay. 

Brady and the Buccaneers offense seems to have more weapons than do the Rams, but wide receiver Antonio Brown could be out after a COVID-19 concern that came about this week. Even without him, the Bucs feature Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and tight end Rob Gronkowski. Stafford's go to guy so far this season has been WR Cooper Kupp, who has 16 receptions for 271 yards with three touchdowns in just two games. 

The Kansas City Chiefs will be back at home this Sunday to face the Los Angeles Chargers, an AFC West divisional rival. Kansas City squandered a double digit lead in the fourth quarter last Sunday night and lost to the Baltimore Ravens. The Chargers lost a heart breaker to the Dallas Cowboys, 20-17 on a game winning 56-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein as time expired. The Bolts and Chiefs are both 1-1 and need to win to keep pace with both the Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos, who are both 2-0 so far this season. 

Kansas City's defense has been among the worst in pro football through the first two games, especially against the run. The Chiefs have been gouged to the tune of allowing 202 yards rushing per game. At the same time, Kansas City is averaging only 67.5 YPG on the ground. The Chargers would be wise to follow the trend and keep it on the ground and control the clock. Either way, these two teams usually wind up in a shootout by the end of the game. 

The Sunday night game features the Green Bay Packers (1-1) at the San Francisco 49ers (2-0) and both teams are coming off wins. The 'Niners squeaked out a road win Philadelphia last Sunday by six points while the Packers crushed the Detroit Lions, 35-17 on Monday Night Football with QB Aaron Rodgers throwing four TD passes. 

 

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

 

Indianapolis (0-2) at Tennessee (1-1) - The Titans got it rolling last week with Derrick Henry. The Colts lost a tough one at home in the final minutes. 

Atlanta (0-2) at N.Y. Giants (0-2) - Who cares? 

L.A.Chargers (1-1) at Kansas City  (1-1) - Two teams that know each other very well. The Chiefs are smarting after blowing a big lead last week. 

Cincinnati (1-1) at Pittsburgh (1-1) - The Steelers had better be ready for this game. The Bengals are an improving team. 

Chicago (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1) - Bears rookie QB Justin Fields makes his first start in this one. The Browns can score points, but they also allow a lot of points. 

Baltimore (1-1) at Detroit (0-2) - The Ravens should win this game, but the Lions will put up a fight. 

New Orleans (1-1) at New England (1-1) - Two teams with solid defenses go at it in New England. Take the Pats in a squeaker. 

Arizona (2-0) at Jacksonville (0-2) - Cardinals roll !

Washington (1-1) at Buffalo (1-1) - Can the Bills keep things rolling after putting up 35 points last week? The Washington Football Team has a good defense, so it could be a close one. 

N.Y. Jets (0-2) at Denver (2-0) - On paper, the Broncos should crush the Jets on Sunday, but they have to play the game on the field. 

Miami (1-1) at Las Vegas (2-0) - Two teams that are out to prove the doubters wrong this season go at it in this one. Take the Raiders. 

Seattle (1-1) at Minnesota (0-2) - Will the Vikings lose at home and start the 2021 season at 0-3? 

Tampa Bay (2-0) at L.A. Rams (2-0) - This game should go down to the wire. Take the Buccaneers in a tight one as Brady and company pull it out late. 

Green Bay (1-1) at San Francisco (2-0) - Green Bay needs to win a road game against a tough opponent and this is their chance. The 49ers are a hard team to figure out so far this season. 

Philadelphia (1-1) at Dallas (1-1) - The Monday night game with two NFC East rivals going at it in Big D. Take the Cowboys. 

 

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

Carolina over Houston 

Tennessee over Indianapolis

N.Y. Giants over Atlanta 

Kansas City over L.A. Chargers 

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati 

Cleveland over Chicago 

Baltimore over Detroit 

New England over New Orleans 

ARIZONA over Jacksonville 

Buffalo over Washington 

Denver over N.Y. Jets 

Las Vegas over Miami 

Minnesota over Seattle 

Tampa Bay over L.A. Rams 

Green Bay over San Francisco 

Dallas over Philadelphia 

 

Last Week's Record - 10-6

SEASON RECORD - 19-13 

Lock of the Week Record - 2-0 

 

NFL - Week Two Recap

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson does a flip into the end zone in the win.

The Baltimore Ravens served notice they will not be taken lightly due to the number of injuries they have endured so far this year. They went out and beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 36-35 in the prime time Sunday night game in Baltimore as quarterback Lamar Jackson ran for two touchdowns and passed for another to offset his two interceptions, which included throwing a "pick six" to Chiefs defensive back Tyrann Mathieu early in the game. 

The Chiefs coughed up an 11-point fourth quarter lead as they turned the ball over twice, including a fumble by running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (recovered by Ravens rookie linebacker Odafe Oweh) at the Ravens 32-yard line with just over one minute remaining in the game and Baltimore up by one point. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes had three TD passes and one interception while throwing for 343 yards in the loss. For the game, the Ravens amassed 481 total yards, including 251 rushing yards. 

Earlier in the day, the Las Vegas Raiders blasted the host Pittsburgh Steelers, 26-17 as QB Derek Carr passed for 382 yards and a pair of touchdowns while kicker Dan Carlson made four field goals. The Las Vegas defense limited the Steelers to just 39 rushing yards in the game.

The Dallas Cowboys escaped with a 20-17 victory on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers as kicker Greg Zuerlein made a 56-yard field goal as time expired. The Chargers lost two touchdowns because of penalties as they were coming back from an early 11-point deficit to tie the score at 17-17 late in the fourth quarter. Dallas rushed for 198 yards with backs Tony Pollard (109 yards) and Ezekiel Elliott (71 yards) each scoring a TD in the win while Chargers QB Justin Herbert passed for 338 yards with one TD, but he was intercepted twice. 

Arizona won a thriller at home against the Minnesota Vikings, 34-33 when Vikings kicker Greg Joseph missed a 37-yard field goal with time running out. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray ran for a score and passed for three more (along with two interceptions) while getting 400 yards through the air. 

Both teams went for over 400 yards in offense in the high scoring game and Vikings running back Dalvin Cook had 131 yards rushing in the loss. Cardinals kicker Matt Prater helped make a difference in the outcome with two field goals, which included a 62-yard kick at the end of the first half. 

The Tennessee Titans came back from a double digit deficit to earn a 33-30 road win in overtime against the Seattle Seahawks. Titans kicker Randy Bullock made the game winner in OT from 36 yards out. The Titans went for 532 total yards in offense, and RB Derrick Henry took over the game, going for 182 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including a 60-yard burst in the fourth quarter when he scored twice to lead the comeback. Seahawks QB Russell Wilson passed for 343 yards with two touchdowns in the loss. 

The Los Angeles Rams earned a hard fought 27-24 win at Indianapolis behind a pair of TD passes by QB Matthew Stafford to wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who had nine receptions for 163 yards in the win. The Colts starting QB Carson Wentz left the game with a sprained ankle but did have a TD pass during the game. Rams kicker Matt Gay made the game winning 38-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining and then DB Jalen Ramsey sealed the win with an interception. 

                                                Elsewhere Around the NFL   . . . . . . . .    

The Chicago Bears survived at home with a 20-17 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals as their defense had four QB sacks and forced four turnovers, which included three interceptions in the fourth quarter. Bears linebacker Roquan Smith took his interception back 53 yards for a score that gave Chicago a 17-3 lead. The Bengals got two late TD passes from QB Joe Burrow to make things close before the Bears were able to run out the clock . . .   The Tampa Bay Buccaneers steam rolled the visiting Atlanta Falcons, 48-25 as QB Tom Brady threw five touchdown passes in the rout. The Bucs defense scored a pair of touchdowns as well when DB Mike Edwards took two picks back to the end zone . . .  The Buffalo Bills routed the host Miami Dolphins, 35-0 as the defense limited the Dolphins to only 216 yards in total offense and a balanced offense saw QB Josh Allen pass for two scores and running backs Devin Singletary and Zack Moss (two TD) rushed for others to make the difference . . .   The Carolina Panthers beat the visiting New Orleans Saints, 26-7 with a suffocating defense that held the Saints to just six first downs and 128 total yardage in offense while intercepting New Orleans QB Jameis Winston twice. Panthers QB Sam Darnold had two TD passes and RB Christian McCaffrey scored a rushing TD to pace the easy win . . .   The San Francisco 49ers won a close game on the road, 17-11 against the Philadelphia Eagles as QB Jimmy Garoppolo had a TD pass and a rushing score . . .  The New England Patriots rolled past the New York Jets, 25-6 to get the road win as their defense intercepted Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson four times. Patriots running backs Damien Harris and James White each had rushing touchdowns in the win . . .  The Cleveland Browns rallied back in the second half to defeat the visiting Houston Texans, 31-21 as QB Baker Mayfield had a TD run and pass and RB Nick Chubb scored on a 26-yard run to seal the game. Texans starting QB Tyrod Taylor left the game with a hamstring injury and could be lost for several weeks . . .  The Denver Broncos beat the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-13 as their defense intercepted two passes while limiting the Jaguars to just 189 yards in total offense. Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater threw two TD passes and Brandon McManus kicked three field goals to lead the way . . .  In the Thursday night game, the Washington Football Team won 30-29 against the visiting New York Giants when kicker Dustin Hopkins made a 43-yard field goal with no time left. The winning kick was possible because the Giants were offside on the missed 48-yard attempt. The Giants had taken a 29-27 lead when Graham Gano made a 35-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Washington QB Taylor Heinicke passed for 336 yards with two touchdowns and one interception while Giants QB Daniel Jones had a passing score and one rushing TD in the loss . . .  The Green Bay Packers dominated the visiting Detroit Lions in the second half of the Monday Night Football game and won, 35-17 behind four TD passes from QB Aaron Rodgers (255 passing yards) and four touchdowns scored (three receiving and one rushing) by running back Aaron Jones.

 

WEEK TWO RESULTS

Washington 30, N.Y. Giants 29

Chicago 20, Cincinnati 17

Las Vegas 26, Pittsburgh 17

Cleveland 31, Houston 21

Carolina 26, New Orleans 7

New England 25, N.Y. Jets 6

San Francisco 17, Philadelphia 11

L.A. Rams 27, Indianapolis 24

Denver 23, Jacksonville 13 

Buffalo 35, Miami 0  

Tampa Bay 48, Atlanta 25

Dallas 20, L.A. Chargers 17 

Arizona 34, Minnesota 33

Tennessee 33, Seattle 30 (OT)

Baltimore 36, Kansas City 35 

Green Bay 35, Detroit 17 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Two Preview

 

The big game this weekend in the NFL is the Kansas City Chiefs playing at the Baltimore Ravens in the Sunday Night Football game. 

The Chiefs stormed back to defeat the Cleveland Browns last week in the opening game while the Ravens coughed up a 14-point lead in a road loss in overtime to the Las Vegas Raiders on the Monday night game. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been up to the test during the last three seasons when squaring off against the Ravens and their star quarterback Lamar Jackson. The two quarterbacks were the NFL Most Valuable Players in successive years in the 2018 and 2019 seasons. 

The game could likely go down to the wire as the Ravens defense looks to get back in form after being shredded by Raiders QB Derek Carr last week. Meanwhile, the Ravens have to get the ground game going after losing three running backs to knee and Achilles injuries in the last two weeks. Lamar Jackson cannot be counted on to lead the team in rushing while also directing the passing attack. All in all, this should be an entertaining game with a lot of points going up on the scoreboard. 

The rest of the action for this weekend is broken down in the capsule style format with the Heftyinfo predictions following for all the games.

 

New Orleans (1-0) at Carolina (1-0) - The Saints bombed the Packers last week and if their defense plays the same way against the Panthers, they should move to 2-0 in the early part of the season. 

Cincinnati (1-0) at Chicago (0-1) - Can the Bears rebound in their home opener after laying an egg in L.A. last Sunday night? 

Houston (1-0) at Cleveland (0-1) - The Texans are undefeated, but this week they face the Browns, not the Jaguars. Plus, the Browns are angry after letting one slip away last week in Kansas City. 

L.A. Rams (1-0) at Indianapolis (0-1) - The Colts cannot afford to start out 0-2 and their defense will do all it can to ensure that does not happen. The Rams looked really good in their opening game rout of the Chicago Bears. 

Denver (1-0) at Jacksonville (0-1) - The Broncos will likely get another win on the road against an inferior opponent. 

Buffalo (0-1) at Miami (1-0) - The Bills do not want to fall two full games behind the Dolphins in the AFC East division. Miami's defense could make that happen. 

New England (0-1) at N.Y. Jets (0-1) - Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson will face another tough defense in this one. Patriots rookie QB Mac Jones will look to spark the offense to more than just 16 points this week. 

San Francisco (1-0) at Philadelphia (1-0) - One of these two teams will be 2-0 (barring a tie game) following this one. The 49ers have been injury riddled already after just one game. Toss up.

Las Vegas (1-0) at Pittsburgh (1-0) - The Steelers defense will be the difference in the outcome of this game. 

Minnesota (0-1) at Arizona (1-0) - Cardinals roll ! 

Atlanta (0-1) at Tampa Bay (1-0) - Tom Brady and company should punish the Falcons in this game. 

Dallas (0-1) at L.A. Chargers (1-0) - Can the 'Bolts make it two in a row to start the 2021 season? Expect a high scoring game here that should go down to the wire. 

Tennessee (0-1) at Seattle (1-0) - Two teams that can score points should make this game exciting. Seahawks rate the slight edge at home. 

Kansas City (1-0) at Baltimore (0-1) - The Ravens home crowd will be revved up and eager to see their team bounce back after blowing their opening game on the road. Kansas City and QB Patrick Mahomes rates a slight edge in this game, especially in light of the many injuries for Baltimore. 

Detroit (0-1) at Green Bay (0-1) - The Monday night game featuring a Packers team in search of their first touchdown of the season. Will Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers be asking fans to "relax" following this game? 

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

 

Washington over N.Y. Giants 

New Orleans over Carolina 

Chicago over Cincinnati 

CLEVELAND over Houston 

Indianapolis over L.A. Rams 

Denver over Jacksonville 

Buffalo over Miami 

New England over N.Y. Jets 

San Francisco over Philadelphia 

Pittsburgh over Las Vegas 

Arizona over Minnesota 

Tampa Bay over Atlanta 

L.A. Chargers over Dallas 

Seattle over Tennessee 

Kansas City over Baltimore 

Green Bay over Detroit 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-7 

SEASON RECORD - 9-7 

Lock of the Week Record - 1-0 

 

 

NFL - Week One Recap

The defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the season on a winning note by beating the visiting Dallas Cowboys, 31-29 on the Thursday night NFL season opening game. Bucs kicker Ryan Succop made the game winning 36-yard field goal with just two seconds remaining in the game. Just under two minutes earlier, Dallas kicker Greg Zuerlein made a 48-yard field goal to give the Cowboys the one-point lead.

Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady (pictured at left) threw for 379 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions while Cowboys QB Dak Prescott had three TD passes and one interception along with 403 passing yards in the loss.  

The New Orleans Saints destroyed the Green Bay Packers, 38-3 as QB Jameis Winston had five touchdown passes and the Saints defense intercepted Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers twice and held the Packers to only 229 total yards in offense. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers surprised the Buffalo Bills, 23-16 for the road win as their defense limited the Bills to just two field goals in the second half to erase the 10-0 halftime deficit. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger had a TD pass and Ulysees Gilbert scored on a blocked punt as Pittsburgh scored 17 points in the final quarter to make the difference. 

The Kansas City Chiefs stormed back to win at home, 33-29 against the Cleveland Browns after trailing 22-10 at the half. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes had three TD passes and 337 yards passing along with a TD run to lead the way in the second half. Mahomes hooked up with tight end Travis Kelce twice on scoring passes and had a 75-yard TD pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill (11 receptions for 197 yards). Browns running back Nick Chubb scored two rushing touchdowns in the loss.

The Seattle Seahawks blasted the host Indianapolis Colts, 28-16 behind four TD passes from QB Russell Wilson. Colts new starting quarterback Carson Wentz had two TD passes in defeat. 

Arizona crushed the host Tennessee Titans, 38-13 with QB Kyler Murray running for a touchdown and passing for four more scores as the Cardinals compiled 418 total yards of offense. The Cardinals defense limited Tennessee to 248 total yards in offense and linebacker/rush end Chandler Jones had five quarterback sacks in the blowout win. 

                                                               Elsewhere Around the NFL . . . . . . . 

The Los Angeles Chargers pulled off a road win at Washington, 20-16 with Austin Ekeler scoring a rushing TD and QB Justin Herbert throwing for one while the defense held Washington to just 259 yards in total offense . . .   The Houston Texans blasted the Jacksonville Jaguars, 37-21 as QB Tyrod Taylor had a pair of TD passes to offset rookie QB Trevor Lawrence's three touchdown passes, along with the rookie throwing three interceptions in the loss . . .   The Cincinnati Bengals outlasted the visiting Minnesota Vikings, 27-24 in overtime as kicker Evan McPherson drilled the game winning 34-yard field goal with five seconds left in OT . . .  The Los Angeles Rams routed the visiting Chicago

Bears, 34-14 in the Sunday night game as QB Matthew Stafford (pictured right) had 321 passing yards and three touchdowns . . .  The Philadelphia Eagles crushed the host Atlanta Falcons, 32-6 as QB Jalen Hurts threw three touchdown passes and the Eagles rolled up 434 total yards of offense . . .  The Denver Broncos rolled past the New York Giants, 27-13 as QB Teddy Bridgewater had two TD passes and RB Melvin Gordon scored on a 70-yard run while Von Miller had a pair of QB sacks to pace the road win . . .  The San Francisco 49ers built a huge lead and then held off the host Detroit Lions fourth quarter comeback effort in a 41-33 win. San Francisco quarterbacks Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo each threw for a TD and the defense scored a touchdown on a pick six from Dre Greenlaw. Lions new QB Jared Goff had three TD passes and an interception in the loss . . .  Miami won a squeaker on the road, 17-16 against the New England Patriots. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa scored a rushing TD and also had a passing score in the win . . .  The Carolina Panthers toppled the visiting New York Jets, 19-14 with QB Sam Darnold burning his former team with a TD pass and run to lead the way. Jets rookie QB Zach Wilson had a pair of TD passes and one interception in the loss . . .  In the Monday Night Football game, the Las Vegas Raiders beat the visiting Baltimore Ravens, 33-27 in overtime on a 31-yard touchdown pass from QB Derek Carr to WR Zay Jones. Carr passed for two scores and had one interception in the win along with 435 passing yards. Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson passed for 235 yards with one TD and also rushed for 86 yards, but lost a fumble in the OT session that the Raiders were then able to take down the field for the winning scoring drive.

WEEK ONE RESULTS 

Tampa Bay 31, Dallas 29

L.A. Chargers 20,  Washington 16 

Pittsburgh 23, Buffalo 16

Philadelphia 32, Atlanta 6 

San Francisco 41, Detroit 33

Carolina 19, N.Y. Jets 14 

Cincinnati 27, Minnesota 24 (OT)

Seattle 28, Indianapolis 16

Houston 37, Jacksonville 21 

Arizona 38, Tennessee 13

Denver 27, N.Y. Giants 13 

New Orleans 38, Green Bay 3

Miami 17, New England 16

Kansas City 33, Cleveland 29

L.A. Rams 34, Chicago 14   

Las Vegas 33, Baltimore 27 (OT)

NFL - Week One Preview

Here we are folks.                                 

The 2021 NFL season is about to get started and it should indeed be another very interesting season. 

Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took advantage of the favorable schedule and won their final four regular season games and then rolled through the playoffs as they won the Super Bowl, 31-9 against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The Bucs will get things started on Thursday night when they host the Dallas Cowboys in the first game of the 2021 NFL season. Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady and the offense will look to get it going earlier this season as it took them the better part of the 2020 schedule to get the offense in the form they envisioned when they signed Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski, along with in-season moves to get wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back Leonard Fournette. 

The Buccaneers should win this game, but there are no guarantees in the NFL and the Cowboys have a lot to prove, especially on defense. In addition, Dallas QB Dak Prescott is looking to complete the comeback from the severe ankle injury he suffered in the fifth game last year that ended his season. 

A few other games that look to be on the upside in Week One include the Pittsburgh Steelers traveling to Buffalo to face the Bills, who are looking to break through in 2021 and get to the Super Bowl for the first time in 28 years. The Bills and QB Josh Allen can put up the points while the Steelers will be looking to prove the doubters wrong after folding like a house of cards last year with four losses in the final five regular season games and then laying an egg in their playoff game at home against Cleveland.

Speaking of the Cleveland Browns, they will be traveling to face the Kansas City Chiefs, the team that knocked them out of the AFC playoffs in the divisional round a year ago. Both teams have young quarterbacks with the big difference being that K.C. quarterback Patrick Mahomes has both an NFL MVP and a Super Bowl title (and MVP) under his belt in his first four seasons. Browns QB Baker Mayfield showed great improvement in 2020 from the turnover plagued 2019 season he endured. 

Along with that game, the Arizona Cardinals at the Tennessee Titans could be a shootout. The Titans look to balance their offense with All-Pro running back Derrick Henry (coming off a 2,000-plus yard season) and QB Ryan Tannehill, who is coming off his best ever statistical season. The Cardinals feature a dynamic quarterback in Kyler Murray running a high flying offense that likes to air it out.

The Green Bay Packers and reigning NFL MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers will play on the road against the New Orleans Saints. But this game is being played in Jacksonville, Florida because of the damage the city of New Orleans suffered ten days ago with Hurricane Ida. With the neutral site coming into play, that gives an added edge to the Packers as they will not have to deal with the hostile fan environment of the Super Dome. 

The first week of an NFL season is usually one of the most unpredictable ones for sure. And this season will likely be no exception. After a solid year of picking the winners and losers in the 2020 season, here goes nothing as Heftyinfo selects the games for Week One, along with a capsule preview of all the games this weekend. 

 

Thursday, Sept. 9

Dallas Cowboys at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Tom Brady and company should win this one, but the Cowboys will be looking to prove they are better than last season's disaster. 

 

Sunday, Sept. 12

Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons - Two teams coming off stinker seasons in 2020 and looking to prove the doubters wrong. Toss up in this one. 

Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills - It's the old guard (Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger) against the new guard (Bills QB Josh Allen) as these two AFC foes go at it before the frenzied fans in Buffalo. Take the Bills in a close one.

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers - You think Carolina QB Sam Darnold might be wanting to show his former team they made the wrong decision in letting him go? The Jets are going with starting a rookie QB in Zach Wilson. 

Minnesota Vikings at Cincinnati Bengals - This game could go either way. The Bengals will have QB Joe Burrow back after he suffered a season ending knee injury while the Vikings and QB Kirk Cousins have much to prove. 

San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions - Can the 49ers and (QB) Jimmy G. right the ship after an injury plagued 2020 season? The Lions have a new QB with Jared Goff taking over in Motown and he is familiar with the San Francisco defense. 

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans - The Texans look like a complete mess on paper heading into the 2021 season, but if they are going to get a win this year, this would be a great opportunity. The Jaguars are coming off a one-win season and all eyes are on top draft pick (QB) Trevor Lawrence. 

Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts - Russell Wilson and the Seahawks travel to face a Colts team that is going with a brand new QB in Carson Wentz, provided he is ready to go after foot surgery just five weeks ago. Toss up here. 

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans - This game could go down to the wire with two high flying offenses going at it. Whoever has the ball last could be the winner. 

Los Angeles Chargers at Washington - The Washington Football Team's defense will get an up close look at second year QB Justin Herbert, who set NFL rookie records last season with the Chargers. This one is also a toss up. 

Cleveland Browns at Kansas City Chiefs - This could very well be the NFL game of the week with two good AFC teams going at it in Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes rates the edge and should be the difference in the game. 

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots - The Dolphins just missed making the playoffs last year and the rebuilt Patriots will be a good test for them, especially playing on the road. 

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints (game being played in Jacksonville, Florida) - The Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers need to get down to business and get the road win against a revamped Saints team that is entering the post Drew Brees era with Jameis Winston starting at quarterback. 

Denver Broncos at New York Giants - The Broncos and new QB Teddy Bridgewater face the Giants, who just missed the playoffs a year ago. Can Giants QB Daniel Jones get it going on offense with a healthy (running back) Saquon Barkley back in the mix? 

Chicago Bears at Los Angeles Rams - The Sunday Night Football game with the Bears defense going against a familiar foe in Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who has a lot more weapons in L.A. than he did last year in Detroit. Take the Rams in a squeaker. 

 

Monday, Sept. 13 

Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders - The Ravens offensive backfield is looking for a healthy body to join Gus Edwards as they take on the Raiders in the Monday Night Football game. Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson looks to have a big game, but the Raiders will not just roll over in this one. 

 

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

 

TAMPA BAY over Dallas 

Atlanta over Philadelphia 

Buffalo over Pittsburgh 

Carolina over N.Y. Jets 

Minnesota over Cincinnati 

San Francisco over Detroit 

Houston over Jacksonville 

Seattle over Indianapolis 

Tennessee over Arizona 

L.A. Chargers over Washington 

Kansas City over Cleveland 

New England over Miami 

Green Bay over New Orleans (game being played in Jacksonville, FL)

Denver over N.Y. Giants 

L.A. Rams over Chicago 

Baltimore over Las Vegas 

 

Last Season's Record - 181-74-1

Lock of the Week Record - 14-3

 

 

 

 

 

NFL 2021 Season Predictions

The 2021 NFL season is set to kickoff on Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Dallas Cowboys.

The Bucs went on a late season run and then the defense turned it up several notches as they ran through the playoffs (as a wild card team) by winning three road games, including the NFC title game in Green Bay before destroying the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9 in the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. They became the first team in Super Bowl history to win the the championship in their home stadium. 

Dallas is coming off a dismal 6-10 finish in the 2020 season as starting quarterback Dak Prescott was knocked out for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury in the fifth game. Going up against Tom Brady and company won't be easy, so Dallas had better be ready. Tampa Bay should win, but then again it's a new season and they have the target as defending Super Bowl champions on their collective backs. 

Repeating as champions in NEVER easy, just ask the Kansas City Chiefs or any other Super Bowl champ since the 2003 season. In 2004, the New England Patriots (with Brady as the starting quarterback) were the last NFL team to repeat as champions. 

With all that said, here goes nothing at picking the eight NFL divisional winners and wild card teams for this year's playoffs. 

(Wild card teams are in italics; Number one seed is listed in bold.) 

NFC 

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

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

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

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

AFC 

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

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

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

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

 

NFC Playoffs 

Wild Card Round 

Tampa Bay over Minnesota, Seattle over New Orleans, San Francisco over Dallas 

Divisional Round 

Green Bay over San Francisco, Tampa Bay over Seattle 

NFC Championship 

Green Bay over Tampa Bay 

 

AFC Playoffs

Wild Card Round 

Buffalo over L.A. Chargers, Tennessee over Baltimore, Cleveland over Pittsburgh 

Divisional Round 

Kansas City over Cleveland, Buffalo over Tennessee 

AFC Championship

Buffalo over Kansas City 

SUPER BOWL 

Green Bay Packers over Buffalo Bills