Thoughts And Oberservations On 2023 - What A Year It Was

 As 2023 exits and we welcome 2024 (a presidential election year) into the fold, how about a look back at what a year it was. 

The political world and news media that follows it around will not let go of Donald Trump as most of the coverage seems to go toward him and the insanity that goes with him. 

President Joe Biden, despite being hamstrung by an inept U.S. House of Representatives (led by the Republican party) and a stagnant U.S. Senate (filibusters by Republicans) continues to forge ahead and has been getting things done for the people of the United States. Check out that booming economy thanks to "Bidenomics." In 2024, let we the people get President Biden some help and vote out the republican led House members and keep the Senate in a Democratic party majority to reduce that stagnation. 

May the court system do their job and get Trump out of the picture by convicting him of the crimes he committed. All he and his attorneys have done in 2023 is attempt to delay, delay, delay legal proceedings as his delusional mind believes he will be elected president for a second term and pardon the crimes. He thinks he can be a dictator of this country. 

Newsflash to Trump -- We don't do that in the United States of America. Never have and never will. The people who believe in that sort of thing are pissing on the graves of ALL the veterans of our military, especially the World War II vets that fought and died for the cause of preventing fascism and the Nazi movement in the United States of America.

Kudos to special prosecutor Jack Smith (a true American patriot) for going after Trump and his cohorts and getting things rolling to lock up all these traitors. Trump is the biggest traitor of them all and the chance he is even able to be considered a presidential candidate is absurd. He is nothing but a traitor to the United States of America. Period. End of discussion.  

In 2023, the MAGA movement has been attempting to remain relevant, but it is just a matter of time (VOTE in 2024) before they will be put back into their places under the rocks they slithered out from under nine years ago. Hate has always been here and will continue to be, but with Trump out of the picture, it will be less obvious in our world. Here is hoping the media in this country gets a clue and stops pandering to the madness of all things Trump stands for. 

The same holds true for the compromised U.S. Supreme Court that has three justices (Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Coney Barrett) that Trump appointed (thanks a lot Mitch McConnell for helping him steal two of those seats) as well as three others (Thomas, Roberts and Alito) from both Bushes when they were the president of this country. In 2024 and beyond, no more legislating from the bench. Do their job and interpret the laws and leave it at that when making decisions about the U.S. Constitution.

The situation with the migrants is another thing the republicans are responsible for as they have never offered any real solutions to the problem. They are the problem as they constantly bullhorn and grandstand there's a migrant problem whenever they don't have control of the White House. But when they do get power, they offer no solutions to keep the migrants out. Texas governor Greg Abbott and Florida governor Ron DeSantis are two of the biggest instigators of it all. In 2024, the Democrats (and also the news media) need to beat the drum constantly and call attention to the evil of those two so called leaders. 

In 2023, there were special elections held in red states that looked to further enact abortion restrictions (and other issues to suppress women along with voting rights and gerrymandering voting districts) but they were overwhelmingly rejected by WE THE PEOPLE who voted against them.

 In 2024, look for more of the same results as people will come out in record numbers to keep President Biden in office as well as giving the Democratic party control of the U.S. House and retaining the U.S. Senate. 

Count on it happening as the last three elections (2018, 2020, 2022) since Trump's "victory" in 2016 have gone blue. Yes, people will say the Republican party gained control of the U.S. House in 2022, but that was by the narrowest of margins, five seats which is now down to two, after they expected the "red wave" that would give them a 30-plus seat majority. 

Let's turn to the sports world . . . In 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs won their second Super Bowl in four years, beating the Philadelphia Eagles by a 38-35 score. 

The Texas Rangers shocked the world of Major League Baseball by coming out of nowhere (thanks to the expanded playoffs) to defeat the equally surprising Arizona Diamondbacks in five games to win the 2023 World Series. 

The Las Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup, beating down the Florida Panthers while the Denver Nuggets won their first ever NBA championship by knocking off the upstart Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. 

In 2024, expect more of the same as the topsy turvy nature of sports continues to be the norm. In a word, INCONSISTENCY prevails in sports and it will likely continue to be that way.

Happy New Year everybody and may 2024 be a blessing to all. 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Seventeen Preview

 

There are only two weeks left in the 2023 NFL regular season and three of the biggest games feature the Detroit Lions (11-4) facing the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) on Saturday night in Texas. On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens (12-3) host the Miami Dolphins (11-4) in the battle for the top spot and bye in the AFC playoffs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) will host the New Orleans Saints (7-8) in a big battle for first place in the NFC South division. 

The Dallas Cowboys have a 15-game home winning streak going and are playoff bound while the Lions just clinched the NFC North division, so this game has big implications in the NFC playoff picture. Dallas has dropped two straight games and trail the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East race. The Lions are still in the chase for the top spot in the NFC playoffs. 

The Baltimore Ravens sent a strong message they are the team to beat after they throttled the San Francisco 49ers last Monday night in the road win. The Miami Dolphins beat Dallas last week and could clinch the AFC East with a win, but the Ravens defense should make things difficult for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and company. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is staking his own claim as the premier offensive player in the NFL and could very well have his team score a lot of points against an improving Dolphins defense. 

The game between Tampa Bay and New Orleans should be an interesting one. The Bucs have won four in a row and the offense is clicking with QB Baker Mayfield enjoying perhaps his finest season as a pro. The  Saints are in a must win game on the road and quarterback Derek Carr needs to be at his best if they are going to win this one. The Buccaneers beat the Saints 26-9 back in October and could very well do it again in this one. 

The rest of the action is featured in the capsule style format (except for the N.Y. Jets at Cleveland game, which took place Thursday night with the host Browns winning, 37-20) . . . The Heftyinfo predictions for all the games follows up. 

Los Angeles Rams (8-7) at New York Giants (5-10) - Rams need this game and should win, but the Giants at home won't be an easy task. 

New England (4-11) at Buffalo (9-6) - The Bills are rolling and would love to avenge a loss to the Patriots suffered earlier this season. 

Atlanta (7-8) at Chicago (6-9) - The Bears looking to play spoiler to the Falcons playoff hopes. 

Las Vegas (7-8) at Indianapolis (8-7) - The loser of this game will be out of the AFC playoff picture. Toss up. 

Carolina (2-13) at Jacksonville (8-7) - The Jaguars will be without starting QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder injury) in this game, but need to snap a four-game losing streak as the AFC South division is now up for grabs. 

Tennessee (5-10) at Houston (8-7) - The visiting Titans don't dare wear the throwback Houston Oilers uniforms in this game. The Texans should have starting quarterback C.J. Stroud back for this game and need a win to keep pace in the AFC South race. 

Arizona (3-12) at Philadelphia (11-4) - The Eagles should be flying high in this one. 

San Francisco (11-4) at Washington (4-11) - The 49ers got their butts kicked last week and need a quick rebound to maintain the top seed in the NFC playoff race. Washington will likely put up a fight in this one on their home field. 

Pittsburgh (8-7) at Seattle (8-7) - This game should be a tight one between two teams fighting for their playoff lives. Toss up. 

Cincinnati (8-7) at Kansas City (9-6) - The two teams that battled in the last two AFC Championship games go at it. The Chiefs rate the edge at home, but they have not been good in recent weeks. The Bengals must win or else they are out of the AFC playoff chase. 

L.A. Chargers (5-10) at Denver (7-8) - Two also ran teams just playing out the string this season. Broncos starting QB Russell Wilson has been benched the rest of the way. How about that? 

Green Bay (7-8) at Minnesota (7-8) - The Sunday night tilt between two teams with very minimal shots at making the playoffs. They couldn't flex this game out of "prime time" for a more important one? 

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

 

Cleveland over N.Y. Jets 

Dallas over Detroit 

L.A. Rams over N.Y. Giants 

Baltimore over Miami 

Buffalo over New England 

Chicago over Atlanta 

Indianapolis over Las Vegas 

Jacksonville over Carolina 

Houston over Tennessee  

PHILADELPHIA over Arizona 

Tampa Bay over New Orleans 

San Francisco over Washington 

Pittsburgh over Seattle 

Kansas City over Cincinnati 

L.A. Chargers over Denver 

Minnesota over Green Bay

Last Week's Record - 10-6 

SEASON RECORD - 154-86

Lock of the Week Record - 13-3 

NFL - Week Sixteen Recap

The Miami Dolphins celebrate a big win.

The Miami Dolphins finally beat a team with a winning record, but the Dallas Cowboys continue to struggle in road games. On Sunday in Miami, the Dolphins clinched a playoff spot and improved to 11-4 and also took a step closer to clinching the AFC East division by beating the Cowboys, 22-20 with a last second 29-yard field goal. Miami kicker Jason Sanders made five field goals (including three from better than 50 yards) in the win as running back Raheem Mostert scored on a four-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (293 passing yards) just before halftime for a 13-7 lead. The Cowboys (10-5) eventually took a 20-19 lead with 3:33 left in the fourth quarter when QB Dak Prescott (253 passing yards, two TD) threw an eight-yard TD strike to wide receiver Brandin Cooks. 

The Cleveland Browns (10-5) won their third consecutive game and took a step closer to clinching an AFC playoff spot with a convincing 36-22 road win against the slumping Houston Texans (8-7) as QB Joe Flacco passed for three touchdowns (along with two interceptions and 368 yards) while WR Amari Cooper hauled in  two of the touchdown passes and had 11 receptions for 265 yards. The only Texans score until a pair of TD passes late in the game by reserve QB Davis Mills was a 98-yard kickoff return for touchdown by Dameon Pierce.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7) continued their late season push for a third consecutive NFC South division title with a 30-12 rout of the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars (8-7), who dropped their fourth straight game as they had four turnovers (two fumbles, two INT) and QB Trevor Lawrence suffered a shoulder injury. Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield (283 passing yards) had two touchdown passes in the win, which was the fourth straight for the Bucs. 

 

Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell talks about winning NFC North.

 The Detroit Lions (11-4) clinched their first ever NFC North division title (and first division crown since 1993) with a hard fought, 30-24 road win against the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) as QB Jared Goff had a TD pass to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (12 receptions for 106 yards) and running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored two rushing touchdowns. Vikings QB Nick Mullens had two TD passes in the loss, but also was intercepted four times and sacked four times as well. 

 

 

In Atlanta, the Falcons (7-8) stayed alive in the NFC South division race with a 29-10 pounding of the Indianapolis Colts (8-7) with Younghoe Koo making five field goals and the offense using a balanced attack (177 rushing yards and 229 passing yards) in the easy win. The Colts only touchdown was a one-yard rushing score by RB Jonathan Taylor. 

On Saturday, the host Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7) snapped a three-game skid with a 34-11 drubbing of the Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) as QB Mason Rudolph threw two TD passes along with 290 yards in his first start this season. Steelers WR George Pickens (four receptions for 195 yards) hauled in scoring passes of 86 and 66 yards and the defense intercepted Bengals QB Jake Browning three times. 

The Buffalo Bills (9-6) made it three straight wins on Saturday night in Los Angeles as they held off the Chargers, 24-22 when kicker Tyler Bass made a 29-yard field goal with 28 seconds remaining. Buffalo QB Josh Allen had a TD pass and run (record setting 11th time this season) in the game to offset a TD run by Chargers QB Easton Stick and five field goals by Cameron Dicker. The Chargers dropped to 5-10 this season with their sixth loss in the last seven games. 

The Los Angeles Rams (8-7) won at home, 30-22 on Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints (7-8) with QB Matthew Stafford leading the way with two TD passes and 328 passing yards. with Kyren Williams rushed for a touchdown and 104 yards. Wide receiver Puka Nacua had a scoring reception and hauled in nine catches for 164 yards. Meanwhile, Saints QB Derek Carr passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns and one interception in defeat. 

The Seattle Seahawks (8-7) got a 20-17 road win against the Tennessee Titans (5-10) as QB Geno Smith had two TD passes, including the game winner (five yards) to Colby Parkinson with only 57 seconds left to play. Titans RB Derrick Henry (88 rushing yards) scored a touchdown on a two-yard run and also threw a scoring pass in the loss. 

The Chicago Bears (6-9) came away with a 27-16 home win against the Arizona Cardinals (3-12) as QB Justin Fields (170 passing yards, one TD, one INT and 97 rushing yards on nine carries) scored a rushing touchdown and also connected with tight end Marcedes Lewis on a one-yard scoring pass while RB Khalil Herbert (20 carries for 112 yards) scored a rushing TD to pace the effort. The Cardinals fell behind 21-0 before making it interesting as QB Kyler Murray threw a pair of TD passes to get back to within 24-16 with 6:37 left in the game. 

The Green Bay Packers (7-8) nearly squandered a 14-point fourth quarter lead, but held off the host Carolina Panthers (2-13) for a 33-30 victory as kicker Anders Carlson drilled a 32-yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining. Packers QB Jordan Love had two TD passes and also a rushing touchdown to offset two TD passes by Panthers QB Bryce Young (312 passing yards) as he led the team back to tie the game at 30-30 with four minutes left in the fourth quarter. 

The New York Jets (6-9) also squandered a big lead (27-7 at halftime) and fell behind the Washington Commanders (4-11) before rallying to win, 30-28 on a 54-yard field goal by Greg Zuerlein with five seconds left to play. Jets RB Breece Hall (20 carries for 95 yards) scored twice in the ground along with a TD pass from QB Trevor Siemian. Washington  stormed back in the second half with QB Jacoby Brissett throwing a TD pass and RB Chris Rodriguez, Jr. getting two rushing scores and Antonio Gibson a two-yard TD run for a 28-27 lead with 4:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

On Sunday night in Denver, the New England Patriots (4-11) surprised the Broncos, 26-23 when kicker Chad Rylund made a 56-yard field goal as time ran out. The Broncos (7-8) were dealt a serious blow for their playoff hopes with the defeat as they fell behind 23-7 in the third quarter as the Pats scored two touchdowns in six seconds on an 11-yard TD pass from QB Bailey Zappe (256 passing yards, two TD) to tight end Mike Gesicki and a one-yard fumble return for score by Cody Davis. But Denver QB Russell Wilson (238 passing yards) threw two fourth quarter TD passes and also two successful two-point conversions to tie it up at 23-23 with 2:53 left to play. But New England drove downfield in the last two minutes to get the game winning kick. 

There were three Christmas Day games in the NFL and the early one in Kansas City saw the Las Vegas Raiders (7-8) stun the Chiefs, 20-14 as the defense dominated, getting two scores off turnovers with a fumble recovery for an eight yard touchdown by Bilal Nichols and later a "pick six" 33-yard interception return for another score by Jack Jones to take a 17-7 lead at the half. The Chiefs (9-6) lost for the fourth time in the last six games as they had a 7-3 lead midway through the second quarter when RB Isiah Pacheco scored on a 12-yard run. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was sacked four times while turning it over twice (fumble and INT) that resulted directly in the Raiders two touchdowns. Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson made two field goals to help account for the final outcome.

The Philadelphia Eagles beat the visiting New York Giants, 33-25 as QB Jalen Hurts (301 passing yards, one TD, one INT) scored a rushing TD and also threw a 36-yard scoring pass to WR DeVonta Smith while RB DeAndre Swift (92 rushing yards on 20 carries) scored on a five-yard run to pace the attack. Jake Elliott added four field goals for the Eagles (11-4) as they took over first place in the NFC East. The Giants (5-10) trailed 20-3 at halftime,but caught some breaks in the second half when Philly fumbled away the opening second half kickoff and RB Saquon Barkley scored a rushing TD and then Adoree' Jackson took an interception back 76 yards for a touchdown to trim the deficit to 20-18 entering the final quarter. Philadelphia outscored the Giants 13-7 in the fourth quarter and Kelee Ringo intercepted Tyrod Taylor's pass in the end zone as time ran out to seal the win. 

The Monday Night Football Game in San Francisco was all Baltimore Ravens, especially in the second half as they improved to a league best 12-3 record with a 33-19 win against the 49ers (11-4), who saw their six game winning streak snapped. The Ravens defense intercepted five passes in the game, including four against 49ers starting QB Brock Purdy. Meanwhile, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson passed for two touchdowns and 252 yards while also rushing for 45 yards to lead the offense. The game was close with Baltimore leading 16-12 at the half, but they put it away with 17 unanswered points in the third quarter. 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 103 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown in defeat.

 

WEEK SIXTEEN RESULTS 

L.A. Rams 30, New Orleans 22 

Pittsburgh 34, Cincinnati 11  

Buffalo 24, L.A. Chargers 22 

Detroit 30, Minnesota 24

N.Y. Jets 30, Washington 28

Seattle 20, Tennessee 17

Atlanta 29, Indianapolis 10

Green Bay 33, Carolina 30 

Cleveland 36, Houston 22

Tampa Bay 30, Jacksonville 12 

Chicago 27, Arizona 16

Miami 22, Dallas 20 

New England 26, Denver 23 

Las Vegas 20, Kansas City 14 

Philadelphia 33, N.Y. Giants 25 

Baltimore 33, San Francisco 19

NFL - Week Sixteen Preview

The NFL schedule for the Christmas holiday weekend is indeed a gift to all football fans. 

The Thursday night tilt in Los Angeles got it started and the Rams topped the New Orleans Saints, 30-22 to improve their record to 8-7 while New Orleans slipped to 7-8 with just two games left.

The Saturday games (two of them) feature teams vying for playoff spots in the AFC as the Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) travel to face the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) while the Buffalo Bills (8-6) take on the Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) in Tinsel Town. As for the ten Sunday games, the biggest matchup has the Dallas Cowboys traveling to Miami to face the Dolphins. Both teams have 10-4 records and lead their respective divisions with three games left to play in the regular season. 

The absolute biggest game of Week 16 will be the Monday Night Football game in San Francisco where the teams with the best records in the NFL will square off when the NFC leading 49ers (11-3) host the Baltimore Ravens, who are also 11-3 and looking to remain atop the AFC playoff race. 

With just three games remaining on the regular season schedule, the many teams still (mathematically) alive for the playoffs will be facing "crunch time" as a loss will ring loud and clear to possibly ending their dreams of a post season run. 

The Dallas Cowboys got walloped in Buffalo last Sunday and now face the Miami Dolphins, who haven't beaten a team with a winning record this season. This game should be a close one and probably will be a high scoring affair. Both of these teams can light up the scoreboard and which ever team has the football last could wind up winning. 

On Monday night, the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers game might be a Super Bowl preview (as many have been saying) but that never seems to happen once the playoffs get going. Just enjoy this one folks because it should be an exciting one. The 49ers rate the edge at home and their defense can rival the Ravens defense.

 The 'Niners have a more diverse offensive attack with Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel presenting all kind of problems for opponents. Another test looming for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been superb this season. The Ravens X factor is quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been on a roll this year and he has better weapons to throw to this season. And you know he wants to prove he's the better QB than Purdy. This could actually be the game of the year. 

Merry Christmas!

The rest of the action for Week 16 is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks for the games follows. 

Cincinnati (8-6) at Pittsburgh (7-7) - The Bengals have found renewed hope with backup QB Jake Browning. The Steelers have been reeling in the past month, but their last win was against the Bengals. 

Buffalo (8-6) at L.A. Chargers (5-9) - The Chargers have turned into a complete mess in a hurry. Take the surging Bills in this one. 

Indianapolis (8-6) at Atlanta (6-8) - The host Falcons are desperate for a victory. The Colts just keep humming along and seem to be a playoff contender. 

Seattle (7-7) at Tennessee (5-9) - The Seahawks got a huge win on Monday night to stay in the NFC playoff chase. The Titans play teams tough, but they come up short more often than not this season. 

Detroit (10-4) at Minnesota (7-7) - The Lions can clinch the NFC North title with a win on the road, but the Vikings need this game to stay in contention for an NFC wild card spot. Toss up. 

Washington (4-10) at N.Y Jets (5-9) - Two losing teams playing each other in late December. Yawn. 

Green Bay (6-8) at Carolina (2-12) - Packers should get back on track this weekend in this game. Panthers finally won a game last week, so watch out. 

Cleveland (9-5) at Houston (8-6) - Can Texans backup QB Case Keenum conjure up another win? The Browns defense will have something to say about that. 

Jacksonville (8-6) at Tampa Bay (7-7) - Two Florida teams go at it and they are headed in opposite directions the past month or so. Jags on the skids and the Buccaneers are rolling. 

Arizona (3-11) at Chicago (5-9) - The Bears have been their own worst enemy in the fourth quarter this season. Can they get it right against a weak Cardinals team? 

New England (3-11) at Denver (7-7) - It's now or never for the Broncos as they cannot afford to lose any more games if they want to make the playoffs. 

Las Vegas (6-8) at Kansas City (9-5) - Chiefs should make it two wins in a row in this one, but they haven't been looking so hot over the last month. 

N.Y. Giants (5-9) at Philadelphia (10-4) - This should be the week the Eagles stop the losing streak and soar again. 

 

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

 

L.A. Rams over New Orleans 

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati

BUFFALO over L.A. Chargers 

Indianapolis over Atlanta 

Seattle over Tennessee 

Minnesota over Detroit 

N.Y. Jets over Washington 

Green Bay over Carolina 

Cleveland over Houston 

Tampa Bay over Jacksonville 

Chicago over Arizona 

Dallas over Miami 

Denver over New England 

Kansas City over Las Vegas 

Philadelphia over N.Y. Giants 

San Francisco over Baltimore 

Last Week's Record - 13-3 

SEASON RECORD - 144-80 

Lock of the Week Record - 12-3 

NFL - Week Fifteen Recap

The  Buffalo Bills (8-6) took the Dallas Cowboys (10-4) to the wood shed in Buffalo with a 31-10 beat down as they rushed for 266 yards in the easy win that kept alive their playoff hopes in the AFC race. Buffalo running back James Cook (pictured left) scored two touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing) and ran for 179 yards (on 25 carries) to lead the way along with quarterback Josh Allen, who also scored a rushing touchdown as Buffalo built a 21-3 halftime lead. Dallas managed just 195 yards in total offense and QB Dak Prescott was sacked three times while being held without a TD pass in the loss.

In Miami, the Dolphins improved to 10-4 with a 30-0 blowout against the New York Jets (5-9) as running back Raheem Mostert scored two rushing touchdowns and QB Tua Tagovailoa threw a 60-yard TD pass to WR Jaylen Waddle. The Jets turned the ball over four times (two fumbles, two INT) and had only 103 yards in total offense while Miami's defense registered six QB sacks.

The Cleveland Browns (9-5) stormed back against the visiting Chicago Bears (5-9) and won, 20-17 when Dustin Hopkins made a 34-yard field goal with just 32 seconds remaining in the game as they outscored the Bears 13-0 in the fourth quarter. Chicago scored first on a five-yard TD pass from QB Justin Fields to tight end Cole Kmet. The Browns tied the game on the first of two TD passes by QB Joe Flacco (374 passing yards, two TD, three INT). The Bears went ahead 14-7 when linebacker Tremaine Edwards took an interception back 45 yards for a score and added a field goal for a 17-7 lead entering the final quarter before Cleveland rallied back to win the game.

In the Saturday games, the Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) rallied past the visiting Minnesota Vikings, 27-24 in overtime for their third straight victory as kicker Evan McPherson made a 29-yard field goal with 3:11 left in overtime. The Vikings (7-7) led 17-3 after the third quarter as QB Nick Mullens (303 passing yards, two TD, two INT) connected with Jordan Addison (six receptions for 111 yards, two TD) on a 37-yard TD pass. But the Bengals roared back behind QB Jake Browning (324 passing yards, two TD, one INT) as he threw TD passes to WR Tee Higgins (the second one to tie the game 24-24 with only 39 seconds remaining) with a one-yard scoring run by RB Joe Mixon sandwiched in between.

The host Indianapolis Colts spotted the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) a 13-0 lead and then ripped off 30 straight points en route to a 30-13 win to run their record to 8-6 as QB Gardner Minshew threw for three touchdowns to lead the way. Pittsburgh QB Mitch Trubisky had a TD run and pass in defeat as they lost their third straight game and fourth in the last five.

In Detroit on Saturday night, the Lions (10-4) smothered the Denver Broncos, 42-17 as QB Jared Goff had five touchdown passes (278 passing yards) to lead the rout. Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (100 rushing yards in 11 carries) added a TD run and the defense kept the Broncos attack in check as QB Russell Wilson had just one TD pass along with a rushing score in the loss, which dropped them to 7-7 this season. 

The Houston Texans knocked off the host Tennessee Titans, 19-16 in OT when kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn made a 54-yard field goal as time ran out to avert the tie and improve to 8-6 this season. The Titans (5-9) led 13-9 entering the fourth quarter, but couldn't put the Texans away. Titans QB Will Levis had a one-yard TD run and Elijah Molden had a "pick six" 44-yard INT return for TD and a 13-0 lead. The Texans tied the game 16-16 when backup QB Case Keenum threw a three-yard TD pass to Noah Brown with 3:03 left in the fourth quarter.

The Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) stopped their two game losing streak with a 27-17 road victory against the New England Patriots (3-11) with QB Patrick Mahomes throwing a pair of TD passes while running back Jerrick McKinnon had a TD run and pass as well. The Patriots had a 10-7 lead in the second quarter, including a 16-yard TD pass from Bailey Zappe to tight end Hunter Henry. The rest of the game was all Chiefs as New England only had 206 yards in total offense. 

In Green Bay, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7) beat the host Packers, 34-20 as QB Baker Mayfield dominated with four TD passes and 381 passing yards, with all four TD strikes going to different receivers. Green Bay (6-8) had a brief 7-3 lead when QB Jordan Love (284 passing yards) threw the first of his two TD passes. But the Bucs took over and gained 452 yards in offense as they remained in first place in the NFC South division.

The San Francisco 49ers (11-3) continued their dominance and clinched the NFC West division with a 45-29 road win against the Arizona Cardinals (3-11) as QB Brock Purdy threw four TD passes and RB Christian McCaffrey (115 yards on carries) scored three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing) while the defense had three sacks and Charvarius Ward had two interceptions, including a "pick six" 66-yard INT TD return. Arizona QB Kykler Murray had a TD pass and the Cardinals rushed for 234 yards in defeat.

The Los Angeles Rams (7-7) kept their wild card playoff hopes going with a hard fought 28-20 home win against the Washington Commanders (4-10), who dropped their seventh game in the last eight as they fell behind 20-0 on two TD passes from QB Matthew Stafford and a rushing score by RB Kyren Williams, who gained 152 yards on 27 carries. Washington got to within eight points when QB Jacoby Brissett threw his second TD pass with 1:46 remaining.

The New Orleans Saints (7-7) blasted the visiting New York Giants, 24-6 with their defense getting seven QB sacks and limiting the Giants offense to just 193 total yards and two field goals. Saints QB Derek Carr had three touchdown passes in the easy win. The loss snapped the Giants (5-9) three game win streak.

The Carolina Panthers (2-12) got a 9-7 home win against the Atlanta Falcons (6-8) when Eddy Pineiro kicked the game winning 23-yard field goal as time expired to snap their six game losing streak. The Falcons fell out of a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South division as QB Desmond Ridder had a TD pass, but also threw a costly red zone interception, which allowed the Panthers to get the game winning drive.

On Thursday night in Las Vegas, the Raiders (6-8) set a team scoring record as they obliterated the Los Angeles Chargers, 63-21 . . .  The Chargers (5-9) turned the ball over five times (four fumbles and one INT) and dropped their fifth game in the last six and fired Head Coach Brandon Staley following the record setting loss. The Raiders led 42-0 at the half and QB Aidan O' Connell had four TD passes in the win (two of them to Tre Tucker) and the defense also scored on a 44-yard fumble return by John Jenkins. The Chargers got three TD passes from reserve QB Easton Stick, filling for injured starter Justin Herbert, who is out for the rest of the season with a hand injury.

On Sunday night, the Baltimore Ravens dominated the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 23-7, sending the Jags (8-6) to their third consecutive defeat. The Ravens (11-3) led 10-0 at halftime as QB Lamar Jackson threw a 16-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Isaiah Likely. Jacksonville cut the Ravens lead to 10-7 in the third quarter when QB Trevor Lawrence hit Jamal Agnew in a 65-yard TD pass. But Baltimore took over from there and scored the final 13 points in the contest with RB Gus Edwards scoring on a one-yard run and Justin Tucker adding on two more field goals to provide the final score. 

In the Monday Night Football game in Seattle, the Seahawks (7-7) beat the Philadelphia Eagles, 20-17 as reserve QB Drew Lock (playing for injured starter Geno Smith) threw a 29-yard TD pass to WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba with 28 seconds remaining in the game for the winning score. The Eagles (10-4), who led 10-3 at the half, lost their third straight game as QB Jalen Hurts scored two rushing touchdowns, but also was intercepted twice. Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III scored on a 23 yard run and finished the game with 86 rushing yards and also had three receptions for 26 yards.

WEEK FIFTEEN RESULTS 

Las Vegas 63, L.A. Chargers 21 

Cincinnati 27, Minnesota 24 (OT) 

Indianapolis 30, Pittsburgh 13 

Detroit 42, Denver 17 

Carolina 9, Atlanta 7 

Miami 30, N.Y. Jets 0 

New Orleans 24, N.Y. Giants 6 

Kansas City 27, New England 17 

Tampa Bay 34, Green Bay 20 

Cleveland 20, Chicago 17

Houston 19, Tennessee 16 (OT) 

San Francisco 45, Arizona 29

Buffalo 31, Dallas 10

L.A. Rams 28, Washington 20 

Baltimore 23, Jacksonville 7

Seattle 20, Philadelphia 17

 

NFL - Week Fifteen Preview

For the first time since Week Six of the 2022 season, Heftyinfo had a losing record for the weekly picks in the NFL games. Week 14 was a rough one (so many upsets, although the pick of the New York Jets over Houston was correct) and the contending teams for the playoffs suffered setbacks, most notably the Miami Dolphins losing at home in the final three minutes on Monday night.

But that is why they play the games. 

So on to Week 15 and there are three Saturday games on the slate (as well as a game on Thursday night between two teams that are a disaster this season) before the Sunday games and just one Monday night game. The bye weeks for all 32 teams are complete and the final four weeks of the season will have a full schedule of 16 games. 

In the Saturday games, the Minnesota Vikings (7-6) face the Bengals (7-6) in Cincinnati, the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) are at the Indianapolis Colts (7-6) and the night game will be in Detroit between the Lions (9-4) and the Denver Broncos (7-6) with all three games having playoff implications between contending teams. 

The Bengals have been a surprise with reserve quarterback Jake Browning leading them to a 2-1 mark since taking over for the injured Joe Burrow (wrist surgery) and will face a Vikings team turning to journeyman QB Nick Mullens in place of the slumping Joshua Dobbs. The Vikings won 3-0 last week while the Bengals throttled the Colts, 34-14 to spring back into the AFC playoff picture. 

The game with Pittsburgh and Indy should be an interesting one as both teams are currently in the final two wild card spots in the AFC playoff race. The Steelers offense has been anemic in recent weeks and they might have to go with Mitch Trubisky at quarterback again if Kenny Pickett (ankle) cannot start. Meanwhile, the Colts have been one of the surprise teams this season and QB Gardner Minshew has been doing an admirable job in place of injured starter Anthony Richardson. This game should be close as the Pittsburgh defense is still pretty solid and the Colts less than stellar defense could help to keep the Steelers (offense) in this one.

The Detroit Lions have been slumping in recent weeks and were manhandled by the Chicago Bears last week while the Denver Broncos continue their surprising resurgence (six wins in seven games) with consistent offense (led by QB Russell Wilson) and a solid defense that has turned it around after a terrible start this season. This game will likely be a close one and if the Lions want to be considered serious contenders in the NFC playoff race, this is a game they need to win on their home field.

In the Sunday games, the two that stand out are the games including the Dallas Cowboys (10-3) at Buffalo Bills (7-6) and the "prime time" night game between the Baltimore Ravens (10-3) and Jaguars (8-5) in Jacksonville. 

The Cowboys have won five straight games and demolished the Philadelphia Eagles (in Dallas) last Sunday night. The Bills survived in Kansas City (Chiefs penalty took a late game TD off the board) by a 20-17 final score and they will need another solid effort like that to beat the Cowboys. The key will be for Bills QB Josh Allen and company to have sustained offensive drives and avoid turnovers. The Bills can win this one and if they want to get into the playoffs, this would be a great win, especially coming off their road victory in Kansas City last week. 

The night game in Jacksonville should be a good one and could very well come down to the final minutes. The Ravens play close games (seven one-score games this season) and will likely be in another one this week against a Jaguars team that needs to win. The Jags have lost two in a row and lead the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts (both 7-6) by just one game in the AFC South. A late field goal could decide this contest. 

The rest of the action around the NFL for Week 15 is featured in the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

 

Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-8) - Two teams in this one just playing out the remaining schedule for the 2023 season. The Chargers lost starting QB Justin Herbert for the season following surgery on his throwing hand. Toss up in this game.

New York Giants (5-8) at New Orleans Saints (6-7) - The Giants have won three straight and would like to play spoiler to the Saints playoff hopes in this game. Which Saints team will show up this week?

New York Jets (5-8) at Miami Dolphins (9-4) - The Dolphins really let one get away on Monday night and must rebound quickly in this game against a solid Jets defense. Meanwhile, the Jets snapped a five game losing streak last week in impressive fashion and actually scored 30 points. 

Houston Texans (7-6) at Tennessee Titans (5-8) - Beware the Titans, who shocked the Miami Dolphins on the road. The Texans were rocked by the Jets last Sunday and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud suffered a concussion in that game. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) at Green Bay Packers (6-7) - The loser of this game could be out of the NFC playoff picture. Toss up. 

Atlanta Falcons (6-7) at Carolina Panthers (1-12) - The Falcons should get the win in this one, but in this year's topsy turvy NFL, anything is possible. 

Chicago Bears (5-8) at Cleveland Browns (8-5) - The Bears have shown some life in their last two games (both wins against playoff contenders) and now face a Browns team led by the ageless wonder known as Joe Flacco at quarterback. This game could be a good one with the Browns rating the edge at home. 

Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) at New England Patriots (3-10) - One upon a time, this was the premier matchup in the NFL, but this one got bumped off Monday Night Football. Take the Chiefs. 

San Francisco 49ers (10-3) at Arizona Cardinals (3-10) - The 49ers are rolling full speed ahead while the Cardinals are coming off their bye week. This is a divisional game, so it could be closer than many might think, but the 'Niners will likely get the victory. 

Washington Commanders (4-9) at Los Angeles Rams (6-7) - The Commanders are coming off their bye week, but have dropped four in a row and six of seven heading into this one. Meanwhile, the Rams saw their three game winning streak snapped last Sunday, so expect for them to get back on the winning track in this one. 

Philadelphia Eagles (10-3) at Seattle Seahawks (6-7) - This one in Seattle was "flexed" to Monday night and both of these teams need to win. The Eagles have been smoked in their last two games (outscored by a combined 75-32) while the Seahawks have dropped four in a row and are fading out of the NFC playoff picture. 

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

Las Vegas over L.A. Chargers 

Cincinnati over Minnesota  

Indianapolis over Pittsburgh

Detroit over Denver 

New Orleans over N.Y. Giants 

Miami over N.Y. Jets 

Tennessee over Houston 

Green Bay over Tampa Bay

Atlanta over Carolina 

Cleveland over Chicago 

KANSAS CITY over New England 

San Francisco over Arizona 

L.A. Rams over Washington 

Buffalo over Dallas

Baltimore over Jacksonville 

Seattle over Philadelphia  

Last Week's Record - 7-8 

SEASON RECORD - 131-77

Lock of the Week Record - 11-3

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Fourteen Recap

 

Bills QB Josh Allen and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes talk after the game.

The Buffalo Bills did what it takes to beat the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) on the road as they squeaked out a 20-17 win to improve to 7-6 and keep alive their playoff hopes in the wide open AFC. Bills kicker Tyler Bass made a 39-yard field goal with just under two minutes left in the game to make the difference in the final score. The Chiefs appeared to score the go ahead touchdown on a nifty lateral pass from tight end Travis Kelce to wide receiver Kadarius Toney for a 49-yard scoring play, but the play was wiped out by an offside call against Toney. From there, the Bills defense did the job to get a turnover on downs and secure the victory. 

Bills quarterback Josh Allen ran for a touchdown and passed for another to lead the way along with the two field goals. The Chiefs fell behind 14-0 but rallied back on a seven-yard TD run by Jerrick McKinnon and a TD pass from QB Patrick Mahomes along with a field goal before the Bills managed their game winning drive. 

In the Sunday night game in Dallas, the Cowboys (10-3) buried the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-13 behind two TD passes from QB Dak Prescott (271 passing yards) and four field goals by kicker Brandon Aubrey, including a 60-yarder. The Eagles (10-3) lost their second straight game and managed just two field goals and a defensive touchdown by Jalen Carter on a 42-yard fumble return to get to within 24-13 in the third quarter. Dallas' win was their 15th consecutive at home.

The San Francisco 49ers (10-3) inched closer to a spot in the NFC playoffs with a 28-16 win at home against the staggering Seattle Seahawks (6-7), who dropped their fourth straight game. Trailing 10-7 in the second quarter, the 49ers got a pair of touchdowns from Deebo Samuel (one rushing and the other a 54-yard pass from QB Brock Purdy) to go up 21-10. The Seahawks trimmed the deficit to 21-16 on the second TD pass in the game by QB Drew Lock, who also threw two interceptions. The 'Niners put the game away on Purdy's second scoring pass (44 yards to tight end George Kittle) as he wound up with 368 yards passing while RB Christian McCaffrey rushed for 145 yards in the win.

The Chicago Bears (5-8) stunned the visiting Detroit Lions, 28-13 for their second straight victory as QB Justin Fields ran for a touchdown and also passed for one while wide receiver DJ Moore scored twice (one rushing and one receiving TD) and the Bears defense forced three turnovers (two INT and one fumble) and had four sacks. The Lions (9-4) had a 13-10 lead the half, but were shut out in the second half in losing for the second time in the last three games.

The Cleveland Browns beat the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) to improve to 8-5  in a 31-27 decision as QB Joe Flacco had three TD passes (along with 311 passing yards and one INT) while the defense got four turnovers (three interceptions and one fumble) while sacking Jags QB Trevor Lawrence (257 passing yards, three TD, three INT) four times. It was the second straight loss for Jacksonville while the Browns snapped a two-game skid.

In Cincinnati, the resurgent Bengals (7-6) clobbered the Indianapolis Colts, 34-14 as QB Jake Browning had two TD passes and a scoring run along with RB Joe Mixon scoring a rushing touchdown. The Colts (7-6) rallied back from 14-0 down to tie the game at the half thanks to a TD pass from QB Gardner Minshew and a 36-yard "pick six" TD on an interception by Ronnie Harrison, Jr., but the the second half was all Cincinnati as their defense limited the Colts to just 46 rushing yards and recorded three sacks.

The New York Jets (5-8) shellacked the visiting Houston Texans, 30-6 to snap their five game losing streak as Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud was knocked out of the game (concussion) while Jets much maligned QB Zach Wilson threw for two touchdowns to help pace the rout. The Jets defense held Houston to a meager 135 yards in total offense. 

 

The Baltimore Ravens (10-3) outlasted the Los Angeles Rams, 37-31 in overtime as Tylan Wallace (pictured right) took a punt back 76 yards for the winning touchdown. The game was a see saw battle as the Rams (6-7) led 20-17 at the half. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson had three TD passes along with 316 passing yards and one interception to offset three TD passes by Rams QB Matthew Stafford, who passed for 295 yards in the loss, which ended the Rams three game winning streak.  

 

On Thursday night in Pittsburgh, the hometown Steelers (7-6) were booed loudly by their fans as they dropped a 21-18 decision to the New England Patriots (3-10) to lose their third consecutive game. The Patriots raced out to a 21-3 lead thanks to an 11-yard rushing TD by Ezekiel Elliott and two TD passes by QB Bailey Zappe. The Steelers rallied back behind a rushing TD and a passing TD by QB Mitch Trubisky, but fell short.

The Minnesota Vikings (7-6) beat the host Las Vegas Raiders, 3-0 as kicker Greg Joseph made a 36-yard field goal with 1:57 left to play in the fourth quarter. The Raiders (5-8) managed only 202 yards in offense while the Vikings had 231 yards in total offense.

The Denver Broncos defense recorded six QB sacks and knocked Los Angeles Chargers starting QB Justin Herbert (hand injury) out of the game in a 24-7 win that improved their record to 7-6 while the 'Bolts fell to 5-8 with their fourth loss in the last five games. Denver QB Russell Wilson had a pair of scoring passes while Javonte Williams had a rushing touchdown. L.A. running back Austin Ekeler scored on a three-yard run in the fourth quarter to help his team avoid being shut out.

The New Orleans Saints (6-7) forged a three-way tie for first place in the weak NFC South division with a 28-6 home triumph against the hapless Carolina Panthers (1-12) as RB Alvin Kamara scored a rushing touchdown along with two TD passes by QB Derek Carr and a blocked punt for another score. Carolina actually out gained the Saints (314-207) in total yardage, but couldn't crack the end zone. 

In Atlanta, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) won a 29-25 game against the Falcons (6-7) when QB Baker Mayfield threw an 11-yard scoring pass to tight end Cade Otton with 31 seconds remaining in regulation. Mayfield had two TD passes along with a scoring run in the victory. Falcons QB Desmond Ridder passed for two touchdowns and ran for another while passing for 347 yards and one interception in the loss. 

There were two Monday night games and in Miami, the Tennessee Titans surprised the Dolphins, 28-27 as they scored 15 points in less than a one minute span in the fourth quarter as Derrick Henry scored the winning touchdown on a three-yard run with 1:49 remaining. The Dolphins (9-4) had a 27-13 with 4:34 left to go when Raheem Mostert scored his second rushing touchdown of the game. The Titans (5-8) closed the gap to 27-21 when QB Will Levis (327 passing yards, one TD, one INT) hit WR DeAndre Hopkins with a three-yard TD pass with 2:40 remaining. The loss knocked Miami out of the top spot in the AFC playoff race. 

The New York Giants beat the visiting Green Bay Packers, 24-22 on a 37-yard field goal by Randy Bullock as time expired to improve to 5-8 this season. The Packers (6-7) saw their three game winning streak snapped as they allowed the Giants to drive downfield for the winning kick after they had rallied back from a 21-13 deficit with a six-yard TD pass from QB Jordan Love to Malik Heath (with 1:33 remaining) which followed a 48-yard field goal by Anders Carlson. Giants running back Saquon Barkley (86 rushing yards) scored two touchdowns and QB Tommy DeVito had a TD pass in the win.

WEEK FOURTEEN RESULTS 

New England 21, Pittsburgh 18 

Chicago 28, Detroit 13 

Cleveland 31, Jacksonville 27

Cincinnati 34, Indianapolis 14 

New Orleans 28, Carolina 6 

Tampa Bay 29, Atlanta 25

N.Y. Jets 30, Houston 6

Baltimore 37, L.A. Rams 31 (OT) 

Denver 24, L.A. Chargers 7

Buffalo 20, Kansas City 17

Minnesota 3, Las Vegas 0

San Francisco 28, Seattle 16 

Dallas 33, Philadelphia 13  

N.Y. Giants 24, Green Bay 22

Tennessee 28, Miami 27

 

 

NFL - Week Fourteen Preview

 

Without question, the biggest game on the NFL slate this weekend is the Sunday night game between the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) and Dallas Cowboys (9-3) in Dallas with first place in  the NFC East division on the line. The Eagles won a tight one in Philly last month, but the Cowboys have won four straight since then and quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing out of his mind in the winning streak. 

The Eagles got their asses handed to them last week (at home) against the San Francisco 49ers and they must be ready for the Cowboys as they seek to avenge their misfortunes against the Eagles in crunch time in that game five weeks ago. Dallas has averaged 42 points per game since that 28-23 defeat in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the Eagles have been scoring just under 27 points per game this season and will need to hit that number if they want to win this one and maintain first place in the NFC East. 

Another big tilt this Sunday takes place in Kansas City, where the slumping Chiefs (8-4) will host the Buffalo Bills (6-6), who are basically in a must win situation the rest of the season if they want to reach the playoffs. Bills QB Josh Allen has to cut down on the turnovers if the Bills are going to get the win against Kansas City. Meanwhile, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes seems to be a shell of his former self from last year and needs to get it going down the stretch and the Bills will be a good test as December football gets rolling. 

A battle in the NFC West pits the San Francisco 49ers (9-3) hosting the Seattle Seahawks (6-6), a team they routed just two weeks ago in Seattle on Thanksgiving night in front of a national audience. The 'Niners are rolling and crushed the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday while the 'Hawks lost a close in Dallas on Thursday Night Football. This game should go the way of the 49ers as they could pretty much clinch the division title with a win in this one and a Los Angeles Rams loss in Baltimore. 

Speaking of the Rams, they have been hot lately, winning three straight games and will be facing a strong Baltimore Ravens (9-3) team in a road game. The Rams (6-6) have played their way back into playoff contention in the NFC and if they can spring the upset against the Ravens, they would be in the drivers seat for the last wild card spot. The Ravens will have something to say about that as they are in a battle for AFC supremacy with Miami, Kansas City and Jacksonville with five games left to go. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) blew a big opportunity in a Monday night loss at home against the Cincinnati Bengals (34-31 loss in OT) and now must travel to face the Cleveland Browns (7-5) and their tenacious defense. Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence suffered an ankle injury in the loss against Cincinnati, but could be ready to play in this game. As for the Browns, they will be going with Joe Flacco again at quarterback after he played a decent game against the Rams in a loss last week. This game could go either way and turnovers will likely tell the story. 

 

As for the rest of the NFL action in Week Fourteen, the following offers a capsule style previews for the other ten games and the Heftyinfo picks for all the games follows up. 

 

New England (2-10) at Pittsburgh (7-5) - Whichever team scores first in this one on Thursday night could win it. Both of these teams have weak offenses and pretty solid defenses. Steelers should win in a close game. 

Tampa Bay (5-7) at Atlanta (6-6) - With a win, the Falcons could have at least a one game edge in the NFC South race, but the Buccaneers won't just lay down in this one. 

Indianapolis (7-5) at Cincinnati (6-6) - The Colts keep getting it done and the Bengals are coming off a huge upset win at Jacksonville with reserve QB Jake Browning playing the game of his life. Toss up in this one. 

Houston (7-5) at N.Y. Jets (4-8) - Could this be the week the Jets snap their losing streak? It's possible as the Texans are due for a let down game . . . or are they?

Detroit (9-3) at Chicago (4-8) - The Lions were lucky to beat the Bears three weeks ago at home and now face a resurgent Bears defense as well as QB Justin Fields, who played a good game against the Lions in that close loss. Toss up pick in this game. 

Carolina (1-11) at New Orleans (5-7) - The Saints must win this type of game against a weak opponent. The Panthers have hung tough in their last two defeats, so beware as they could spring the upset here. 

Minnesota (6-6) at Las Vegas (5-7) - This game could go either way. The Vikings should have All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson back for this one and that could be a big difference. 

Denver (6-6) at L.A. Chargers (5-7) - Must win game for both teams, but the Chargers are the more desperate team in this one and should get the home win. 

Green Bay (6-6) at N.Y. Giants (4-8) - Can the Packers and QB Jordan Love continue their big time roll against a Giants team that is just playing out the string of remaining games? It's a Monday night game (one of two for whatever reason so late in the season) and the Packers should make it four wins in a row. 

Tennessee (4-8) at Miami (9-3) - Take the Dolphins in this Monday night game. 

 

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

Pittsburgh over New England 

Atlanta over Tampa Bay 

Cincinnati over Indianapolis

Cleveland over Jacksonville 

N.Y. Jets over Houston

Baltimore over L.A. Rams 

Detroit over Chicago 

New Orleans over Carolina 

Las Vegas over Minnesota 

San Francisco over Seattle 

Kansas City over Buffalo 

L.A. Chargers over Denver 

Dallas over Philadelphia 

Green Bay over N.Y. Giants 

MIAMI over Tennessee 

 

Last Week's Record - 7-6 

SEASON RECORD - 124-69 

Lock of the Week Record - 11-2 

NFL - Week Thirteen Recap

49ers WR Deebo Samuel had a huge game in rout of the Eagles.

Call it a good old fashioned ass kicking! 

The San Francisco 49ers (9-3) went into Philadelphia on Sunday and dominated the Eagles, 42-19 to win their fourth consecutive game. The Eagles (10-2) saw their five game winning streak snapped as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had four touchdown passes while throwing for 314 yards in the rout. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (four receptions for 116 yards)  hauled in two scoring passes and also had a 12-yard rushing touchdown while running back Christian McCaffrey ran for 93 yards and scored a touchdown. The Eagles closed to within 21-13 midway through the third quarter when QB Jalen Hurts scored on a one-yard run, but from there it was all 49ers the rest of the way.

On Thursday night in Dallas, the host Cowboys (9-3) won a 41-35 thriller against the Seattle Seahawks (6-6) with QB Dak Prescott passing for 299 yards and three scoring passes while RB Tony Pollard had a rushing TD and kicker Brandon Aubrey nailed four field goals. Seattle led 21-20 at halftime as QB Geno Smith had a big game, passing for three scores along with one interception and 334 yards. All three of the TD passes went to wide receiver DK Metcalf, who also had six receptions for 134 yards in the loss.

The Detroit Lions (9-3) got back on track with a 33-28 road victory against the New Orleans Saints (5-7) as they raced out to a 21-0 lead and a 24-7 advantage at the half as QB Jared Goff had two TD passes and David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown. The Saints fought back as Taysom Hill scored a rushing TD and RB Alvin Kamara added two more rushing scores, but it wasn't enough as Lions WR Jameson Williams iced the win on a 19 yard scoring run for a 33-21 lead early in the fourth quarter.

In Washington, D.C., the Miami Dolphins improved to 9-3 with a 45-15 trouncing of the Commanders (4-9) as QB Tua Tagovailoa threw two long scoring passes (75 and 60 yards) to WR Tyreek Hill (five receptions for 157 yards) and RB Devon Achane scored twice on the ground and RB Raheem Mostert also had a rushing TD while Andrew Van Ginkel took an interception back 33 yards for a score to pace the rout. Washington QB Sam Howell scored two rushing touchdowns in the loss.

The Arizona Cardinals (3-10) dominated the host Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) in a 24-10 win as Cardinals running back James Conner went for two scores and 105 yards on the ground against his former team. Meanwhile, the Steelers lost starting QB Kenny Pickett to an ankle injury in the first half and reserve Mitch Trubisky could only manage a late TD pass with the Cardinals ahead by 21 points.

The Indianapolis Colts (7-5) continued their magic carpet ride with a 31-28 win in overtime at Tennessee as QB Gardner Minshew threw a four yard TD pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman for the winning score in the OT session. The Titans (4-8) led 17-7 as RB Derrick Henry (21 carries for 102 yards) scored two rushing touchdowns before the Colts finally got rolling as they eventually took a 25-19 lead midway through the final quarter thanks to four field goals by kicker Matt Gay and a blocked punt return for a touchdown by Grant Stuard. The Titans tied the game up on a three yard TD pass from Will Levis to DeAndre Hopkins late in the fourth quarter. The extra point was no good and that enabled the game to go to overtime.

 

The Houston Texans (7-5) knocked off the visiting Denver Broncos, 22-17, snapping the five game win streak Denver had going as QB C.J. Stroud (pictured right) connected with WR Nico Collins on a three yard TD pass. The Broncos (6-6) had a chance for the win late in the game, but the second interception thrown by QB Russell Wilson in the fourth quarter with just 14 seconds remaining ended any hopes of another win. 

 

The Los Angeles Chargers (5-7) snapped a three game skid with a 6-0 win at New England in a torrential downpour throughout the afternoon thanks to a pair of 38-yard field goals by Cameron Dicker. The Patriots fell to 2-10 this season with the loss. 

In a yawner between the Atlanta Falcons (6-6) and New York Jets (4-8), the visiting Falcons won, 13-8 as QB Desmond Ridder had a TD pass and Younghoe Koo made two field goals to provide the difference. The Jets failed to score a touchdown in this loss and have only scored nine offensive touchdowns the entire season. 

In Los Angeles, the Rams (6-6) won their third straight game, 36-19 against the Cleveland Browns (7-5) as QB Matthew Stafford threw for three touchdowns and 279 passing yards while RB Kyren Williams had a rushing score. The Browns went with Joe Flacco at quarterback and he passed for 254 yards with two TD passes and one interception in the loss.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7) topped the visiting Carolina Panthers, 21-18 as RB Rachaad White scored a rushing TD and QB Baker Mayfield hooked up with Mike Evans on a 75-yard TD strike and Chris Godwin scored on a 19-yard TD run. The Panthers (1-11) hung tough as RB Chuba Hubbard scored two rushing touchdowns in defeat. 

On Sunday Night Football in Green Bay, the Packers (6-6) continued to surge as they won their third straight game in convincing fashion, 27-19 against the Kansas City Chiefs, who dropped to 8-4 with the loss. Packers QB Jordan Love had 267 passing yards and three TD passes in the win, with two of the scoring passes going to WR Christian Watson as they built a 21-12 lead entering the fourth quarter. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes threw a two-yard TD pass to tight end Noah Gray early in the final quarter, but the Packers defense stiffened, intercepting a pass while kicker Anders Carlson made a pair of field goals (40 and 48 yards) to seal the win. 

The Cincinnati Bengals shocked the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 34-31 in overtime on Monday Night Football as kicker Evan McPherson made the game winning 48-yard field goal to boost the Bengals to 6-6 this season. But the story of this game was Bengals reserve quarterback Jake Browning, who completed 32-of-37 passes for 354 yards and one touchdown and also rushing for a score in the win. Running back Joe Mixon ran for two more scores and WR Ja'Marr Chase had 11 receptions for 149 yards, including a 76-yard TD that put Cincy ahead 21-14 early in the third quarter. The Jaguars (8-4) tied the game 31-31 when Brandon McManus drilled a 40-yard field goal with 26 seconds left to play. The Jaguars lost QB Trevor Lawrence to an ankle injury in the game as he passed for 258 yards and two touchdowns, along with a one yard TD run in defeat.

WEEK THIRTEEN RESULTS 

Dallas 41, Seattle 35 

L.A. Chargers 6, New England 0 

Miami 45, Washington 15 

Houston 22, Denver 17 

Atlanta 13, N.Y. Jets 8 

Detroit 33, New Orleans 28 

Indianapolis 31, Tennessee 28 (OT) 

Arizona 24, Pittsburgh 10

Tampa Bay 21, Carolina 18

San Francisco 42, Philadelphia 19 

L.A. Rams 34, Cleveland 19 

Green Bay 27, Kansas City 19  

Cincinnati 34, Jacksonville 31 (OT)

 

NFL - Week Thirteen Preview

As the calendar rolls into December, the weeks are dwindling for the regular season as the teams around the NFL gear up for a run to the playoffs next month. 

The Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks go at it on Thursday night in Dallas. The Cowboys (8-3) are on a roll of late, winning three straight following their loss in Philadelphia. As for the Seahawks (6-5), they have been struggling, losing two in a row and three of the last four games. They lost at home to San Francisco last week and have a tough schedule ahead. Look for the Cowboys to continue the woes for the Seahawks in this one. 

The game of the week is the San Francisco 49ers (8-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) which is the rematch of last year's NFC Championship Game, when the Eagles buried the 49ers. This version of the game features Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts leading the offense, which put up 37 points last week against Buffalo in an overtime win. 

The 49ers blasted Seattle, 31-13 on Thanksgiving Day and have won three straight after getting some key players healthy. This game should come down to the wire as long as no key players get injured, which was what happened to San Francisco QB Brock Purdy last year in the title game. These two teams are very evenly matched, so look for a tight one with the Eagles squeaking out the win, possibly in overtime.

The rest of the NFL action for Week Thirteen is featured in the capsule style preview format and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

 

Indianapolis (6-5) at Tennessee (4-7) - Don't be surprised if the Titans get the home win.

L.A. Chargers (4-7) at New England (2-9) - If the Chargers cannot win this one, they should just hang it up until next year. 

Detroit (8-3) at New Orleans (5-6) - The Lions need to bounce back after two subpar games. The Saints are basically in a battle the rest of the season if they want to make the playoffs. 

Atlanta (5-6) at N.Y. Jets (4-7) - The Jets could win this one at home, but the Falcons have shown some real grit in recent weeks. 

Arizona (2-10) at Pittsburgh (7-4) - Take the Steelers. 

Carolina (1-10) at Tampa Bay (4-7) - The Buccaneers should win this game, even though they have lost six of their last seven. The Panthers have a new head coach for this game.

Miami (8-3) at Washington (4-8) - The Dolphins are looking to salt away the AFC East division and cannot afford any stumbling blocks. The Commanders are a mess right now. 

Denver (6-5) at Houston (6-5) - Two of the bigger surprise teams this season go at it in this one. Take the Texans at home. 

Cleveland (7-4) at L.A. Rams (5-6) - The Browns are all banged up on both sides of the ball while the Rams seem to be hitting their stride at the right time of the season. 

Kansas City (8-3) at Green Bay (5-6) - The Sunday night game in Lambeau Field . . . The Chiefs should get the win, but they haven't been looking solid for the last month. Packers coming off two big wins that has them back in playoff contention. 

Cincinnati (5-6) at Jacksonville (8-3) - A month ago, this game looked like a really good one, but then Bengals QB Joe Burrow was lost for the season with a wrist injury. Jaguars are rolling right now and should win this one on Monday night. 

 

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

 

Dallas over Seattle 

Tennessee over Indianapolis 

L.A. Chargers over New England 

Detroit over New Orleans 

N.Y. Jets over Atlanta 

PITTSBURGH over Arizona 

Tampa Bay over Carolina 

Miami over Washington 

Houston over Denver 

L.A. Rams over Cleveland 

Philadelphia over San Francisco 

Kansas City over Green Bay 

Jacksonville over Cincinnati 

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5 

SEASON RECORD - 117-63 

Lock of the Week Record - 11-1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Twelve Recap

Cowboys rolled on Thanksgiving Day

 It was quite an eventful weekend around the NFL in Week Twelve and starting with the three Thanksgiving Day games, where the Green Bay Packers (5-6) surprised the Detroit Lions, 29-22 behind quarterback Jordan Love passing for three touchdowns as they built a 23-6 halftime lead. The Lions (8-3) fumbled the ball away three times to help make the difference in the final score as QB Jared Goff lost two of them while passing for 332 yards and two TD passes in the loss . . . In Dallas, the Cowboys improved to 8-3 as they crushed the Washington Commanders, 45-10 as they scored 25 points in the fourth quarter with QB Dak Prescott throwing four TD passes and 331 passing yards in the rout. Cowboys DB DaRon Bland set an NFL record with his fifth interception return for a touchdown this season (63 yards) to wrap things up. Washington dropped to 4-8 following the loss . . . In the night game, the visiting San Francisco 49ers (8-3) cruised to their third straight win, a 31-13 decision against the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) as running back Christian McCaffrey scored two rushing touchdowns while going for 114 yards (on 19 carries) while QB Brock Purdy had a TD pass (also one interception) along with 209 passing yards. The Seahawks were never in this game as they trailed 24-3 by halftime.

On Friday afternoon, the Miami Dolphins (8-3) throttled the host New York Jets, 34-13 with RB Raheem Mostert scoring two rushing touchdowns and DB Jevon Holland taking an interception back 99 yards for a score to end the first half with Miami ahead 17-6. The Jets (4-7) dropped their fourth consecutive game as their meager offense managed just 159 yards for the game. 

On Sunday in Houston, the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3) served notice they are the team to beat in the AFC South by getting the road win with a 24-21 decision over the Texans (6-5) as QB Trevor Lawrence threw for a TD and also rushing for another to lead the way. The Jags defense sacked Texans QB C.J. Stroud four times, but the rookie ran for a touchdown and had a pair of scoring passes in defeat. Texans kicker Matt Ammendola's 58-yard field goal try to tie the game hit the cross bar as time expired. 

The Kansas City Chiefs (8-3) bounced back from a tough loss last Monday night with a 31-17 win at Las Vegas as QB Patrick Mahomes had two TD passes and RB Isiah Pacheco scored two rushing touchdowns to pace the offense. The Raiders (5-7) took a 14-0 lead when Josh Jacobs (20 carries for 110 yards) rumbled 63 yards to paydirt. But from there, it was all Chiefs as they pulled away in the fourth quarter. 

 

In perhaps the game of the week, the Philadelphia Eagles won their fifth straight game to improve to 10-1 as they beat the visiting Buffalo Bills, 37-34 in overtime when QB Jalen Hurts (pictured right) ran 12 yards for the winning touchdown. The Bills kicked a field goal for the lead prior to the winning score. The Bills (6-6) lead 31-28 but the Eagles tied it when kicker Jake Elliott made a 59-yard field goal in the last seconds of regulation. Bills QB Josh Allen passed for 339 yards and two TD passes along with two scoring runs in the loss while Hurts ran for two scores and had three TD passes in the victory.  

The Denver Broncos (6-5) won their fifth straight game with a convincing 29-12 game at home against the Cleveland Browns (7-4) with the defense getting four sacks along with a safety and three fumble recoveries. Broncos QB Russell Wilson had a TD pass and run while kicker Will Lutz made two field goals to help account for the final score. 

The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4) won on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10 as RB Najee Harris had a five-yard TD run and Chris Boswell made three field goals while the defense limited the Bengals (5-6) to just 222 yards in total offense. The Steelers managed to gain 421 yards on offense and it was the first time since the 2020 season they gained more than 400 yards in a game. Cincy backup QB Jake Browning had a TD pass (and one INT thrown) in defeat as he filled in for starter Joe Burrow, who is out for the season with a wrist injury. 

The Indianapolis Colts (6-5) won a home game, 27-20 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) with RB Jonathan Taylor scoring two rushing touchdowns and QB Gardner Minshew getting one as well. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield had two TD passes (and one INT) in the loss. 

The Tennessee Titans (4-7) beat the hapless Carolina Panthers, 17-10 with RB Derrick Henry getting two rushing touchdowns and their defense getting four sacks and one fumble recovery to help secure the win. The Panthers fell to 1-10 this season and fired Head Coach Frank Reich following the game. 

The Atlanta Falcons (5-6) took over first place in the NFC South division by beating the New Orleans Saints, 24-15 as they limited the Saints (5-6) to five field goals while also getting two turnovers, which included a 92-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jessie Bates III in the first quarter for a game changing 7-3 lead as they coasted from there. 

The New York Giants (4-8) topped the visiting New England Patriots, 10-7 as QB Tommy DeVito had a TD pass and Randy Bullock kicked a 42-yard field goal with 8:10 left in the game to make the difference. Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson had a seven-yard TD run and Pats kicker Chad Ryland missed a potential tying 35-yard field goal in the final seconds as they fell to 2-9 this season. 

The Los Angeles Rams (5-6) rolled past the host Arizona Cardinals, 37-14 as QB Matthew Stafford had three TD passes and RB Kyren Williams hauled in two of the scoring passes and ran for 143 yards (on 16 carries) to help lead the way. The Cardinals (2-10) had a brief 8-7 lead before the Rams took over from there while piling up 457 yards in total offense. 

In the Sunday night game, the other team from Los Angeles didn't fare too well as the Baltimore Ravens (9-3) won 20-10 against the Chargers (4-7), sending the home team to their third straight loss. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers clinched the win with a 37-yard touchdown run with 1:36 left to play in the game. Flowers also had a TD reception (three yards) from Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson. The Chargers turned the ball over four times (three fumbles and one INT) in the loss, but had a chance to tie the game following a missed field goal by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, which came after a three-yard TD pass from Chargers QB Justin Herbert to tight end Gerald Everett to cut their deficit to 13-10. But the Ravens defense stiffened, getting a strip sack and fumble recovery and then a defensive stand (turnover on downs) just before Flowers' game clinching scoring run. 

In Minnesota on Monday Night Football, the Chicago Bears (4-8) got the 12-10 win as kicker Cairo Santos made four field goals, including the game winner from 30 yards with ten seconds left to play. The Vikings (6-6) only had 230 yards in total offense as QB Joshua Dobbs (173 passing yards, one TD) was intercepted four times.

 

WEEK TWELVE RESULTS 

Green Bay 29, Detroit 22

Dallas 45, Washington 10 

San Francisco 31, Seattle 13 

Miami 34, N.Y. Jets 13 

Pittsburgh 16, Cincinnati 10 

N.Y. Giants 10, New England 7 

Atlanta 24, New Orleans 15 

Indianapolis 27, Tampa Bay 20

Tennessee 17, Carolina 10

Jacksonville 24, Houston 21 

Denver 29, Cleveland 12 

L.A. Rams 37, Arizona 14

Kansas City 31, Las Vegas 17 

Philadelphia 37, Buffalo 34 (OT)

Baltimore 20, L.A. Chargers 10 

Chicago 12, Minnesota 10

 

 

NFL - Week Twelve Preview

The traditional Thanksgiving Day NFL games take place in Detroit, Dallas and Seattle this year and it should be exciting as they are all divisional games. The Lions take on the Green Bay Packers in Motown while the Cowboys will host the Washington Commanders. The night cap will feature the San Francisco 49ers facing off against the Seattle Seahawks. 

The Lions (8-2) are the kings in the NFC North division and face a Packers team (4-6) that is coming off a close win (23-20) at home against the Los Angeles Chargers, which is the same result (three point win) the Lions had against the Chargers in Los Angeles two weeks ago. Detroit showed they are resilient as they overcame a 12-point deficit in the final four minutes to beat the Chicago Bears last weekend. The Lions handled the Packers back in week four and should do so again on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field. 

The NFC East battle in Dallas between the Washington Commanders (4-7) and Cowboys (7-3) should be a good one, but the Cowboys definitely have the edge on both sides of the football. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing really well for the 'Pokes and if he has the time to seek out his primary receiver CeeDee Lamb, it could be a long afternoon for the Commanders, who were manhandled by the lowly New York Giants (in D.C.) last Sunday. The Commanders turned the ball over six times in that loss. The Cowboys are good at takeaways and should win this one regardless of the turnover rate. 

In Seattle on Thursday night, the NFC West will either be tighter between the first place San Francisco 49ers (7-3) and Seahawks (6-4) or it could be a two-game cushion for the 'Niners as they seek to get their third straight win following a three game losing streak. The Seattle defense will have to pressure 49ers QB Brock Purdy if they want to have success in this one. On the flip side, the Seahawks could be without starting QB Geno Smith (right arm injury) as he is likely a game time decision. The 49ers will likely come away with the victory here, but the Seahawks usually give them fits, especially at home. 

There is also a "Black Friday" game for the first time in the NFL as the New York Jets (4-6) will host the first place Miami Dolphins (7-3) in an AFC East tilt. The Jets benched QB Zach Wilson last week and only have nine offensive touchdowns in ten games this season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins high powered offense is led by QB Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Jets strong defense will surely be tested and last week they allowed 32 points in a blowout loss against the Buffalo Bills. Take the Dolphins.

As for the Sunday games, look for the Cleveland Browns (7-3) to slow the roll of the Denver Broncos (5-5), a team that has won four in a row and will be at home for this game. The Browns defense is better than Denver's resurgent D and should show that. This will likely be a low scoring game, but the Browns should get the win. As always, a turnover could be the determining factor.

In Philadelphia, the Eagles (9-1) will host the Buffalo Bills (6-5) in what could be a higher scoring affair. The Eagles are fresh off their road win on Monday night in Kansas City, so they should be amped up for this game. The Bills are in a battle not only with Miami in the AFC East for first place, but also against several teams vying for playoff spots in a well balanced AFC. The Eagles should soar to victory in this one. 

On Sunday night, the Baltimore Ravens (8-3), the top seed in the AFC, head west to face the struggling Los Angeles Chargers (4-6), who lost a tough one at Green Bay last week. The Ravens solid defense could make life miserable for Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who is having a solid season despite the teams' difficulties that has them in last place in the AFC West division. Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson would love to get a quick lead against the Chargers and that could very well happen in this game. Expect a higher scoring game with the Ravens coming out on top. 

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

New Orleans (5-5) at Atlanta (4-6) - This game is a battle for first place in the NFC South division. Toss up. 

Pittsburgh (6-4) at Cincinnati (5-5) - The Bengals begin the rest of the season without star quarterback Joe Burrow. Steelers have a new offensive coordinator, so let's see how that factors in QB Kenny Pickett's effort. 

Carolina (1-9) at Tennessee (3-7) - Who cares? 

Tampa Bay (4-6) at Indianapolis (5-5) - Can Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers surprise the surprising Colts? Toss up here. 

New England (2-8) at N.Y. Giants (3-8) - These teams have played each other twice in the Super Bowl . . . but that was so long ago. Both of these current versions are terrible. 

Jacksonville (7-3) at Houston (6-4) - This game should go down to the wire with the Jaguars coming out ahead. The Texans and rookie QB C.J. Stroud have been the feel good story in the NFL so far this season.

L.A. Rams (4-6) at Arizona (2-9) -  Cardinals have looked better since Kyler Murray returned to play quarterback. Rams coming off big win against the Seattle Seahawks. This game will be close. 

Kansas City (7-3) at Las Vegas (5-6) - It's do or die time for the Raiders in this one. They have a chance to close the gap in the AFC West race. Chiefs should prevail here after hurting themselves with miscues and turnovers in a close loss to Philadelphia. 

Chicago (3-8) at Minnesota (6-5) - The Vikings saw their five-game win streak ended last Sunday night and now they have a chance to get back on track at home on Monday Night Football against a last place Bears team. 

 

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

Thanksgiving Day Games 

DETROIT over Green Bay 

Dallas over Washington 

San Francisco over Seattle 

Friday Game

Miami over N.Y. Jets 

Sunday Games 

New Orleans over Atlanta 

Pittsburgh over Cincinnati 

Tennessee over Carolina 

Indianapolis over Tampa Bay 

N.Y. Giants over New England 

Jacksonville over Houston 

Cleveland over Denver 

Arizona over L.A Rams 

Kansas City over Las Vegas 

Philadelphia over Buffalo 

Baltimore over L.A. Chargers 

Monday Night Game

Minnesota over Chicago 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 106-58 

Lock of the Week Record - 11-0