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 

NFL - Week Eleven Recap

The Baltimore Ravens got it done in big win over Cincinnati.

Week Eleven got started last Thursday night in Baltimore and the Ravens (8-3) roughed up the Cincinnati Bengals, 34-20 behind a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Lamar Jackson and two rushing touchdowns by running back Gus Edwards. The Bengals (5-5) lost starting QB Joe Burrow for the rest of the season with a wrist injury as he was sacked five times. 

 

 

 

The Cleveland Browns (7-3) won a squeaker, 13-10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers for the home win as kicker Dustin Hopkins made a 34-yard field goal with two seconds left in the game. Browns RB Jerome Ford scored on a one-yard run and Hopkins first field goal gave them a 10-0 lead before the Steelers (6-4) rallied back with a 75-yard scoring run by Jaylen Warren (nine carries for 129 yards) and a 28-yard field goal with 7:40 remaining. But the Browns got it done in crunch time to win the game. 

On Sunday night in Denver, the Broncos improved to 5-5 with their fourth consecutive win as they knocked off Minnesota, 21-20 when QB Russell Wilson (259 passing yards) threw a 15-yard TD pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton with 1:03 left to play. The Vikings (6-5) saw their five-game win streak snapped after they built a 17-9 lead midway through the third quarter when QB Joshua Dobbs scored on a ten-yard run. Dobbs also had a TD pass and 221 passing yards and one interception thrown in the loss. Broncos kicker Will Lutz made five field goals to help the winning effort. 

In Miami, the Dolphins (7-3) won a defensive game, 20-13 against the Las Vegas Raiders (5-6) as their defense had three interceptions to offset two fumbles lost on offense. Dolphins QB Tua Tagvailoa had a pair of TD passes and 325 passing yards, which included a 38-yard TD pass to WR Tyreek Hill (ten receptions for 146 yards). The Raiders had a 10-7 lead after QB Aidan O'Connell threw a 46-yard scoring pass to WR Davante Adams. 

The Houston Texans (6-4) won again, this time a 21-16 decision at home against the Arizona Cardinals (2-9) with QB C.J. Stroud throwing two TD passes (along with 336 passing yards and three INT) and an 11-yard scoring run by Devin Singletary. The Cardinals hung tough with QB Kyler Murray throwing for a touchdown and also scoring a rushing touchdown, but fell short. 

The San Francisco 49ers (7-3) rolled past the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 27-14 as QB Brock Purdy had three TD passes while the defense forced two turnovers (fumble and interception) send the Buccaneers (4-6) to their fifth loss in six games. 

 

The Detroit Lions (8-2) roared back in the final four minutes to stun the Chicago Bears, 31-26 in Detroit as they overcame a 12-point deficit for the win. Lions QB Jared Goff overcame three interceptions as he had a pair of scoring passes, including a 32-yard TD pass to WR Jameson Williams to trim the deficit to 26-21 with 2:59 remaining. The Lions got the ball back and RB David Montgomery (pictured right) scored a one-yard rushing TD to put his team ahead, 29-26 (successful two-point conversion) with 29 seconds remaining. The Bears (3-8) built the lead thanks to QB Justin Fields (104 rushing yards and 169 passing yards and one TD) and the defense getting four turnovers until the Lions big rally.  

The Dallas Cowboys (7-3) crushed the host Carolina Panthers, 33-10 with defensive back DaRon Bland getting his fourth "pick six" interception score this season while QB Dak Prescott threw for two scores and RB Tony Pollard had a rushing TD to pace the easy win. The Panthers (1-9) closed to within seven points in the third quarter on a TD pass by rookie QB Bryce Young, but from then on, it was all Cowboys as they limited Carolina to just 187 total yards in offense. 

The host Buffalo Bills (6-5) rebounded from a rough loss last weekend to pound the listless New York Jets, 32-6 with their defense holding the Jets (4-6) to only 155 yards in total offense while also getting six sacks and three turnovers. Jets QB Zach Wilson had a scoring pass, but only passed for 81 yards (along with INT) and was benched in the second half. Bills QB Josh Allen threw for three scores (one INT) and 275 passing yards in the win. 

The Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3) rolled past the visiting Tennessee Titans, 34-14 with QB Trevor Lawrence passing for two TD and rushing for two more scores to lead the way. The Titans (3-7) fell behind 27-0 before rookie QB Will Levis managed two TD passes in defeat. 

The Green Bay Packers (4-6) won at home, 23-20 against the Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) when QB Jordan Love (322 passing yards, two TD) hit WR Romeo Doubs on a 24-yard scoring pass with 2:29 left to play. The Chargers had forged ahead in the see-saw battle, 20-16 when QB Justin Herbert (260 passing yards, two TD) connected with WR Keenan Allen (ten receptions for 116 yards) on a ten-yard TD pass with 5:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. 

The Los Angeles Rams (4-6) beat the visiting Seattle Seahawks, 17-16 thanks to a missed 55-yard field goal try by 'Hawks kicker Jason Myers as time ran out. Rams QB Matthew Stafford had a TD pass and Darrell Henderson, Jr. scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown to lead the way. The Seahawks (6-4) had a 16-7 lead after three quarters, but starting QB Geno Smith (233 passing yards, one TD) had to leave the game with a throwing arm injury, but returned in time to get them into field goal range in the closing seconds, but the kick failed. 

The New York Giants (3-8) completed a season sweep of division rival Washington (4-7) with a 31-19 road victory as QB Tommy DeVito had three TD passes to overcome getting sacked nine times in the game. The Giants sealed the win with a 54-yard interception TD return with 16 seconds left by Isaiah Simmons as their defense forced six turnovers (three fumble recoveries, three INT) in the win. The Commanders piled up 403 yards in total offense, but the six turnovers was too much for them to overcome. 

In the Monday night game in Kansas City, the Philadelphia Eagles won, 21-17 to improve to 9-1 this season as they rallied from a 17-7 halftime deficit by holding the Chiefs (7-3) scoreless in the second half and forcing two turnovers (fumble and interception) to get the victory. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts had two rushing touchdowns and D'Andre Swift (four-yard TD run) as well to pace the offense. Kansas City QB Patrick Mahomes had two TD passes but also was intercepted in the end zone and the Chiefs had six dropped passes, including one by WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling at the Eagle goal line in the closing minutes.

WEEK ELEVEN RESULTS 

Baltimore 34, Cincinnati 20 

Green Bay 23, L.A. Chargers 20 

Detroit 31, Chicago 26

Dallas 33, Carolina 10

Houston 21, Arizona 16 

N.Y. Giants 31, Washington 19 

Cleveland 13, Pittsburgh 10 

Jacksonville 34, Tennessee 14 

Miami 20, Las Vegas 13 

San Francisco 27, Tampa Bay 14

Buffalo 32, N.Y. Jets 6

L.A. Rams 17, Seattle 16

Denver 21, Minnesota 20   

Philadelphia 21, Kansas City 17

 

 

 

 

 

NFL - Week Eleven Preview

 

The Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) and Baltimore Ravens (7-3) both will be looking to rebound after tough, last second losses along with trying to maintain their position in the rugged AFC North division, where both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are 6-3 and right there in the race. 

And the Steelers and Browns will face each other in Cleveland on Sunday while the Ravens and Bengals will go at it in Baltimore on Thursday night. The Ravens defense has been getting stung late in games in recent weeks, but still ranks among the top in the NFL in defense. Meanwhile, the Bengals have been battling injuries to their wide receivers, including Tee Higgins, who will not play against Baltimore. 

This game should be another great battle (Baltimore won, 27-24 in Week Two in Cincy) with the Ravens pounding the football with their vaunted running attack while the Bengals will look to air it out with quarterback Joe Burrow and company looking to get back into the thick of the divisional race. The call here is for the Ravens to pull out a close win and maintain their slim lead in the division. 

On Sunday, the Steelers will be looking to take advantage of the Browns not having starting QB Deshaun Watson (shoulder injury) for the remainder of the season. Pittsburgh won a close one at home back in Week Two, 26-22 and will need the defense to step it up and pressure Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and stifle the running game as well. The Browns defense has been stellar all season long and helped the team rally back from a 14-point deficit in Baltimore a week ago. This game should be a knock down affair that will be decided by a late field goal. 

The resurgent Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) will be seeking their third straight win in Miami, but the Dolphins (6-3) are coming off the bye week and lost in Germany (to Kansas City) two weeks ago in what was their worst offensive performance this season. Look for QB Tua Tagovailoa to get receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle involved early and often to keep the Raiders at bay. Miami should get the win, but the Raiders are buying into interim head coach Antonio Pierce's tactics and could keep it interesting. 

The Sunday night game in Denver between the Broncos (4-5) and Minnesota Vikings (6-4 and winners of vie in a row) could be an exciting match. The Broncos defense has been playing lights out football since giving up 70 points against the Miami Dolphins in late September. The Vikings are rolling, even with QB Kirk Cousins (Achilles injury) done for the season as Joshua Dobbs has stepped right in and kept the offense humming along. Denver's defense forced four turnovers against Buffalo last week in a road victory and this game could go either way and a turnover just might be the deciding factor. 

On Monday night in Kansas City, the game of the week will take place between the Chiefs (7-2) and the Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) in a rematch of last season's Super Bowl. The Eagles have won three consecutive games and have the league's best record. The Chiefs lost to Denver three weeks ago, but rebounded with a 21-14 win over Miami in Germany and come off their bye week with expectations to win this game. 

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been solid, but he has thrown eight interceptions in the first nine games and the Philly defense (14 interceptions) would like to add to that total, but the pass rush has to do their part (30 sacks) to keep Mahomes from getting too comfortable. Meanwhile, the Kansas City defense has been looking good in 2023, getting 31 sacks so far and has picked off six passes. Look for a close game with K.C. finding a way to get it done.

The rest of the action around the NFL in Week Eleven is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks follow up. 

 

Chicago Bears (3-7) at Detroit Lions (7-2) - The Bears get QB Justin Fields back this week, but the Lions are just too good to lose this one, especially at home. 

Los Angeles Chargers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (3-6) - As long as the Chargers O-line gives QB Justin Herbert time to throw the ball, the Chargers should win this game. 

New York Giants (2-8) at Washington Commanders (4-6) - The Giants beat the Commanders four weeks ago, but they are playing with a third string QB now. The Commanders gave the Seattle Seahawks all they could handle on the road last week and their offense is much better than the Giants meager attack.

Dallas Cowboys (6-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-8) - Cowboys roll ! 

Tennessee Titans (3-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3) - Jags got spanked at home last week and should be ready to take it out on the Titans. But the Titans always find a way to hang around with this team, so expect a close one. 

Arizona Cardinals (2-8) at Houston Texans (5-4) - The Texans are playing good football and they believe in themselves, especially with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud playing at an elite level. Arizona has QB Kyler Murray back and should hang around in this one. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) at San Francisco 49ers (6-3) - The 49ers cast out any doubts about how good they are with last week's rout of the Jaguars. They should be able to handle Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers, who have been up and down this season. 

New York Jets (4-5) at Buffalo Bills (5-5) - Two teams heading downhill coming into this game. The Bills offense is much better, but QB Josh Allen has got to cut down on the turnovers. The Jets defense will keep them in this game and they did beat Buffalo in the season opener, so watch out.

Seattle Seahawks (6-3) at Los Angeles Rams (3-6) - The Rams always make life difficult for the Seahawks and should have starting QB Matthew Stafford back for this tilt in L.A. If they want to win this game, the Seahawks defense must step up and limit the Rams offense, which has been bad in the last five games, averaging just 16 points per game while losing four of those games. 

 

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

Baltimore over Cincinnati 

Pittsburgh over Cleveland 

Detroit over Chicago 

L.A. Chargers over Green Bay 

Miami over Las Vegas 

Washington over N.Y. Giants 

DALLAS over Carolina 

Jacksonville over Tennessee 

Houston over Arizona 

San Francisco over Tampa Bay 

Buffalo over N.Y. Jets 

Seattle over L.A. Rams 

Denver over Minnesota 

Kansas City over Philadelphia 

 

Last Week's Record - 9-5 

SEASON RECORD - 97-53 

Lock of the Week Record - 10-0 

NFL - Week Ten Recap

 

The Detroit Lions continue to roll along.

So many NFL games went down to the wire and were decided by field goals in week ten. There were also some blowouts and a couple of yawner games.

Perhaps the most exciting game of the day was with the Detroit Lions (7-2), who got out of Los Angeles with a 41-38 win against the Chargers (4-5) when Riley Patterson made a 41-yard field goal as time ran out. These two teams went back and forth all game long with the game being tied four times. Lions quarterback Jared Goff (333 passing yards) had a pair of touchdown passes to go with two scoring runs by rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and a 75-yard TD run by David Montgomery. Chargers QB Justin Herbert passed for 323 yards and four scores in the losing effort, with two of the TD passes going to wide receiver Keenan Allen (11 receptions for 175 yards). The Lions racked up 533 yards in total offense while the 'Bolts had 421 total yards.

In Baltimore, the host Ravens (7-3) coughed up a 14-point lead to the Cleveland Browns (6-3) and lost 33-31 when Dustin Hopkins drilled a game winning 38-yard field goal as time ran out to atone for a missed PAT kick that created the 31-30 deficit. The Ravens roared out to a 14-0 lead with defensive back Kyle Hamilton taking an interception back 18 yards for a TD and Keaton Mitchell going 39 yards for a score. The Browns battled back with a TD run by Kareem Hunt and a TD pass by QB Deshaun Watson and then a pick six TD on a 34 -yard return interception by Greg Newsome with 8:16 left in the fourth quarter. Gus Edwards added a scoring run and QB Lamar Jackson threw a 40-yard TD pass to Odell Beckham, Jr. for Baltimore.

The surprising Houston Texans improved to 5-4 as they bested the host Cincinnati Bengals, 30-27 on a 38-yard field goal by Matt Ammendola as time ran out. The Texans led 27-17 early in the fourth quarter when quarterback C.J. Stroud (356 passing yards, one TD, one INT) ran eight yards for a touchdown. Texans RB Devin Singletary scored a touchdown and rushed for 150 yards in a balanced attack that gained 544 total yards. The Bengals (5-4) led 7-0 before Houston rolled off 20 consecutive points. Bengals QB Joe Burrow had two TD passes (also two INT) and RB Joe Mixon had a TD run in the losing effort.

The Seattle Seahawks (6-3) remained in a first place tie with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West as they got a 43-yard field goal as time expired from Jason Myers to beat Washington, 29-26. The Commanders (4-6) tied the game at 26-26 with 52 seconds left when QB Sam Howell (312 passing yards, three TD) connected with Dyami Brown on a 35-yard scoring pass. Seattle QB Geno Smith had two TD passes and Myers made five field goals to help get the victory.

The Arizona Cardinals (2-8) snapped a six-game losing streak as they beat the Atlanta Falcons, 25-23 on a 23-yard field goal by Matt Prater as time ran out. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray made his first start since a season ending knee injury last year and had a six-yard TD run to help lead the way. The Falcons (4-6) took a 23-22 lead when QB Desmond Ridder scored on a nine-yard run with 2:33 left in the fourth quarter before the Cards rallied back for the winning field goal. 

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers defense came up with an interception by Damontae Kazee on the final play from scrimmage at the goal line to hold off the Green Bay Packers, 23-19. The Steelers (6-3) rushed for 205 yards with Najee Harris (82 yards) and Jaylen Warren (101 yards) scoring rushing touchdowns. The Packers (3-6) got a pair of TD passes from QB Jordan Love (along with two interceptions thrown) in the loss.

The Minnesota Vikings (6-4) beat the visiting New Orleans Saints, 27-19 for their fifth win a row as QB Joshua Dobbs had a TD pass and run as well while the Vikings defense had three QB sacks and two interceptions. The Saints (5-5) rallied back from 24 points down as backup QB Jameis Winston had two scoring passes in the second half in relief of Derek Carr, who left with a shoulder injury and concussion, but the effort fell short. 

The 49ers defense dominated the Jags.

 

The San Francisco 49ers (6-3) routed the host Jacksonville Jaguars, 34-3 as their defense had four takeaways (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries) and five quarterback sacks in the easy win. 49ers QB Brock Purdy had three TD passes and the defense did the rest. Jacksonville (6-3) saw their five game winning streak snapped as they managed a meager 59 rushing yards and just one field goal. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) won at home against the Tennessee Titans, 20-6 with QB Baker Mayfield tossing two scoring passes while the defense limited the Titans (3-6) to 209 total yards in offense to go along with four sacks.

In a yawner over in Frankfurt, Germany, the Indianapolis Colts (5-5) beat the hapless New England Patriots, 10-6 as RB Jonathan Taylor scored a rushing TD and the defense picked off two passes and had five sacks. The Patriots slipped to 2-8 this season and starting QB Mac Jones was benched late in the game. 

On Thursday night in Chicago, the Bears (3-7) won, 16-13 against the Carolina Panthers (1-8) behind three field goals by Cairo Santos and a four-yard TD run by running back D'Onta Foreman. The Panthers lone touchdown came in the first quarter on a 79-yard punt return by Ihmir Smith-Marstte. 

The Dallas Cowboys (6-3) rolled past the visiting New York Giants, 49-17 as QB Dak Prescott had 404 passing yards along with four touchdowns and a rushing score as well as Dallas racked up an eye popping 640 yards against the Giants (2-8). Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb had two TD receptions and eleven in the game for 151 yards.

The Sunday night game in Las Vegas went in favor of the host Raiders (5-5) as they toppled the New York Jets, 16-12. Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell had a TD pass and RB Josh Jacobs ran for 116 yards while kicker Daniel Carlson made three field goals to provide the difference. The Jets (4-5) out gained the Raiders but managed just four field goals in the loss as they were held without a touchdown for the second straight game. 

On Monday Night Football, the Denver Broncos (4-5) surprised the slumping Buffalo Bills, 24-22 when Will Lutz made a 36-yard field goal (after missing a 41-yard try) as time ran out for their third straight win. The Bills (5-5) were penalized for having too many players on the field on the missed field goal and dropped their third game in the last four. Broncos QB Russell Wilson had two TD passes in the win while Bills QB Josh Allen ran for a score and also threw for a touchdown, but also had two interceptions while the team had four turnovers that helped cause them to lose the game.

WEEK TEN RESULTS 

Chicago 16, Carolina 13 

Indianapolis 10, New England 6

Pittsburgh 23, Green Bay 19 

Cleveland 33, Baltimore 31

Houston 30, Cincinnati 27 

San Francisco 34, Jacksonville 3

Minnesota 27, New Orleans 19 

Tampa Bay 20, Tennessee 6 

Detroit 41, L.A. Chargers 38

Dallas 49, N.Y. Giants 17 

Arizona 25, Atlanta 23

Seattle 29, Washington 26

Las Vegas 16, N.Y. Jets 12

Denver 24, Buffalo 22

 

NFL - Week Ten Preview

The second half of the NFL season gets going this weekend for most teams (the bye weeks continue as well as four teams are off this weekend) and among the bigger games is the San Francisco 49ers (5-3) at the Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2), winners of five games in a row and coming off the bye week while the 'Niners have dropped three straight and are also coming off their bye week. 

The Jags have turned it up a notch on offense in recent weeks and quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne have been a solid combination. Meanwhile, San Francisco's defense has struggled and the sack totals are way down from a year ago. If they want to win this game, they have to get after Lawrence early and often. 

Another game that looks like a great one is in the AFC North where the red hot Baltimore Ravens (7-2) will be going after their fifth straight win as they host the Cleveland Browns (5-3), a team they blasted 28-3 on the road six weeks ago. The Browns have starting QB Deshaun Watson back in the fold and he will need to step up his game if they want to come away with a win against arguably the NFL's best team. 

The Ravens can run the ball exceptionally well and racked up nearly 300 yards on the ground last week as they routed the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is enjoying an MVP type season so far and the Ravens should come away with the win, but they have to protect Jackson from the Browns stellar pass rush, which includes Myles Garrett, who has 9 1/2 sacks so far this season. 

In Los Angeles, the Chargers will host the Detroit Lions (6-2), who are coming off their bye week and lead the NFC North division, thanks to a balanced offense and a solid defense. The Chargers (4-4) have won two in a row and last Monday night, they smoked the New York Jets, 27-6 on the road as their defense had eight QB sacks and three fumble recoveries. The Chargers can outscore the Lions, but they have to avoid self destructing as they have done in three of their four losses this season. 

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

Carolina (1-7) at Chicago (2-7) - These two teams will likely have the top two picks in the next NFL Draft and the Bears own the Panthers pick. Toss up here. 

Indianapolis (4-5) at New England (2-7) - (game being played in Frankfurt, Germany) - The Colts and Patriots both trying to find their identities and it's already approaching mid-November. This game will likely be a yawner. 

Houston (4-4) at Cincinnati (5-3) - The Texans are playing above expectations and QB C.J. Stroud is looking like the rookie of the year. But the Bengals have Joe Burrow and their offense is more explosive than Houston in a big way. Take the Bengals. 

New Orleans (5-4) at Minnesota (5-4) - These two teams are in the thick of the playoff chase in the NFC. Saints have the better defense and that could be a factor, but the Vikings have Joshua Dobbs at quarterback and he is flying high after last week's big comeback victory over Atlanta. 

Green Bay (3-5) at Pittsburgh (5-3) - Steelers keep finding ways to get it done and should do so against the Packers this week. 

Tennessee (3-5) at Tampa Bay (3-5) - The loser of this game is likely done for the season as far as the playoffs are concerned. Toss up. 

Atlanta (4-5) at Arizona (1-8) - Kyler Murray returns at quarterback for the Cardinals, who have lost six straight games. Falcons are reeling after blowing the game last week against the Vikings. Toss up.

N.Y. Giants (2-7) at Dallas (5-3) - The Cowboys are fuming after losing to Philadelphia last week and should take it out on the Giants, a team they walloped 40-0 in the opening game. 

Washington (4-5) at Seattle (5-3) - The Seahawks got a huge helping of humble pie last week in Baltimore while the Commanders won on the road. Take the Seahawks in this game. 

N.Y. Jets (4-4) at Las Vegas (4-5) - The Sunday night game on NBC . . . no "Heidi" repeats happening here. But that was over 50 years ago and these two teams are nowhere near where they were back then. Raiders win in a squeaker.

Denver (3-5) at Buffalo (5-4) - The Monday night game in Buffalo . . . the Bills need this win desperately. Meanwhile, the Broncos have won two in a row, so it won't be an easy time for the Bills. 

 

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

Chicago over Carolina 

New England over Indianapolis (Game is being played in Frankfurt, Germany)

Cincinnati over Houston 

Minnesota over New Orleans 

Pittsburgh over Green Bay 

Tampa Bay over Tennessee 

San Francisco over Jacksonville 

Baltimore over Cleveland 

Arizona over Atlanta 

L.A. Chargers over Detroit 

DALLAS over N.Y. Giants 

Seattle over Washington 

Las Vegas over N.Y. Jets 

Buffalo over Denver 

 

Last Week's Record - 10-4 

SEASON RECORD - 88-48

Lock of the Week Record - 9-0

NFL - Week Nine Recap

The Sunday NFL games started out in Frankfurt, Germany and the Kansas City Chiefs topped the Miami Dolphins, 21-14 as Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (pictured left) threw for two touchdowns and Bryan Cook scored another touchdown on a 59-yard fumble return to give the Chiefs (7-2) a 21-0 halftime lead. The Dolphins (6-3) battled back in the second half, but fell short as QB Tua Tagovailoa had a 31-yard TD pass to Cedrick Wilson, Jr. and running back Raheem Mostert scored on a 13-yard rushing touchdown. 

 

In Philadelphia, the Eagles held off the Dallas Cowboys (5-3) and came away with a 28-23 victory to improve to a league best 8-1 record. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts had two TD passes and also a scoring run and Kenneth Gainwell scored on a 12-yard run to offset Dallas QB Dak Prescott throwing for three scores and 374 yards. The Philly defense had five sacks to help in the winning effort. Dallas had their chances to win the game in fourth quarter, but came up short of the goal line twice in the closing minutes.

An exciting finish in Atlanta as the Minnesota Vikings (5-4) won their fourth straight game with a 31-28 decision against the Falcons, who dropped to 4-5 this season. Vikings reserve QB Joshua Dobbs (just acquired from Arizona five days ago) had a pair of TD passes, including the game winner on a six-yard pass to Brandon Powell with 22 seconds left in the game. Dobbs also had an 18-yard scoring run to rally the team after starter Jaren Hall (concussion) was injured. Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke had a TD pass and interception thrown in the loss. 

Another fantastic finish took place in Houston where the Texans (4-4) shocked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5) with a 39-37 win as rookie QB C.J. Stroud had FIVE touchdown passes and 470 passing yards to get it done. The 15-yard scoring pass from Stroud to Tank Dell with six seconds remaining won it. The Buccaneers lost for the fourth straight time as two TD passes by QB Baker Mayfield and two scoring runs by running back Rachaad White were not enough. 

The New Orleans Saints (5-4) took over first place in the NFC South as they bested the visiting Chicago Bears, 24-17 with Taysom Hill catching a two-yard TD pass (from QB Derek Carr, who had two TD passes) and also throwing one to Juwan Johnson with 11:05 left in the fourth quarter to make the difference in the final score. The Bears (2-7) jumped out to a 7-0 lead as QB Tyson Bagent (220 yards with two TD and three interceptions) hooked up for the first of his two scoring passes to tight end Cole Kmet. The Bears turned the football over five times in the loss. 

The Baltimore Ravens (7-2) demolished the visiting Seattle Seahawks, 37-3 as they rushed for 298 yards while racking up 515 yards in total offense in the rout. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was 21-for-26 passing and also rushed for 60 yards while running back Gus Edwards had two rushing scores along with a 40-yard scoring run by Keaton Mitchell (138 rushing yards) and four field goals by Justin Tucker. The Seahawks (5-3) had only 28 rushing yards and 151 total yards for the game. 

The Cleveland Browns (5-3) shut out the visiting Arizona Cardinals, 27-0 as QB Deshaun Watson had two TD passes and Kareem Hunt added a scoring run while the defense registered seven QB sacks and held the Cardinals (1-8) to a paltry 58 yards in total offense, including a net of only 17 passing yards. 

 

Joe Burrow (9) and the Bengals rolled over Buffalo.

 

On Sunday night in Cincinnati, the Bengals continued to roll with their fourth straight win as they knocked off the Buffalo Bills, 24-18 to improve to 5-3 and dropped the Bills to a 5-4 mark. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had two TD passes and Joe Mixon a two-yard scoring run to pace the offense. Buffalo QB Josh Allen had a scoring pass and run as well in defeat. 

 

The Las Vegas Raiders (4-5) won at home, 30-6 against the New York Giants (2-7) as their defense had eight QB sacks while RB Josh Jacobs scored twice on the ground to pace the easy win (and first) for interim head coach Antonio Pierce. The Giants also lost QB Daniel Jones for the season with a knee injury.

The Green Bay Packers pasted the listless Los Angeles Rams, 20-3 in Lambeau Field to improve to 3-5 as Aaron Jones scored a running TD and QB Jordan Love had a scoring pass and was 20-for-26 passing in the victory. The Rams (3-6) managed just ten first downs and 187 yards in total offense in their losing effort. 

On Thursday night in Pittsburgh, the Steelers (5-3) beat the Tennessee Titans, 20-16 as Najee Harris had a ten-yard scoring run and QB Kenny Pickett threw a three-yard scoring pass to WR Diontae Johnson to provide the winning score in the fourth quarter. Titans QB Will Levis had 262 passing yards, but threw an interception (by Kwon Alexander) to end the game. The Titans (3-5) led 16-13 entering the fourth quarter thanks to three field goals by Nick Folk and scoring run by Derrick Henry, who rushed for 75 yards in the loss. 

The Indianapolis Colts (4-5) toppled the host Carolina Panthers, 27-13 as defensive back Kenny Moore II had two pick six interceptions (49 and 66 yards) and QB Gardner Minshew threw a TD pass in the win. The Panthers (1-7) out gained the Colts in total yardage, but three interceptions thrown by rookie QB Bryce Young proved to be the difference in the final score. 

The Washington Commanders (4-5) won a road game, 20-17 against the New England Patriots (2-7) as RB Brian Robinson scored a rushing touchdown and QB Sam Howell (325 passing yards, one TD, one INT) threw a 33-yard scoring pass to WR Jahan Dotson while Joey Slye kicked two field goals. The Patriots led 17-10 thanks to a 14-yard scoring pass from QB Mac Jones to tight end Hunter Henry and 64-yard scoring run by RB Rhamondre Stevenson before Washington took over. 

In the Monday Night Football game, the Los Angeles Chargers blasted the host New York Jets, 27-6 as their defense dominated with eight QB sacks and three fumble recoveries that led to two offensive touchdowns, both rushing scores by RB Austin Ekeler. Derius Davis had an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown to put the Chargers (4-4) ahead 7-0 in the first quarter. The Jets (4-4) saw their three-game win streak snapped as they managed just two field goals in the game.

 

WEEK NINE RESULTS 

Pittsburgh 20, Tennessee 16 

Kansas City 21, Miami 14  

New Orleans 24, Chicago 17 

Green Bay 20, L.A. Rams 3 

Minnesota 31, Atlanta 28

Washington 20, New England 17 

Cleveland 27, Arizona 0

Baltimore 37, Seattle 3 

Houston 39, Tampa Bay 37 

Philadelphia 28, Dallas 23

Las Vegas 30, N.Y. Giants 6

Indianapolis 27, Carolina 13

Cincinnati 24, Buffalo 18 

L.A. Chargers 27, N.Y. Jets 6

NFL - Week Nine Preview

There are some really good looking games this week around the NFL as the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs will battle it out in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday morning. Later in the day, the Seattle Seahawks will travel to Baltimore to face the surging Ravens. In Philadelphia, the Eagles will host the Dallas Cowboys in a huge NFC East tilt. On Sunday night, the Buffalo Bills will take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincy and finally on Monday Night Football, the Los Angeles Chargers will play at the New York Jets. 

 

The Chiefs and Dolphins (both 6-2) will be battling for AFC supremacy in this one and the Dolphins have the highest scoring offense in pro football while the Chiefs have been struggling to get the offense going, managing just three field goals in a loss against the Denver Broncos last week. Miami torched the Broncos for 70 points back in the third game of the season. Look for a tight game here with a late score pulling it out for Kansas City. 

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles (7-1) is always a great game and first place in the NFC East division could be on the line this Sunday in the "City of Brotherly Love" (or brotherly shove in recent weeks). The Cowboys are 5-2 and would love to push the Eagles in this one, but they need the offense to keep pace with Philly's high scoring offense. The quarterback play will likely decide the outcome in this game and Jalen Hurts rates the edge over Dak Prescott. Both defenses will be amped up to slow the opposing offense down. Look for a lower scoring game with Philly winning a close one. 

In Baltimore, the Ravens (6-2) host the Seattle Seahawks (5-2) is what should be a physical game. Baltimore is rolling right now and QB Lamar Jackson will look to keep the good vibes going against a surprisingly solid Seattle defense. The Ravens defense will look to shake things up against quarterback Geno Smith and the 'Hawks offense, which averages 24 points per game. The kicking game for Baltimore is superior and Justin Tucker should provide the winning margin in this one. 

On Sunday night, look for the Cincinnati Bengals (4-3) to get their fourth straight win against a Bills team that is banged up on defense. Bengals QB Joe Burrow looks to be healthy again and he can move around and fling the ball all over the field to his favorite targets (wide receivers) Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd. The Bills (5-3) must stop the Bengals air attack if they want to win this game. It should be a higher scoring game, but look for the Bengals to emerge with the victory. 

The Los Angeles Chargers (3-4) have been dubbed the "NFL's most under achieving team" in recent seasons and that is true so far in the 2023 season. The Jets (4-3) have been doing it on defense this year and have won three consecutive games with QB Zach Wilson doing just enough on offense to keep the Jets competitive. 

The Chargers showed some signs of life in their rout of the Chicago Bears last Sunday night and quarterback Justin Herbert had his best game this season. The L.A. offensive line must protect Herbert from the fierce Jets pass rush. On the other hand, the same can be said for the Jets O-line as the Chargers have amassed 23 QB sacks in seven games. This will be another close game, but the Chargers have the better offense and should get the win. 

The rest of the action for Week Nine is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks for all 14 games follows up. 

Tennessee Titans (3-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) - The Thursday night game in the Steel City goes for the home team. 

Washington Commanders (3-5) at New England Patriots (2-6) - Take the Patriots at home in this one. The Commanders are cleaning house as they traded away two of their top defensive players. 

Arizona Cardinals (1-7) at Cleveland Browns (4-3) - The Cards traded away QB Josh Dobbs (to Minnesota) and Kyler Murray will feel the heat of the vaunted Browns defense. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) at Houston Texans (3-4) - The visiting Buccaneers have lost three straight coming into this one, but QB Baker Mayfield and company should do just enough to get the win. 

Chicago Bears (2-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-4) - The Saints and QB Derek Carr must find a way to out perform the Bears. This game will be closer that many people might think, but the Saints should march off with the victory. 

Minnesota Vikings (4-4) at Atlanta Falcons (4-4) - Two teams with new quarterbacks playing this Sunday. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is out for the season with Achilles injury while Falcons benched Desmond Ridder and will go with Taylor Heinicke. Toss up here. 

Los Angeles Rams (3-5) at Green Bay Packers (2-5) - This could be the stinker game of the week. Rams could be without QB Matthew Stafford (thumb injury) while the Packers offense has been struggling big time with Jordan Love having troubles so far. 

Indianapolis Colts (3-5) at Carolina Panthers (1-6) - The Colts have lost three in a row and have been getting lit up (allowing 38 PPG in the losing streak), but the Panthers offense is pretty weak. Toss up in this one. 

New York Giants (2-6) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-5) - The Raiders have a new head coach as Josh McDaniels was fired and QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been benched. Will the shake up be enough for the host team to beat the Giants? Expect a lower scoring game here. 

 

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

PITTSBURGH over Tennessee 

Kansas City over Miami (Game being played in Frankfurt, Germany) 

New England over Washington 

Baltimore over Seattle 

Cleveland over Arizona 

Tampa Bay over Houston 

New Orleans over Chicago 

Atlanta over Minnesota 

L.A. Rams over Green Bay 

Indianapolis over Carolina 

Las Vegas over N.Y. Giants 

Philadelphia over Dallas 

Cincinnati over Buffalo 

L.A. Chargers over N.Y. Jets 

 

Last Week's Record - 11-5 

SEASON RECORD - 78-44 

Lock of the Week Record - 8-0