“Through God, All Things Are Possible!” – Some preacher
I don’t know exactly where that quote came from but when it comes to Tennessee Titan football, truer words have never been spoken. Tennessee is now 8-0 when I attend the house of the Lord on Sundays and my faith was rewarded in tremendously exciting fashion.
I missed the early slate of games but there was a slew of excitement in the afternoon. Minnesota and Arizona took it to the wire where it came down to a 37 yard field goal for the Vikings to win it.
So in Vikings fashion, they missed it.
People here in Auburn are calling it the curse of Daniel Carlson, The Auburn alum who is balling out for the Las Vegas Raiders. I know it’s just the Minnesota way, kickers feel the pressure of the purple people eaters past and it’s too much to overcome.
Then you had the upsets by the Cowboys and Ravens to close out the day. No one saw a depleted Cowboys defense holding stud QB Justin Herbert to 14 points. Micah Parsons proved he is a do-it-all specimen moving to DE and Tony Pollard gave NFL analysts a weeks’ worth of content with his rushing performance.
Next came Lamar Jackson and his second half takeover that had everyone on the edge of their seats. I absolutely love the clip of John Harbaugh asking him does he want to go for it on a crucial 4th down and then him converting it to finish off the Chiefs 36-35. That type of trust in your players is contagious and will surely carry over to their matchup versus the Detroit.
Baltimore smacks the Lions
Why?
Detroit just has an unfortunate start to the season. To begin things off with the rushing prowess of a fully healthy San Fran, then have an angry Aaron Rodgers and an emotional Aaron Jones after, to run into a surging Baltimore Ravens team coming off their phenomenal win over the back-to-back AFC champions for the first time in Lamar Jackson’s career is truly a bummer. But, that’s just how the cookie crumbles and someone has to pick #1 overall.
I got ahead of myself but didn’t forget about the Thursday night showdown between Carolina and Houston. Actually, it begins a string of easy calls that once again I thank the Lord for giving me.
Panthers devour the Texans
Why?
The Texans have been an under-the-radar surprise with journeyman Tyrod Taylor at the helm. He was giving Cleveland a run for their money last week before exiting with a hamstring injury. Enter rookie QB David Mills and it was all downhill from there. Now he must face a ferocious Carolina defense on a short week and all signs point to a rough “Welcome to the NFL” moment.
The Panthers are leading the league in sacks, QB hits, 3rd Down Percentage, points allowed per game, passing yards allowed per game, and rushing yards allowed per game. In case you didn’t get the memo, that’s a dominate defense and they are returning AJ Bouye in a revenge game.
It’s gonna be a fun one for Panther’s fans tonight lol.
Let’s get back to Sunday with a blowout in the making.
Cardinals massacre Jaguars
Why?
Kyler Murray cannot be stopped. I’m not even sure he can be contained, especially by a porous Jacksonville defense that hasn’t been able to stop anyone. They have played Teddy Bridgewater and Tyrod Taylor thus far and allowed over 300 total yards to them both so Kyler might have about 500 yards on Sunday afternoon.
His WR core is bonkers with Rondale Moore now getting involved along with DeAndre, AJ Green, and Christian Kirk so expect a high-scoring affair with Trevor Lawrence once again needing to throw 50 times to keep up.
Chiefs rebound in Arrowhead
Why?
I’m no statistician but I cannot recall a time where Patrick Mahomes lost back to back. That’s really my only reasoning but it makes me super confident that these Chargers just lost to the Cowboys.
Titans beat Colts
Why?
I will be in church on Sunday. This time, leading Bible Study as a thank you to Jesus ☺
Saints shock Patriots
Why?
New Orleans should return their coaches as well as star players Marshon Lattimore and C Erik McCoy for this defensive showdown. I have seen nothing from Mac Jones that excites or scares me and New Orleans have something to prove after the world pretty much gave up on them after one loss.
I’m expecting some exciting plays from both teams but in the end, Jameis will outperform McCorkle in crunch time and jump back into the national spotlight as a playoff contender. Yet somehow, we will hear about how resilient Mac Jones was and his team should have helped him out more smh.
Cincinnati upsets Pittsburgh
Why?
The Steelers are having some injuries issues with Big Ben, TJ Watt, and Diontae Johnson highlighting fans concerns. I like the Bengals in this one because they have a sneaky defense and explosive offense that is getting into their groove. Joe Burrow gives off supreme confident energy and this trio of Wide Receivers he has are my favorite bunch outside Nashville.
I don’t see Pittsburgh having as stout as a run defense as Chicago with Tyson Alualu and Stephon Tuitt on IR so Joe Mixon should have a fun day running around with a tad bit more ease. This is a huge game in the AFC North and these teams require Chicago’s help to stay in the running.
Cleveland survives Justin Fields’ debut
Why?
Well, this just isn’t the defensive front you want to have your first NFL start against, that’s why. Good thing Justin has the athleticism to escape the pocket because he’ll need every ounce of it with Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney breathing down his neck. I do expect this Bears offense to be better with Fields over the course of the season and for them to get this man Allen Robinson the football as he hasn’t eclipsed 60 yards this season. He also only had 2 catches versus the Bengals last week and that’s unacceptable.
The Browns lost Jarvis Landry, but return Odell Beckham and while I’m still a proponent of they are better without Odell, he couldn’t have arrived at a better time. I’m anxious to see how Baker’s shoulder is and how he plays with Beckham back in the lineup but with his full O-line back in action with Hunt and Chubb, the game plan should be simple… RUN IT DOWN THEIR THROATS!
There’s one more easy call in the afternoon that I want to get out the way before the real battle begins.
Broncos cruise past Jets
Why?
I like Zach Wilson. I believe he will end up being a pretty good QB in this league and although I don’t know why I feel that way, this ain’t the week that feeling comes to fruition. Even without Bradley Chubb, this Denver defense has the secondary to stifle opponents and a man named Von Miller headhunting QBs. Getting Jamison Crowder back should relieve a ton of pressure for Zach Wilson and if New York can figure out their RB situation, that would be a gigantic plus as well.
Teddy Two-Gloves is out here showing the world he has Franchise QB potential as he continues to protect the ball along with putting up top tier numbers. This week will be his toughest defensive matchup so far but Denver should get this win easily to prep for slugfest against Baltimore next week.
Alright, cake walks out the way, it’s time for me to follow my gut and get this perfect week. I’ll get thing started with two 0-2 teams that I oddly have high amounts of respect for.
Atlanta chokes in The Big Apple
Why
I know Matt Ryan is a future Hall of Fame QB and that Atlanta have some great coaches, but like the Vikings, there’s a history for this team that looms large. Daniel Jones performed brilliantly against a swarming Football Team defense last week and was a Dexter Lawrence offsides away from a shocking upset.
Atlanta found some offense last week versus the Buccaneers only to somehow allow Mike Edwards to have 2 pick-six’s, sixes, I don’t know the vocab rules here but it you get what I’m saying. They always find new and thrilling way to lose football games and I can’t argue the probability that it occurs again.
Plus where is the defense Dean?? If the Cowboys can do it with Atlanta’s old head coach, then there’s no excuses here. *heavy sigh*
Wrapping up the afternoon slate is a personal heartbreaker for me and I don’t know what I want more, to be wrong or that perfect week.
Bills outscore Washington.
Why?
Because they should. My heart is not in this pick as I adore Taylor Heinicke and this Football Team defense. I’m basing my decision on the fact that the game is in Buffalo and Josh Allen can repeat what Danny Dimes did to this squad last week. Devin Singletary is proving his mettle and the return of Zach Moss gave the Bills a semblance of balance on the offensive side.
This game could be a shootout or a defensive stalwart and I wouldn’t be surprised either way. I hate going against my heart but this is not a game of emotions, it’s the NFL baby and the Bills have the edge at this juncture.
But If I’m wrong, that’s ok too lmao.
I’m going to pick the Sunday Night game here because the afternoon games have me discombobulated to say the least. So much uncertainty there but I know I can count on Aaron Rodgers.
Packers make a statement versus 49ers
Why?
The yearly injury swarm has hit San Francisco. They’ve lost 4 RBs in two weeks. I don’t have a clue who will be running the foosball for them in this matchup but Aaron Jones will hold it down for Green Bay. Aaron Rodgers was noticeably peeved on the Pat McAfee show and that’s never a good sign for opposing defenses. This man is the Hulk when he’s angry and you won’t like the Hulk when he’s angry. I’m starting Deebo Samuel in fantasy but don’t feel confident as Jaire Alexander is shutdown personified so San Fran will need a huge night from some other contributors (looking at you George Kittle) to compensate.
This should be a back and forth tilt but my money’s literally on Aaron and Aaron to get back to 1st place in the NFC North. Now for another Midwest squad whose hosting DangeRuss in their home opener.
Vikings finally get a win against Seattle
Why?
I picked Minnesota the first two weeks and they came so close but fumbled/Vikinged the games away. I am gonna give it one more shot because in baseball its 3 strikes and you’re out. They are returning Anthony Barr and 1st rounder OT Christian Darrisaw to shore up both their offense and defense. They seem to have discovered a gem in WR KJ Osborn to add to that potent offensive arsenal they employ.
Russell Wilson will do his thing because he’s that guy but Minnesota knows they need this win or there’s almost no chance they catch up to Green Bay in that division.
Don’t let me down guys, I really have faith this year.
Now for the same circumstance in reverse…
Dolphins upset Raiders
Why?
Just like I’ve picked the Vikings to win the first 2 weeks, I’ve picked against the Raiders and they proved me wrong. Now I have nothing personal against them, it’s just I’ve seen this show before last year where they start off red hot and beat some great teams before collapsing like the name of their stadium after Luke Skywalker got they ass. It’s in the bible so it’s not a curse word, I said it in church lol.
All I’m saying is as a Titan’s fan, I’ve seen a lot of Jacoby Brissett and he is pretty much a Great Value Teddy Bridgewater. He protects the ball, has underrated arm strength, and will not lose you a football game. The Dolphins have the defense and run game to keep the Raiders pass offense at bay plus return Will Fuller IV to add to a strong and speedy passing attack. The Dolphins will put the league on notice that they are not going anywhere and will be respected.
Now for the Main Event, I predict maybe even a NFC Championship preview.
Rams smack Tompa Bay
Why
Tom Brady hasn’t seen a defense like this in a long time. He had Dallas and Atlanta to get warmed up but now Aaron Donald is coming for his headtop. Jalen Ramsey is locking someone down and Antonio Brown may be unavailable with the Ronies. Gronk also may have said too much talking with Peyton and Eli Monday night. The Rams most definitely heard the “I don’t watch film, I run past guys” comment and incorporated it into their scheme.
Matthew Stafford looks rejuvenated on this Los Angeles team and has Cooper Kupp playing like a superstar. Atlanta and Dallas showed that the Bucs can be had through the air so I don’t see Stafford having an issue moving the football and I can’t say the same for Tampa. This game will live up to the hype and regardless of the outcome, the winner will become the Super Bowl favorite and resident darling of NFL analysts everywhere.
FYI, this year’s Super Bowl is happening in this same stadium.
Eagles sprint past Cowboys
Why?
Dallas had an inspiring defensive performance against the Chargers last week but I doubt they duplicate it. Jalen Hurts has no issues taking off and I suspect we will see a lot of that come game time. Losing Brandon Graham on that D Line is tough but Philly has the depth to mitigate the loss.
This game will come down to who protects the ball and runs more efficiently and while Dallas easily has the better stable of backs, I don’t know how well they will utilize them. I agree with Kyle Brandt that Tony Pollard should be in during critical moments but that Zeke’s contract plays too large a role in that not occurring. I can’t wait to watch and see as I believe this game will define the identity of these football teams.
That does it for this week edition. Make sure to tune in to The Bear Den Monday through Thursday 6-10pm.
*Bars*
I went 9-7 both Week 1 and Week 2 so somethings’ about to give, I feel it. A big thanks to my guys Jovan Cutler and Brant Daughtry for making the magic happen and catch them on SportsCall Auburn Monday through Friday 3- 6pm.
One last shoutout to the Original G for always looking out. Amen
