Through three weeks of action, NFL teams have started to separate themselves into tiers. We fans can clearly see the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are two teams that will be playing in January. Teams like the Cardinals and Broncos have taken the league by storm with Arizona employing an unmatched aerial attack and Denver suffocating opponents with defense and error-free offensive football.
Then you have the return of the Pack Attack, a 3-0 Carolina squad that has the analysts and internet trolls simultaneously clowning Adam Gase, and the two-time defending AFC Champions at the very bottom of a suddenly stacked AFC West. I mean the Raiders and Broncos are both undefeated at this juncture while the Chiefs have lost back-to-back games for what feels like the first time ever.
For myself, I am a solid 30-18 in picks thus far and feeling very confident in my understanding of what is occurring. The teams that take care of the football, manage the clock effectively (looking at you Mike McCarthy), and stick to their teams identity will be the most successful.
Then you have a good portion of teams that lack this identity and will continue to have to find different ways to compete so expect this week to be a line in the sand starting tonight with the worst teams in football the past 2 years.
Former Tiger Joe Burrow mauls Former Tiger Trevor Lawrence.
Why?
It’s pretty hilarious to me that these QBs are both #1 drafts picks, won National Championships as Tigers in college, and now both play for cat-themed NFL teams in the Bengals and Jaguars. They will assuredly continue to be compared for the length of their careers but at this time, Joe Burrow’s year of experience combined with a better offensive arsenal will be too much for the struggling Jags. Trading a first round CB just before facing a sizzling JaMarr Chase is bad news.
Now the Bengals will be without Tee Higgins, which should make the score a little more manageable. Perhaps the Jaguars will figure out they have a 1,000 yard rusher on their team and utilize James Robinson to alleviate pressure on Lawrence but I see no way their defense stops Burrow, Mixon, Chase, and Boyd. Bengals move to 3-1 and immediately start prepping for Aaron Rodgers and company.
Titans take care of business versus Jets.
Why?
I will make sure to pray for healing this week in church. AJ Brown and Julio are banged up which isn’t going to make this an easy win by any means. Derrick Henry is moving mountains for the boys this season and now we will need him more than ever.
Hopefully Zach Wilson continues his turnover streak and we can run clock to get out this one quickly. Ryan Tannehill is playing superbly despite what the stats say and if he has to go into this game without his top 2 WRs and TE, gets the win handily, while performing well we need to start putting a lot more RESPEK on mans name. All Hail King Henry and Praise God. Amen.
Lions get first win against reeling Bears!!!
Why?
Honestly, the Football Gods aren’t that ruthless. Detroit put together a masterful game against a quality Baltimore Ravens team. They had them in 4th AND 19 on their own 16 yard line with 26 seconds left and no timeouts. One completion then the longest field goal in NFL history later and they found themselves at 0-3. Justin Tucker deserves immense credit for pulling off this feat and Lions fans shouldn’t hold their head, he is the best kicker in the league.
Enter a Chicago team that was just massacred by Myles Garrett and that Cleveland front and you couldn’t ask for a better rebound game. The Bears have no idea who their QB will be and if I was Detroit, the only person I wouldn’t want to see is Nick Foles. If they play just like they did against the dynamic Lamar Jackson, I’m sure Jared Goff and Motor City Dan Campbell (MCDC as my cousin Elijah likes to call him ) gets their first win and puts last week’s spectacle to rest.
I’m also leaving out Justin Tucker’s comments as they are too savage for this family article LMAO.
Next Up, the AFC South runner-ups continue their spiral.
Bills slaughter Texans!
Why?
While I spent the majority of last week’s game referring to the Texans QB as “David” Mills, I must admit “Davis” is a trooper. He took some vicious hits from that Carolina defense and got back up with no complaints. I am unsure of Tyrod’s status but it looks like Davis is up again against a great Bills team. This game won’t be close but if I were to offer anything positive for the Texans faithful, Anthony Miller and Brandin Cooks looks like a tandem to build around going forward.
I’m a glass half full kind of guy.
Dolphins find a way against hobbled Colts.
Why?
I make a committed effort to NEVER underestimate the Indianapolis Colts. There is a tender scar from years and years and years and y-e-a-r-s of losses at the hands of that organization. They still have two great backs in Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines along with a front 7 that does its job each and every week. However, this offensive line is banged up pretty bad and Carson Wentz doesn’t look healthy. They are severely missing TY Hilton and with G Quentin Nelson being ruled out, I’m not confident they can hang with a Dolphins team that is ready for action after taking the undefeated Raiders to the brink.
Once again, much respect to Indianapolis but GO DOLPHINS!!!!
There are 3 more easy calls to get out the way before the real work begins. First up, the game we’ve all been waiting for!
Tom Brady’s Bucs embarrasses Belichick’s Patriots in Primetime!
Why?
When Cam Newton still walked the halls of Gillette, this was the game even I couldn’t stop talking about. Cam would finally have weapons to deploy and a fully stocked defense that Belicheck built his career coaching. Once Cam was let go, I immediately knew this game would be a dud.
I didn’t care what the “experts” were saying regarding Mac Jones and this New England team, I am an Auburn fan first. No Cam and the most unimpressive Alabama QB in the league never inspired any belief that they could compete with the reigning Super Bowl champs. Fast forward 3 weeks, and if the Pats don’t get 21-0 scrubbed, I’d be shocked. Belicheck knows Tom so maybe he’ll employ the old Rex Ryan tactic and blitz his socks off to force some errant throws.
I have no ill will to Tom or Bill but I always thought Bill Belicheck didn’t get enough credit for the Patriots dynasty. It’s too bad that will never be the case after this smackdown.
Packers whoop Steelers.
Why?
I’m certain some people saw this as a nice Super Bowl rematch but this one won’t be nearly as exciting. Big Ben is washed and Aaron Rodgers is hitting his groove. To see him show so much enthusiasm after only getting into field goal range with 37 seconds and no timeouts should terrify the rest of the league.
Now they get a hurting Steelers squad with their ailing QB and all signs point to a shellacking in Lambeau. Especially if TJ Watt doesn’t play.
Overall, the Steelers are one of those teams that has yet to find their identity offensively and are suffering from organizational ignorance. They don’t have the scathing defense they once did to lean on while they figure things out. I personally believe this is going to be a LONGGG season for them.
Same goes for a team down in Georgia coming off their first win of the season.
Falcons fall to an angry Football Team.
Why?
Washington saw what an offensive juggernaut looks like last week versus Buffalo. They couldn’t find any answers for Josh Allen who went off for over 350 yards passing and 5 total TDs. I imagine that was a wake-up call for a team that prides itself on defensive prowess.
Meanwhile Atlanta struggled to manufacture offense against a confusing Giants unit and were fortunate New York lost both Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton while Evan Engram fumbled away a prime opportunity in his first game of the season. The Falcons have underperformed on offense, which is huge surprise given the superstar QB-WR combo they have and the highest drafted TE in NFL history. I want to love this Atlanta team but they make it difficult and unless they can magically figure out how to get Mike Davis involved, things will only get worse.
Back to Washington, who looks like they will be getting Curtis Samuel back and have now seen what the best competition in the league has to offer. I am all-in on Taylor Heinicke as the QB of the future for this team and this is the week he starts to prove that to the rest of the world. Washington wins!!
Shoutout the Republicans for their 13-12 victory over the Democrats in their Congressional Baseball Game. In similar fashion, I foresee a Republican stalwart in Missouri finding its groove in the Democratic City of Brotherly Love.
Patrick Mahomes outduels Jalen Hurts in exciting fashion!
Why?
I watched the Eagles look extremely discombobulated on Monday Night. They couldn’t stop the Cowboys at all and had 2 ugly turnovers courtesy of Jalen, one going back for a pick-six. This Philly team is another example of the NFL team searching for their identity with dynamic players at every skill position not being used effectively.
Kansas City may be on a 2 game slide but have been in it to the very end in both instances. In each game, both the Ravens and Chargers made risky 4th down calls to keep Patrick Mahomes off the field because they know what mans is capable of. Instead they chose to attack the Chiefs weakness, that defense. That’s why I foresee another shootout but this time, Patrick Mahomes is the last QB holding the ball in a Kansas City win.
This is that portion of the article where my emotions takeover and I have that internal battle involving what I feel vs what I believe. It’s no coincidence it starts with Minnesota.
Browns overpower Vikings…barely
Why?
This is the year I have almost total faith in the Minnesota Vikings. So many years, I’ve talked trash and clowned their choking, but now it spiritually hurts me to pick against them. The team is well-built, they have a defense Zimmer loves, and the O-line is competent even without their first round draft pick. They were even able to subdue Seattle with Dalvin Cook. And yet, this Browns team is a whole nother monster.
Kevin Stefanski returns to his old squad with a beastly O-Line, one of the best WRs in football, and TWO Top 10 RBs, and defense that just had its first taste of blood and starving for more. This will be Mike Zimmer’s greatest test all season. His first and last mission as a coach is to stop the run and even in their worst years, the Vikings made sure to not fail in that respect. I’m very sad this is a noon game as it’s the one I want to see the most this week and I’m choosing the Browns solely because …. I don’t know. My emotions aren’t in it but same as last week when I picked the Bills over Washington, Cleveland should win at this juncture.
Either way, I’m talking big smack to Elijah this week ☺
Speaking of my little cousin the Panthers fan, this next pick is purely hate!
Cowboys beat Panthers!
Why?
Now I will say I don’t believe this but this pick tests a theory. Normally whenever I hate on Elijah, Something good happens for him. I am happy to risk my perfect week to get his favorite team a win. He knows I think this Panthers team has Super Bowl potential and the only question mark for me is Sam Darnold. He’s played great but I can’t forget the “I’m seeing ghosts” comment. It literally haunts me lol (pun intended).
The Cowboys have been the hugest shock for me this season and will make this a fun game to watch. I truly see either team getting the win so this was a toss-up in the truest sense but if our familial history holds, Panthers will move to 4-0. If not, I’m taking full credit for choosing the Cowboys and it’s not my fault I was right about Sam.
Giants lose to Saints
Why?
This was another game where my emotions got involved. Perhaps it’s because I’m heavily invested in Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay in fantasy, but this New York team is a weekly anomaly. They started off playing two tough defenses in Denver and Washington, yet almost pulled off an upset versus Washington. Then last week they played down to Atlanta before losing by a last second field goal. Granted they had some major losses on offense, but they played down nonetheless.
Then you have the mystery of the New Orleans Saints whom after that Week 1 clobbering of the Packers, struggled mightily against the Panthers before getting right versus a sorry Patriots team, in my opinion. This game is tough to call because you have no idea what version of either team you will get on Sunday but the Saints are at home and Jameis can see so I’ll figuratively bet on him for those reason. Staying far away from the spread though!
Another game I will not be betting on is taking place in Denver.
Denver delivers a message in win over Baltimore!
Why?
Denver is easily the most disrespected 3-0 team in the NFL. They have pretty much blown out every team they’ve played this year behind the most efficient offense in the league. Even after losing Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t skipped a beat. He leads the league in completion percentage (76.8%) and has no INTs. This even while attempting the most passes over 20 yards. They have a solid 2 back system with Melvin Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams and a defense that’s stopping EVERYTHING!
Baltimore is coming of a, some would say lucky, victory against one of the “worst” teams in the NFL. Rashod Bateman returning should add an extra dimension to this Ravens team and this is a huge game regarding playoff seeding in the AFC. I am expecting this Denver defense to watch some Lion’s film and see how they contained Lamar Jackson. Teddy is coming up against the best defense he’s seen so far but he is no stranger to big games and will take care of business.
The remaining games are all divisional matchups with absolutely huge implications. Champs will be crowned as early as Week 4, guaranteed. That is because the entire NFC West is going to war against one another this week and there will be blood and guts everywhere, especially people’s fantasy lineups.
Rams and Cardinals light it up, But Aaron Donald/Jalen Ramsey have last laugh!
Why?
Kyler Murray vs Matthew Stafford. I haven’t seen an offensive matchup this highly touted since November 19th , 2018 when the Jared Goff Rams out dueled Patrick Mahomes 54-51. Both QBs threw for over 400 yards, Brandin Cooks played the Cooper Kupp role to the tune of 8 receptions for 107 yards, and neither team had over 100 rushing yards.
Fast forward 3 years and it’s looking like it’s gonna be déjà vu. The result should be the same as the Rams have a defensive balance they didn’t know back then and will make enough game-changing plays to be the difference makers. Now I originally thought Arizona would pull this off but remembered they should have lost to the Vikings and stumbled against the Jags. Meanwhile the Rams have been handling all their opps with ease and not letting them breathe. Factor in the fact that the game is in SoFi… Rams all day!
Seahawks shine in San Francisco!
Why?
The world at large have seem to forgotten who Russell Wilson is. Maybe is a case of what Aaron Rodgers has been going through where they have been great for long, it’s taken for granted. DangeRuss will remind them this week in a must-win game versus a heated rival.
The 49ers have played good football and earned that 2-1 record. I will admit I haven’t been that high on them but I think Russell Wilson is out to prove his doubters wrong and they are on the wrong end of his wrath. To lose Josh Norman and Jason Verrett before you face DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett doesn’t help and the RB situation is still iffy at best. This game script will be odd but final score is what matters at the end and I got advantage, Seattle.
The week ends Monday night with a battle of undefeated AFC West opponents. Result?
Chargers smack Raiders.
Why
I believe the Raiders have overachieved and they come back to Earth on this night. Two late overtime wins against the Ravens and Dolphins were impressive, beating a hurt Steelers team… not so much. They get a real test against Justin Herbert and the Chargers who are starting to find their mode. I was concerned after a 17-14 loss to the Cowboys but all doubt is gone after a big win against Patrick Mahomes.
Derek Carr is playing lights out and deserves all the praise he is and isn’t receiving but I am still betting my money on Justin Herbert and this Chargers defense to get the job done. Chargers go to 4-0 and become the media darlings for the foreseeable future.
That wraps up this week’s article. Another huge thanks to Jovan Cutler, Brant Daughtry, and Tiger Communications for allowing me to express myself so freely. Make sure you download our APP, aptly named Tiger Communications, and listen to yours truly Monday through Thursday 6-10pm on The Bear Den and Saturday’s 8-midnight for Old School Saturday Night on 99.9 Kate FM
If sports are your jam, then SportsCall Auburn Monday through Friday 3-6pm is where you need to be on 95.9 The Tiger. One last thanks to the Lord for being that Guy! See you next week!
