Harsh lessons are the best teachers. For example, this morning before I began writing this article, I locked my keys in my car. While it was raining. That’s a harsh lesson. However, there is always a silver lining. I just got paid and so happened to be at work instead of at home so I have the means and safety to stay dry and not worry about how I will afford to free said keys.
The moral of this story is to look for the positives in the bad luck we experience in life because nothing lasts forever. That is the same logic I applied when I went to church this weekend then got out just in time to see the Titan’s holy undefeated streak come to an end to the NEW YORK JETS!!!
Once again, nothing lasts forever. The silver lining?
Seemingly instantaneously, all my fantasy football teams started to explode. It felt like magic seeing Saquon Barkley score a 54-yard TD pass in the 4th and rushing TD in overtime. I also had Jamison Crowder and Corey Davis starting so I ultimately benefitted from the Titan’s depleted secondary suffering. Lastly, I had Ryan Tannehill so the extra points he accumulated from the game once again gave my teams what they needed for victory.
In church, my uncle preached on Jesus right before he was put on the cross and the attitude he had about his “affair”. He said that while we may not be fully prepared for what is about to happen, that God gives us the courage and resilience to weather anything that comes our way and to have faith in outcome. So as I go to make my picks for this week, I will be channeling that unwavering spirit and know that the Titans lost to the Jets for something bigger.
My faith is tested right off the bat with a crucial NFC West showdown. My pick?
Rams overcome Russell and Seahawks.
Why?
At this point in the season, the Rams are a better team. It doesn’t help that Chris Carson is suffering from a Neck injury while the Rams are returning Darrell Henderson Jr. I can’t see the Seahawks defense mounting a proper resistance to Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, DeSean Jackson, Van Jefferson, and Tyler Higbee without being able to effectively run the football and keeping Stafford off the field.
It should be an exciting showdown as Russell Wilson always makes sure the game is close, but the Rams coming off a smackdown to the Cardinals are too loaded and take care of business on the road.
On to 8:30am Sunday morning where football across the pond returns! Oddly enough, also my toughest choice of the week for pretty obvious reasons.
Atlanta survives New York’s ferocious pass rush!
Why?
Well, because they are more experienced. Matt Ryan is still an elite QB and they have awakened the beast that is Cordarrelle Patterson. They also still have Calvin Ridley and Kyle Pitts running routes as well so I see a good offensive unit blossoming. New York is coming off a huge victory against my boys, although we were without AJ Brown and Julio Jones, but no excuses… a win is a win. I was particularly impressed with #91 and some LB that was determined to destroy Jeremy McNichols every time a pass went his direction.
Atlanta has struggled in pass protection this season so I’m sure Robert Saleh will have blitzes drawn up to take advantage of that. The difference maker for me, though, is Dean Pees defense. He absolutely will bomb rush Zach Wilson and we have seen that Wilson will throw some up for grabs. In the end, I’m taking expertise over youth and Atlanta gets a much-needed win.
Shoutout Arthur Smith and Dean Pees, I miss you every single day ☹
Next up, my present favorite QB takes on my future favorite QB.
Aaron Rodgers and Joe Burrow enters, A-Rod leaves with a W.
Why?
The Green Bay Packers will not be stopped as long as #12 is under center. He creates magic each week and makes it look so effortless. Now I think he’s got his match in calm, cool, confident Joe Burrow. And if Joe Mixon were projected to play in this one, I may have my reservations, but that isn’t the case.
I fully expect a shootout in Cincinnati with Jaire Alexander banged up and the Bengals returning Tee Higgins to their arsenal. But as I stated earlier, Aaron Rodgers gets the job done. He’s shown time and time again, he doesn’t need much time and any timeouts to do so.
Patriots crawl past Texans.
Why?
I have zero doubts this will be the ugliest game by far this week. We see two teams attempting to create ANY source of offense with their rookie QBs. Props to the Patriots defense for holding Tampa Bay to 19 points, even if that ruined my wager. (Bucs -7)
That is why I foresee them getting another narrow victory as the Texans just released their number two WR and what was already an inept passing attack. I don’t have anything else to say as I will not be watching this game but have a feeling this will be the trash they play on CBS.
Titans rebound against the rambunctious Urban Meyer Jags!
Why?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are that team we can count on to be there when we need them most. It feels like every year we have a tough loss, look up, and we play Jacksonville. THEN, you have the “energy” their organization is putting out there thanks to a wild video posted online and I love this matchup.
Hopefully, AJ Brown and Julio come back ready to play because Jacksonville got some offense over there. Each week, I take a look at the injury reports and Tennessee has the largest one so I believe it will be a close contest. In the end, I see us getting this win and going right back to healing up and prepping for this BRUTAL 5-game stretch we are about to embark on.
Titan UP Ladies and Gents!!
Panthers eat up Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia Eagles
Why?
The Carolina Panthers are all-in on defense and winning now. They lost Jaycee Horn, they traded for CJ Henderson AND now Stephon Gilmore. Got them for great prices too. Sam Darnold is playing pretty well and there is even hope Christian McCaffrey could return for this game. Now I am playing fantasy against someone whom has McCaffrey so I don’t want that news to be true, but if it is, this Panthers offense is back at full power.
That’s not great news for a Philly team that hasn’t been able to put it all together. I see great potential for the squad but not this week. The O-line is down bad for what seems like the 4th year in a row and Carolina employs an unrelenting pass rush both inside and out. Jalen would have to play out of his mind for this team to pull off this upset and I don’t feel it. Panthers move on and my juices start flowing because next week they play the team I’m most hyped to see them go against…. The Minnesota Vikings!
Minnesota torments Detroit Lions.
Why?
Kirk Cousins has my utmost respect. I lived in Minnesota the majority of my life and their fanbase have never given him what he’s deserved. He’s not the best QB in the league, but he makes phenomenal throws and doesn’t lose you a football game. With Dede Westbrook finally healthy to add to Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, and up-and-coming KJ Osborn,
I say it’s time to Free Kirk. Let him take over and throw that thang!
Dalvin Cook is limping and Alexander Mattison has proven he can man the fort while he gets right so let him chill, and put faith in Captain Kirk.
I don’t know if Minnesota will hear me, but regardless they are playing Detroit so whichever method they choose, they should win. I believe in y’all. SKOL Kirk SKOL!
Miami falls to Tampa Bay in Florida showdown!
Why?
Jacoby Brissett just might not be the guy to overcome Miami’s deficiencies. I had faith in them last week but they weren’t able to take advantage of a slacking Colts squad and a hobbled Carson Wentz. Now I can’t put the full blame on Jacoby as he played well enough, but Miami had zero rushing success. Enter the league’s top rushing defensive unit from the last two years and it’s looking like more of the same.
Tom Brady gets Antonio Brown back and possibly Giovani Bernard so I think this one will be over in a hurry. Maybe the Bucs actually cover this time smh.
Football Team piledrives New Orleans.
Why?
Taylor Heinicke gets better each and every week. He played fantastic against Atlanta and brought them back repeatedly to get the win. It should have been a wake-up call to that struggling Washington defense, the one that was tops in the league last year, that you have a QB that can cover you on your off days, so now you should repay the favor.
This is the perfect occasion as the Saints are looking to be down both C Eric McCoy and LT Terron Armstead. Chase Young, Montez Sweat, DaRon Payne, and Jonathan Allen should have their way with this O Line and keep Jameis/Alvin in check. I believe they will and get Washington back in the NFC East fold as Taylor continues his great play.
If you couldn’t tell, I love me some Football…. Team!
I’m wrapping up the afternoon slate by critiquing two QBs I have no faith in. They would be Drew Lock and Ben Roethlisberger. I wish Teddy were playing because this would be so much simpler but alas, I have a job to do so here we go…
Steelers beat Broncos *sigh*
Why?
This game will undoubtedly be a defensive showcase for both teams. Big Ben is looking like dog water and Drew Lock is the reigning interception king. The Broncos may be without rookie CB Patrick Surtain II while the Steelers are looking to return Chase Claypool. Melvin Gordon II also popped up on the injury report which isn’t good news for a Broncos team already missing two WRs in Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler.
My hesitation derives from the belief that Big Ben is so bad that he tanks the whole Pittsburgh team but that defense has shown time that they can handle a poor performance from their offense and get the W. This looks like it could be one of those times or we see a Drew Lock Broncos fans only dream of and the Steelers realize they aren’t who they thought they were.
Either way, I’ll be shocked.
Now for the fun games that we fans are hyped to see!
Cleveland holds Herbert in check!
Why?
Because they have a monster in Myles Garrett that is on a tear! He’s devouring O-lines so bad they are drug testing him for steroids. Cleveland will need him and Jadaveon Clowney to continue their dominance to contain Justin Herbert and this Los Angeles attack. Baker Mayfield is dealing with shoulder issues so once again the Browns will lean on Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb to generate points and more imperatively, eat clock.
This game should be a hallmark of the season because whoever is victorious did things their way. I’m rolling with Cleveland because running the ball and playing defense is the tried-and-true essence of championship football. That boy Herbert is the truth though.
Cardinals outlast 49ers.
Why?
I’m a week late but I had a strong feeling the Arizona Cardinals were gonna beat the Rams. Now I am making up for my error this week, but have that same knack about Trey Lance and this 49ers team. RB Elijah Mitchell is looking like he’s ready to go and Trey Lance adds a whole new dimension to Kyle Shanahan’s rushing attack. I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if Arizona fell to this unknown 49er’s unit and their rookie QB.
However, Kyler will not be stopped either and I have more faith in the Cardinals defense that just held the Rams to 20 points. Advantage, Arizona.
Giants give Cowboys a run for their money, but Dallas survives!
Why?
Same thing here as for the Cardinals. I had a feeling that the Giants were gonna upset the Saints but went with conventional logic once again to stay consistent. So I can easily see a scenario where I’m a week late for a second time and the Giants go into Arlington and light the place up. Still, Dallas has been a team every week playing extremely poised on offense while making big splash plays on the defensive side of the ball. Plus, we all know Danny Dimes is good for a turnover or two.
I enjoy watching this Giants team find new ways to impress, but if Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton are no-go’s once again, I don’t believe they’ll have the manpower to keep up with this high-octane Dallas offense. Dak is back and better than ever, Zeke’s eating good, and Tony Pollard is in the wings waiting for his time to bust free. All bad signs for New York.
The last afternoon game is an intriguing one. Justin Fields has been named the permanent starter for Chicago and gets a lukewarm Raiders team in a Khalil Mack revenge game. Who comes out the Death Star alive and happy??
Las Vegas wagers it all and win!
Why?
Well, I’ve picked against them all season and now I know they’ll most likely fail me. All signs point to a Las Vegas Raiders team that should pretty easily take care of business against a rookie QB who just lost his starting RB in David Montgomery. The Bears injury report is also looking suspect with Khalil Mack not practicing Wednesday, although I believe he sucks it up and plays.
The Raiders played well against the Chargers, just got things going a little too late. Chicago presents a pristine opportunity to right the ship and get back on track in the ultra-competitive AFC West. Now will they take advantage of said opportunity, only time will tell.
FYI: I am 40-24 through 4 weeks. I love my standing but I foresee a slew of upsets this week so the Sunday night matchup is my favorite call to make as regardless of the pick, everyone saw it coming lmao.
Buffalo gets over the hump against Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs!
Why?
I’ll make this brief as more words than necessary would only taint such an exciting game. Josh Allen has been waiting for this game. All AFC QBs know they have to beat Patrick Mahomes to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender. Lamar Jackson did it, Justin Herbert did it, and now it’s just Josh Allen’s turn. Let’s sit back and watch the fireworks!
Monday night wraps things up with a Baltimore versus Colts showdown. It’s beautiful as the Colts started in Baltimore and I also learned the Baltimore Colts were the first NFL team to have cheerleaders. You gotta love the history here and for Colts fans, there’s always Johnny Unitas!
Ravens beat down Colts!
Why?
Indianapolis won’t have the same success shutting down Baltimore’s run game as they did against Miami. The Broncos are still mad about them making sure they continued their streak of 100-yard rushing performances and that’s the best run defense in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is an enigma and somehow finds new ways to give defenses fits each time he steps on the field. He’s building that connection with Hollywood Brown and still has Mark Andrews out there as a safety net.
I wanna give props to Carson Wentz for playing through TWO ankle injuries and being pretty darn efficient. I am interested to see how he fairs against a Raven’s defense that has been hit or miss the first 4 weeks into the season. It will be up to play calling and clock management for Indianapolis to find a way to win but my money’s on Lamar. I went against him last week and got burned and now I must forever live with my nephew’s words when I told him, “You picked the Broncos??….Barry, That’s the Ravens!”
With that, another week is in the books. Make sure to tune in to The Bear Den Monday thru Thursday 6-10pm on 99.9 Kate FM. Download our app “Tiger Communications” for unlimited listening pleasures. Also shoutout to my guy Jovan Cutler for making sure the article is professional and God for guiding Us through the hardships we face.
Let’s get ready for some fun!
