I come to you all this week with a heavy heart. If you are unaware, my king, Derrick Henry has suffered a serious foot injury and could potentially be out the rest of the season. Kevin Byard echoed my sentiment perfectly this morning on Good Morning Football where he said he would have rather taken the loss than lose Henry to this injury. The Titans hold the number one seed in the AFC and there is no cause for celebration. *hard, heavy sigh*
This comes on top of the fact that I failed at the ESPN Eliminator Challenge by making a last second switch up where instead of staying with the Eagles over the Lions, I changed to the Bengals over the Jets. This may seem insignificant, but it’s actually the tale of this NFL season for myself as I am prone to over-emotional declarations that only cause me shame.
I’ve approached this article, Fantasy, and my NFL fandom this season from a multitude of angles and have decided that I want to leave it all on the metaphorical field. What that means is… I WANT TO WIN!!!!
So this week, the picks are coming straight from the soul. I will allow this overwhelming desire to dominate and obliterate my competition to overtake me. I would like to introduce you all to Dark Mode Barry. He wastes no time.
Colts smash Jets
Why?
The Mike White era is loud and bold. I am a fan of his energy and underdog mentality but this Colts defense is not to be trifled with. It will be up them to lead this team as Carson Wentz is hit or miss every week. I love watching the Pat McAfee show and hearing his thoughts on Carson because it’s so accurate.
Colts take the dub strictly off the fact that they excel at shutting down the run and it looks as if Corey Davis will not be available this week. Last week, no one knew who Mike White was, this week, he is properly welcomed to the NFL.
I hate you Indy for what you took for us, but I respect the hustle you show in each outing…bums.
Raiders tower over Giants in New York
Why?
I’m sure everyone is completely absorbed in the Henry Ruggs tragedy that’s permeating through the news sphere. Yet, one aspect that may be lost in the jungle is the support Derek Carr is showing for his former teammate. I have disrespected this team and their QB all season but I love when the human compassion aspect shines through to fight the natural instinct to admonish all negative perceptions.
What I’m saying is I am a huge Derek Carr fan and can’t with for him to light up the New York sky. The Giants lack consistency at every position and can’t seem to stay healthy at all. Their defense has been a dim light in the murky performances they’ve put on film but the Raiders are coming off a bye and shown they can adapt to controversy already with losing Gruden. So picking Las Vegas is a no-brainer.
Bills slaughter Jaguars
Why?
The Jags are bad, James Robinson is injured, and Josh Allen will not be stopped. All I am praying for is some Jamal Agnew garbage time points because I need a Fantasy win badly. #DARKMODEBARRY.
Saints struggle, but survive Falcons surge
Why?
One of my best friends from high school was a huge Saints fan so I have seen quite a few Saints games over the years, even from the Minnesota tundra. I picked up on a couple of things and it’s that the Falcons with Matt Ryan know how to compete with New Orleans. Even in years when Falcons are supposed to be trash (2021), they give New Orleans a run for their money.
Honestly, if Atlanta was fully manned on offense, I might see an upset on the horizon, but Calvin Ridley is taking care of his mental health while New Orleans is getting healthy on defense. While the QB position may be an unknown, I trust Sean Payton to have his guys ready to go. I love the return of Mark Ingram so I foresee the run game and defense carrying the day for the NFC South leading Saints.
Next up, the revenge game of Bill Belichick’s nightmares!
Carolina’s defense ravages Mac Jones and carries Panthers to W.
Why?
I first want to say kudos to New England for taking down a vaulted Chargers team. I definitely didn’t see that coming but this week will be a different story. While the availability of Sam Darnold and Christian McCaffrey is in question, one man will be suited up and that’s Stephon Gilmore. He’s already been vocal about how he was not a fan of New England’s handling of his injury and it sounds to me he has a vendetta to carry out.
I’m going with the Panthers solely off the defense. They have been shouldering the madman Darnold all season so if he were not to play this week, I personally say it’s better for the team as a whole. A game plan built around former XFL MVP PJ Walker might be just what the Week 9 doctors ordered. ESPECIALLY if McCaffrey were to return and Darnold wasn’t. That sounds like blowout city right there, but let me not get too excited. This is business. ☺
For the record, my Patriots hate is solely Alabama-Auburn related. They chose Mac Jones over Cam Newton in the year I was fully prepared to be a Patriots fan. I am praying tough on them.
Ravens beat Vikings.
Why?
I also was all-in on Minnesota this year. I believed they finally had the offense and defense on the same page, healthy, and ready to make their move given the Aaron Rodgers offseason drama, departure of Matthew Stafford, and complete chaos happening in Chicago. They played valiantly early in the season but lost some crucial games against the Cardinals and Bengals where they were the better team.
Then coming off a bye week, they faced a Dak-less Cowboys team and still weren’t able to take advantage. They lost star Danielle Hunter in the process so I gotta say, I’m out again. Baltimore will not make the same error they did coming off their bye and we watch Minnesota fade into the oblivion once again. I blame their fans.
Mike Zimmer for Titans Defensive Coordinator. That’s what I need!
Dallas outlasts Denver.
Why?
This is a pick I hope I’m wrong about. All season has been me and my cousin Elijah arguing Teddy Bridgewater vs Sam Darnold. He insists that they are the same QB and I refuse to disrespect Teddy that way. So each week is a theoretical of who is less terrible. In all honesty, both Denver and Carolina’s O lines are playing horrible and they have the same record.
However, a win against the red-hot Dallas Cowboys would absolutely end this debate. They’ve already beat the Panthers in one of Sam Darnold’s decent performances. Now I don’t expect it to happen but if it did, I would be over the moon.
I’m Team Teddy Two-Gloves til the death of me!!!
The last two noon games are true toss-ups but I’m going with my gut.
If Tyrod plays, Texans win. If Tyrod is out, Texans lose.
Why?
The Dolphins are my hugest letdown of 2021. There is absolutely no reason for them to be as bad as they’ve been and I really am upset. It’s gotten to the point where in terms of Fantasy, I’m starting everyone that plays them without hesitation because I know they’ll have a career day.
Funny thing is, I do the exact same thing for Houston. That is why this outcomes depends solely on Tyrod Taylor’s availability. Yet, don’t get it twisted. I wouldn’t be shocked in the least if Davis Mills took down this Miami team. It would only serve to make me laugh while shaking my head in despair.
A division rivalry wraps up the noon slate and the world will finally recognize what I’ve been saying for years… THE BROWNS ARE BETTER WITHOUT ODELL!!!
Cleveland shocks Cincinnati in Ohio Bowl!
Why?
THE BROWNS ARE BETTER WITHOUT ODELL! This has been my feelings ever since the trade went through. The way this team is built, Odell offers nothing to the cohesiveness. He distracts Baker, takes away from the blocking on the perimeter, and is not the type of WR that knows how to navigate the intermediate game which is the Browns bread and butter.
Odell is a deep threat in an offense that doesn’t thrive in taking those types of shots. They want to run the clock, grind you to dust with their stable of RBs, and play defense. That’s how you shut down those explosive offenses in the AFC and why we loved the Browns last year where guess what, ODELL WAS OUT FOR THE SEASON!
Now I absolutely loved the Odell Beckham Sr. video of Baker missing Odell because it was pure comedy, but Cleveland should be grateful because OBS just saved their season. Browns will get Jarvis Landry, those star TEs, and my guys Rashard Higgins and Anthony Schwartz (War Eagle) involved and smack up the reeling Bengals. Watch!
Now for the three afternoon games that were the highlight two days ago but now, Controversy.
Kansas City Wins lol.
Why?
This would absolutely be the most hilarious game of the year if they didn’t. I can imagine the headlines from all the different angles. Jordan Love is the FUTURE, Patrick Mahomes..Overrated? Matt LeFleur out-coaches Andy Reid and becomes the media darling, and my favorite, Aaron Rodgers potentially benched for Love.
Of course this is all speculation, but I see the world we live in. That’s why my money is on KC because I don’t believe this existence is prepared for such an upset. I’ll be watching for sure though. Go Packers LMAO.
The last two games are some of my toughest call all season. Kyler Murray is a game-time decision and who are the Chargers/Eagles?
Chargers ground Philly?
Why?
I’m taking Los Angeles but have no internal faith. My soul tells me they are the better team but they seem to lose games they’re supposed to win. Then you have Philadelphia, whom I doubted last week, that has discovered the fact that they have a great O-line and can run the football at will. I am a fan of both these QBs so it’s tough but I have to go with my guys Herbert and Staley because I know they know, they can’t afford another loss like last weeks.
Here’s hoping for a shootout!!! #FantasyPoints
Cardinals not able to overcome San Fran.
Why?
The Cards are banged up. Kyler is limping, Hopkins has been battling for weeks, AJ Green got the ronies, and JJ Watt is out for the season. Meanwhile the 49ers might get George Kittle back and have gotten rookie Elijah Mitchell going on the ground. I’m going with Kyle and Jimmy this week because they finally showed me something last week.
In a game that they would have choked away previously, they steadied themselves against an explosive Justin Fields and closed them out effectively. The Cardinals will bounce back, but they are yearning for that Week 12 bye.
Sunday Night. Los Angeles. Tennessee.
I’ve chosen my boys all season without hesitation. Then not only do we suffer disaster, Los Angeles goes and acquires Von Miller for the icing on the cake.
I am currently listening to Run by Ludovico Einaudi. A beautiful symphony that got me through many tough times in college because you know what….. I WILL NEVER FALTER!!!!
TENNESSEE BLOWS UP RAMS IN THEIR OWN STADIUM!!!
WHY??
IT”S RYAN TANNEHILL TIME, THAT’S WHY!! HE KNOWS IT, THE TEAM KNOWS IT, AND THE TITANS FAITHFUL KNOWS IT!!!
POINTS WILL BE SCORED, MANY POINTS WILL BE SCORED. THEY WILL BLITZ US, THEY WILL TRY AND THEY WIL FAIL.
NO ONE BELIEVES WE HAVE A CHANCE. AND WE WILL MAKE SURE THEY REMEMBER….FOREVER….THE NIGHT THEY PLAYED THE TITANS!!!
*exhale* On to Monday Night.
Chicago surprises Pittsburgh and Mannings.
Why?
Justin Fields has piqued my interest. Chicago would be wise to go ahead and fire Matt Nagy right now for his development. Fields has played his best football in Nagy’s absence and they should be looking real hard at another Andy Reid assistant, Eric Bieniemy. There is a new rule that allows team to start the interview process in Week 17 so the sooner they rip the Band-Aid, the better their organization and franchise QB will be.
I’m picking Chicago because if Fields goes out and puts up points, I’m certain Big Ben won’t be able to keep up. The Steelers defense has been playing brilliantly and winning them games all season. In all their wins this season, their opponents have not scored more than 20 points. In all their losses, their opponents have all scored more than 20 points. Hilariously, the one opponent who they beat that scored 20 points was the Russell Wilson-less Seahawks 23-20… in OT.
Yeah. Big Ben is that bad lol
That’s all I got for Week 9. Love you God, Thank you Jovan, and TITAN UP!!! #DarkMode
