My picks this week were as good as Cam’s were terrible. Sorry honey, but sometimes when you know, you know.
Bengals over Dolphins
Bills over Ravens
Cowboys over Commanders
Jets over Steelers
Eagles over Jags
Vikings over Saints
Seahawks over Lions (wrongo)
Giants over Bears
Titans over Colts
Chargers over Texas
Falcons over Browns (wrongo)
Cards over Panthers
Raiders over Broncos
Packers over Patriots
Chiefs over Bucs
49ers over Rams (wrongo)
That said, there were definitely some surprises, particularly with some of the score lines. This week, I am going to look at my five takes from week four.
#5:
The Jags looked legit…and then they didn’t. The Eagles got out of the gates slowly, and had to push back against a game Jags defence. They leaned on their great offensive line who did lose their monster left tackle and Australian beast Jordan Mailata to what looked like a potentially serious injury. The use of the zone read allowed Miles Sanders and Jalen Hurts to go back to their roots and dominate the second half, and then the defence turned over Trevor Lawrence five times. The Jags have some juice, and in the mire that is the AFC South, are legit contenders against the disappointing Colts and a talent poor Titans team.
#4:
The Lions are the most entertaining winless team in NFL history. 140 points over the first four games for most team would spell a 3-1 or at the very least a 2-2 start. Not so, as they have also allowed 141 points. This past week, Geno Smith of all people were able to throw 48 on the hapless Detroit defence. It is still must-watch TV in the 2022 NFL season with such low scoring across the league. I hope the Lions get a win soon, but will keep watching the chaos.
#3:
The Tua head injury drama is clouding the fact that Mike McDaniel has his offence playing great. Teddy Bridgewater came in and almost led the Fins back against a game Cincy D, but it came up short. People are roasting McDaniel about the decision to start Tua after his injury in Week 3, but keep in mind: he was advised by a medical professional (who has been fired by the NFL) that Tua was safe to play. It also must be said that when Tua takes hits, he takes them hard. I hope he is able to recover, but his style of play is leading to consistent injuries that may shorten an already compromised career.
The Chiefs are who we thought they were! Not many would have seen the dominant display from KC against an incredible Bucs D, but Reid and Co continue to innovate. Their balanced attack allows Pat Mahomes to dazzle, but more impressive is their efficiency and ability to take what the defence gives them. The rematch of the Superbowl LIV was a flip of the script, as the Chiefs defence were all over Brady with his compromised O line and Steve Spagnuolo dialling up pressure. Kansas City is cementing themselves as the continuing kings of the AFC West.
The Steelers finally pulled the trigger on Kenny! He looked like everything that Mitch Trubisky isn’t. While Pickett still looks like he has work to do in catching up to the pace of the pro game, he didn’t let the stage get to him, and the offence had some juice for the first time this year. I picked the Jets to win this one, and Zack Wilson did not let me down, and it was cool to see two young guns getting after it. Wilson’s play style, similarly to Tua (see #3) may lead him to spending more time on the sideline than the Jets would like, but he flashed with some cool-headed plays when it mattered for Gang Green. Steelers fans will be disappointed in the loss, but must be happy to see their prized rookie getting a chance, and showing some promising ability.
Now for the Thursday night preview between the Colts and Broncos.
To be honest, this looks like a snoozer. Two good defences, two underperforming offences, and two veteran QBs struggling to find their way in new offences. It is hard to say which team is more disappointing as the ceiling for both teams for many was Super Bowl. Right now, both teams would be happy to get back into the win column and get back on track to compete in their division. Not to mention both teams have lost some key pieces, with Javonte Williams out for the season and Jonathan Taylor banged up. Russell Wilson's start in Denver has been about as bad as it gets, and he has had a difficult time in getting his team touchdowns. Matt Ryan is getting clobbered out there. I see Denver getting back on track this week as their defence will be able to stuff the run game that the desperately need in order to open up their passing game. I honestly worry about Ryan's ability to stay healthy as 37 year olds should not be taking the punishment that he has so far behind a supposedly great O line. The problem isn't the protection, but the fact that his poor receiving core is not getting open. Denver's secondary can be elite, and this week will dominate leading the Broncs to a pretty easy win.
Broncos 23 over Colts 13
If you are looking at winning some cash money, stay tuned for my week 5 Sunday/Monday predictions.
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