Week 3 results
Thursday, Sep 18
Dolphins 21 @ Bills 31, Dolphins +11.5 (over 50)
Although the score does not show it, the Dolphins kept this game close until the end when Tua threw a pick on their last drive just as they were getting into the red zone. The Bills were able to eat clock and kick a field goal which put the game out of reach.
Sunday, Sep 21 (Early Window)
Colts 41 @ Titans 20, Colts -4.0 (over 43.5)
The Colts easily controlled the outcome of this game.Most of the Titans points came during garbage time in the second half. Jonathan Taylor had amazing runs while putting up 3 TDs. Daniel Jones did not have to do much to get this victory. Good teams dominate bad teams and that’s how this game played out.
Steelers 21 @ Patriots 14, Patriots +2.0 (under 44.5)
The Patriots probably defeated themselves more so than the Steelers defeated them by turning the ball over 5 times in this game. Drake Maye probably has an undiagnosed concussion which will be interesting to see if the league does any follow up or if the do not touch it and let him play next week. The Steelers took advantage of the turnovers and short field positions to put enough points on the board to come away with the victory.
Jets 27 @ Buccaneers 29, Buccaneers -6.5 (over 43.5)
The Buccaneers looked like they were in control of this game until momentum swung to the Jets late in the game. A blocked field goal returned for a touchdown nearly put this game for the Jets, but a cool, collected Baker drove the Bucs downfield with plenty of time for the game winning field goal.
Raiders 24 @ Commanders 41, Raiders +3.0 (under 44.0)
The Commanders were able to put up a lot of points despite Jayden Daniels not being in the lineup. Perhaps the Raiders were unprepared for how Mariota would handle the offense. The Raiders had to rely on the passing game to play catch up with the Commanders in the second half and I think all the interceptions from last weekend caused Geno to hold onto the ball and take sacks instead. The Raiders will have to find a way to improve their o-line play to give him time to throw and to open better rushing lanes for Jeanty for the Raiders to succeed. The Commanders spread the love in the backfield with the committee all finding some space to run the ball. Mariota did not have to throw too much since he was moving the chains with his legs on designed runs.
Rams 26 @ Eagles 33, Rams +3.5 (under 44.5)
The Rams controlled this game for almost 3 quarters before Jalen Hurts took control of the game to lead the Eagles to win it. The Rams were up 26-7 after getting a TD starting the second half. But the halftime adjustments the Eagles implemented helped propel their offense. This was the first time this season we got to see the Eagles take more shots down the field and it paid off for a big day for Hurts and AJ Brown. The Rams did an excellent job shutting down Barkley and did well moving the ball on offense. Kyren Williams had a good day with over 100 all purpose yards and a receiving TD. I’m sure these teams will meet again in the playoffs.
Falcons 0 @ Panthers 30, Falcons -4.5 (under 44.0)
This was one of the major upsets of the weekend. The Panthers defense made Penix look like a pedestrian quarterback this weekend through two interceptions with one of them being a pick six. Their defense also did a good job of limiting Bijan to 72 yards rushing and 39 yards receiving. The Falcons will have to do some soul searching after this one as their previous win came on the backs of their defense; their offense will need to find a rhythm to keep up with the Commanders next weekend.
Bengals 10 @ Vikings 48, Vikings -3.0 (under 42.0)
The Vikings defense was in complete control of this game and any hope that Browning could keep the Bengals competitive quickly faded away. Jordan Mason had a great day running for over 100yards and a pair of TD’s which made it an easy day for Carson Wentz. The Bengals struggled to run the ball and were forced to throw with Browning who was unable to sustain drives down the field. In the end, the Vikings defense put up more points than the Bengals offense.
Texans 10 @ Jaguars 17, Texans +1.5 (over 44.0)
The Texans’ are struggling to develop a passing game despite having Christian Kirk back in the lineup. The Jaguars are having similar issues, but can at least develop their running game enough to move the ball downfield and put up some points. The turnovers by the Texans were costly in this game and they will need to protect the football while finding a better way to make plays on offense.
Packers 10 @ Browns 13, Packers -7.0 (over 41.5)
This was the shocker of all the Sunday games. The Packers came in overly confident when they should have taken their opponent more seriously. The Browns’ defense stopped the run while creating havoc for Love in the pocket on passing downs. It looked as though the Packers were going to win with 10 points, but a 4th quarter comeback allowed the Browns to put up 13 unanswered points and steal the victory from the Packers.
Sunday, Sep 21 (Afternoon / Evening)
Broncos 20 @ Chargers 23, Chargers -2.5 (under 46.0)
This was a tight defensive matchup for three quarters before Herbert was able to lead his team to victory in the 4th quarter. The Chargers defense did well in limiting the Broncos to only 9 first downs which allowed them to dominate the time of possession. The Chargers did well in limiting Bo Nix to 150yards passing and forcing 2 sacks. The Chargers showed, despite being down, they could move the ball and put up points when needed in the 4th quarter.
Saints 13 @ Seahawks 44, Seahawks -7.0 (over 42.0)
This was a rough game for the Saints as the Seahawks defense shut down Kamara and put pressure on Rattler to make throws. The Seahawks had an efficient day from Sam Darnold which was enough to win this. They did not run well against the Saints but they did not need to with how their defense dominated. This game was over by halftime as the Seahawks put up 21 points in the 1st quarter and 17 points in the 2nd quarter. The second half was about running out the clock and ending the game without any injuries.
Cardinals 15 @ 49ers 16, Cardinals +3.0 (under 45.5)
This turned into a nail biter for the Niners. Unfortunately they lost Nick Bosa for the season which will impact their defense for future games. The Cardinals almost won this with a safety from a holding call in the end zone. However, Mac Jones was able to run an efficient 2 minute drill to get the Niners in field goal range. Piniero was able to convert the field goal for the win without all the Niners fans having to close their eyes and pray.
Cowboys 14 @ Bears 31, Cowboys -1.0 (over 50.0)
Despite putting up more yards, gaining more first downs and controlling time of possession, the Cowboys were not able to put up points due to the amount of turnovers in the game, two interceptions thrown by Dak and a fumble lost by Williams were too much to overcome. The Bears defense and offense looked good in getting this victory. Caleb Williams looked efficient throwing the ball, hitting 4 different receivers for TDs in this game. This victory is a great confidence boost for the young Bears team and I expect they will grow more this year.
Chiefs 22 @ Giants 9, SNF, Chiefs -6.0 (under 45.0)
The Chiefs get their first win of the season through a controlling defense that left the New York fans chanting for Dart. There was some drama between Kelce and Coach Reid but winning cures all ailments. Cam Skattebo was able to rush for 60 yards and had 61 yards receiving for the Giants, other than that, the Giants did not have much offense. I would expect a bye week change in starting QB, but that’s not until December so the change will have to happen with the right matchup to build the young QB’s confidence, perhaps the Saints game in two weeks.
Monday, Sep 22
Lions @ Ravens, Lions +5.0 (over 53.0)
This game was a great back and forth until the Lions sealed the victory late in the 4th quarter. The Lions showed they are just as good as last year despite losing so much of their coaching staff. They gave Lamar a hard day by sacking him 7 times, but he was still efficient in his passing while throwing for 3 TD’s. The Lions did great stopping the run and limiting Henry to 50 yards rushing. The Lions offense was dominant and balanced going for over 200 yards passing and 200 yards rushing. The heavy dose of rushing allowed them to control the pace of the game while shutting down the run against the Ravens made them one dimensional.