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PAFL Week 4 – Write ups
Last week before the trade deadline, so time for teams to decide which way their seasons are going and whether they are buyers, sellers or just standing pat. Also, the NFL conference championships are this weekend, so lots of football on the line. We have a bit of upheaval in the PAFL, which is making things interesting…that said…
New Orleans (3-0) @ Tennessee (1-2)
So this game is already in the books, and we can see how good coaching and a weighted schedule can make things way more interesting. I never considered that Don would have a cleaner path to the playoffs than I would, but he’s definitely putting his mock draft to bed. Now…just to be Debbie Downer, but I think the music in the background goes quiet after playing Cincy next week, but for this week, let it play. New Orleans 26 – Tennessee 17
Las Vegas (3-0) @ Arizona (2-1)
So far, the Raiders are the top scoring team in the league, and are 2nd in the power rankings; my Cardinals are so far outscored this season. All things are possible in love and war, but I would not put any money on the Cards to win against the high-riding team from Sin City. Las Vegas 28 – Arizona 21
Jacksonville (3-0) @ Pittsburgh (2-1)
Jacksonville travels to the Steel City, where they are playing a Pittsburgh team that is playing some decent football so far. Decent is one thing, but playing the defending champions is something else, and the Jags are leading the league in defense, where they might be staying for quite some time. Sorry, the Terrible Towels might be getting a few tears in Pitt this week. Jacksonville 31 – Pittsburgh 17
Minnesota (2-1) @ Cleveland (2-1)
May very well be the GOTW, with the resurgent Vikings trying to keep pace in the NFC Central against a Cleveland team that allowed points against the Jags last week for the first time this season. I went back and forth on this game, and see it going either way, but in the end, I see the Browns using their defense to make that one extra stop that secures the win. Minnesota 21 – Cleveland 24
Dallas (0-3) @ Los Angeles (A) (3-0)
So Len is still trying to sort out a Cowboys team that hosted a playoff game last year, and can’t win one this season. Meanwhile, despite Daniel having connection issues, the Chargers are using their balance on both sides of the ball to win in a convincing manner…not exactly the recipe to get your offense straightened out if you are Dallas. Whether Daniel plays his first game H2H, the game is simmed or bots do his bidding for him, I don’t think will be the kind of game the Cowboys need to get off the slide. Dallas 17 – Los Angeles (A) 31
Tampa Bay (0-3) @ Detroit (1-2)
Both of these teams are better than the record indicates, but the NFC has been brutal so far, and both teams are looking to avoid the cellar. While I can make a case for both teams in this game, I think that Detroit is a bit better on defense, and can make that extra stop to pull off a close win. Tampa Bay 21 – Detroit 24
Seattle (1-2) @ Indianapolis (0-3)
The Colts started the season off against 3 teams that all made the playoffs, and came up short. This week, they host a Seahawks team that is a year or so away, so they should be able to get back on track and start the journey they made last year, when they made a major move at the end of the season to make the playoffs. The talent is there and they have experience making a playoff run, so this would be the time to start it. Seattle 17 – Indianapolis 24
Buffalo (3-0) @ Chicago (1-2)
OK…I feel very comfortable in saying Calvin is a playoff-caliber team, and regardless of how he gets there, he will be very dangerous. THAT SAID, they stand a real shot at falling 3 games back with Green Bay having a H2H advantages, so this game does have a vibe of urgency. Unfortunately, Buffalo is a damn good team, and I’m just not sure this is the game to get back in the playoff race. Buffalo 27 – Chicago 24
Miami (0-3) @ Kansas City (1-2)
Another game that looks to be very good on paper; while I can’t understand how Miami loses some of the games they do, I can say that Kansas City doesn’t allow opportunities to slip by. Somehow, and I don’t know necessarily why, but I just see the Dolphins having a tougher time stopping the Chiefs than the Chiefs will in stopping Miami. Kansas City just MIGHT slip into the playoffs, if they keep this up. Miami 17 – Kansas City 24
Green Bay (3-0) @ Philadelphia (1-2)
So after a week where the Packers both beat last year’s top seed in Chicago, and made several moves that show they are intent on making a go of it this year, they travel to the City of Brotherly Love where Philly just got their first win. Now, part of my brain is telling me to bet on the hot horse, and pick Green Bay in this game…but I know that Rick is hardly an easy out, and has the team that can sneak the upset. There are plenty of new toys in Green Bay, but it just may take a week to get used to playing with them. In an upset special... Green Bay 23 - Philadelphia 24
Cincinnati (2-1) @ Carolina (3-0)
This is a major test to see just how ready the Panthers are for prime time; so far, they have mowed down every team they have played, but they haven’t played a team quite the caliber of the Bengals yet. The Bengals needed OT to sneak past the Colts, but I see Nino finding an extra gear this week and sneaking past Carolina in a close one. Cincinnati 24 – Carolina 21
San Francisco (0-3) @ Denver (1-2)
Both of these teams came into this season with higher hopes than they have achieved so far, and would both like a win to get their season moving forward again. Somehow, I see Broncos using Chubb to run through a very average 49’ers defense, and evening their record at the quarter pole. San Francisco 17 – Denver 24
Atlanta (0-3) @ Lose Angeles (N) (1-2)
The Rams are unfamiliar territory looking up in the NFC West, but then again, they have had to play two of the class teams in the AFC in their first 3 weeks. Atlanta doesn’t instill quite the same fear as the Raiders did, and should provide LA to get back to .500 on the season. Atlanta 13 – Los Angeles (N) 24
Washington (1-2) @ New York (N) (2-1)
The Commanders did a nice job hanging with Carolina last week, while the Giants need OT to get past Eric and the Vikings; honestly, this game is all about the QB play for both teams, and whether Derrick Henry can move the ball. If Henry can move the ball even a bit, and allow Garropolo to not get teed on, then they stand a chance, provided Baker doesn’t go off with one of his stellar games. But…I am also a realist, and just feel that the Giants have a slight edge. Washington 21 – New York (N) 24
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