8:20 PM: NEW YORK GIANTS (1-2-1 ) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-3)

Is the Sand in the Hour Glass Beginning to Run Out already?

   While we have just passed the 1/4 mark of the regular season and there is certainly plenty of season left, the reality is the amount of games and wiggle room can shrink rapidly. The Giants and Commanders are staring up at a growing mountain in the NFC East called the Philadalphia Eagles plus there is a growing number of teams in the conference that could challenge for wild card spots. New York went 11-6 last season and became a real force in the post-season with their defense and running game. So far, this season, Big Blue has been blue with their running game and defense both ranking outside the top 10. The missing punch on the ground has the G-Men sitting with a lackluster 21% (11-52) third down conversion rate that is 31st in the league and with a -4 turnover ratio that is the 5th worst in football. Washington is ranked 24th in both rushing (57.75 YPG) and scoring (18.5 PPG). Much of that, however, is the intentional neglection of the running game with top rusher Brian Robinson averaging just 11.5 carries per game! QB Jayden Daniels is being sacked an average 8 times per outing and already has 4 interceptions.

   Final Analysis: The loser of this one is, quite frankly, getting dangerously close to putting themselves outside the playoff picture. The victor at least jettisons themselves right back into the mix. New York 28-18.

SUNDAY 1:00 PM: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-2) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (4-0)

Defending Champs VS Wanna-Be Ravens!

 The Baltimore Ravens have won three SB titles, but they lost their most recent title game appearance three seasons ago to the New Orleans Saints and are hungry to finally get over the hump and claim their fourth crown. The Chiefs, of course, are the defending champions as they copped their first championship ending a number of years of playoff futility. They did so as AFC West champs, but their normal regular season dominance was AWOL finishing with a 10-7 record. That trend seems to be repeating itself again this season, but the improved play of the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders could be something the team needs to pay attention to or risk the possibility of getting into some late season predicaments. Baltimore has not allowed any of its four opponents this season to score more than 16 points. They are #1 in the league versus the run (33.75 YPG) and have 37 sacks under their belt. The sack number is significant due to the fact KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been dropped 28 times on the season already. The Chiefs suffered a, 29-23, loss to the Raiders last week as they saw Vegas' rookies QB Cam Ward (17-22-317-2) and HB Omarion Hampton (21-155-2) have big games, while RB Isaiah Pacheco was held to 52 yards on 16 carries (3.25 YPC).

   Final Analysis: KC seems a bit out of sync, while Baltimore seems in high gear with their stifling defense leading the way. The magnficent 5 of Abdul Carter, Raquan Smith, Michael Pierce, Nnamdi Madubuike, and Tyliek Williams have proven to be too much for teams to handle so far. Baltimore 26-18.

 SUNDAY 1:00 PM: DALLAS COWBOYS (2-2) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-0)

Powerful Eagles Ready to Feast on Pokes?

    The Cowboys come into this rivalry with their newly minted dink and dunk offense that is helping QB Dak Prescott avoid sacks while increasing his efficiency. Prescott would complete 26 passes, but for only 269 yards, with 3 touchdowns as Dallas dumped the Washington Commanders last week, 24-10. It marked the second win in a row for Big D. The problem, of course, is the liklihood that the new tactic will not be enough to upset the mighty Eagles, especially if the running game remains below average. Rookie tailback Dylan Sampson ran for just 61 yards on 24 carries (2.5 YPC) in the win versus DC. The Cowboys' defense played well limiting Washington to just 237 yards of offense. Philly, meanwhile, dismantled the Minnesota Vikings, 40-9, with QB Jalen Hurts throwing for 325 yards and 4 more touchdowns, HB Saquon Barkley rushing for 105 yards on 17 carries, and Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter each getting 3 sacks as part of a 10 sack assault on Viking QB JJ McCarthy.

   Final Analysis: This is a mismatch, as most Philly games are. The Eagles come into this one second in the league in scoring (34.5 PPG) and #1 in offensive yardage (2024-506 YPG!). Not seeing Dallas being able to match the Eagles' firepower. Philadelphia 34-17.

SUNDAY 1:00 PM: TENNESSEE TITANS (2-2) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-1)

Big AFC South Duel in Florida

    It seems that almost every year the Tennessee Titans are one of the league's true enigmas. Always a sticky team to play against and seemingly always in the playoff mix, the club has, nonetheless, not really had much to hang their hat on over the past few years. A win here, versus the front running Jaguars,would pull them into a first place tie within the division. The Titans upset the previoulsy undefeated Denver Broncos, 35-23, last week as QB Will Levis threw for 499 yards and 5 touchdowns, although he did toss two picks and was sacked 8 times. HB Tony Pollard was AWOL again gaining just 49 yards on 15 carries (3.3 YPC). Jacksonville hammered the Houston Texans, 42-12, with QB Trevor Lawrence flipping 5 TD passes to go along with his 401 yards passing. The Jags' D slammed Texan QB CJ Stroud into the turf 13 times and held him to a 41% (10-24) completion rate. Tennessee, due to its inconsistent and often below average running game, often has to lean on the arm and legs of Willis in order to win. That could be a huge dilemma for the Titans because of the pressure and pass rush J-Ville can exert. Lawrence will run if he sees daylight and Tennessee might need to use a spy to keep him in the pocket more.

   Final Analysis: Hard to envision a Tennessee win here unless they can run the ball better than they have. They get into trouble whenever the running game is absent and Willis cannot save the day. Jacksonville 30-18.

 1:00 PM: BUFFALO BILLS (2-2) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-4)

Up the Hill Buffalo Goes Again After Loss to Miami. Panthers Getting Closer

    The Buffalo Bills had a huge teats last week in their game versus the Miami Dolphins. They needed to see if they were ready to take that next step in their progression. They did keep QB Josh Allen upright much of the game, but he would then throw two interceptions and complete just 52% (19-36) of his throws in the, 30-13, defeat. So, like Sisyphus, they are back at the bottom of the hill and must start climbing once again. Carolina dropped their fourth in a row, 35-27, to the Rams last week, but a ray of hope did come through in the defeat! Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders finally showed his potential throwing for 312 yards and 4 touchdowns while completing 74% (20-27) of his attempts. In addition, HB Jonathon Brooks ripped off 112 yards on 21 totes (5.3 YPC).

   Final Analysis: The biggest differential in this game is on the defensive side of the football. Carolina is allowing 32.5 PPG compared to the Bills who are giving up 21.25 PPG. Another key has to be the ineffectivenes of the Panthers' pass rush (14 sacks) which could allow Josh Allen to stay on his feet and complete passes. Buffalo 30-20.

GAME OF THE WEEK

1:00 PM : ATLANTA FALCONS (3-1) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-2)

Are Falcons for Real? Can Bucs Reassert Dominance in NFC South?

   This is an early confrontation between a franchise that wants to be seen as a true competitor (Atlanta) and an organization that is accustomed to being the NFC South's top dog or close to it in recent times (Tampa Bay). The Falcons come into this game averaging 131 YPG rushing and have put a huge emphasis on running the football and avoiding having QB Malik Willis come under too much duress. Willis has been sacked just 8 times thus far, while completing 78% (71-100) of his passes for 861 yards (215.25 YPG). However, he has a 7 to 3 TD to Interception rate that has been an ongoing concern. Tampa Bay is looking like a team that might be figuring things out. After starting their season 0-2 and averaging 17.5 PPG, the Bucs have won their last two outings while averaging 50.5 PPG! QB Baker Mayfield has thrown for 767 yards and an amazing 10 touchdowns over his last two starts while the defense has rolled up 18 sacks!

   Final Analysis: The Bucs appear to be playing excellent football right now. Atlanta has scored 30 points just once, thus far, and could get themselves caught trying to outscore Tampa Bay. That, though, does not fit the Falcon Modus Operandi and could expose Willis' tendency to throw picks when under pressure. Tampa Bay 27-18.

1:00 PM: MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-2-1 ) AT DETROIT LIONS (1-2-1)

Two Teams With Identical Unique Records Meet

   Neither the Minnesota Vikings or Detroit Lions can be real happy with the start to their campaigns. However, the winner of this one will actually be in solid shape as far as being in playoff contention goes. Viking QB JJ McCarthy was pummeled by the Philadelphia Eagles last week as the Purple dropped the game, 40-9. The Vikings have now gone 0-2-1 over their last three games and need a win here badly. The Lions had to feel good about their, 21-21, tie against the New York Giants last week. QB Jared Goff threw two TD passes and HB Jahmyr Gibbs found room to run for 111 yards on 28 carries against the normally rugged New York front seven. DE Aiden Hitchinson was awesome collecting 5 sacks on the day!

   Final Analysis: Both teams are near the bottom of the league in scoring. Detroit is averaging just 17.5 PPG while Minnesota checks in averaging 17.8 PPG. That likely means a close game is on tap. Minnesota has had all types of problems trying to run the football. They will, though, be facing a Lions' defense that is dead last in the league defending the run (151 YPG). Still, just not seeing the Vikings getting their ground game going enough in this one.  Detroit 23-17.

1:00 PM: MIAMI DOLPHINS (2-2) AT NEW YORK JETS (1-3)

Fish and Planes Hunting Pats

   The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets are currently sitting a full 2 games behind the undefeated New England Patriots and the loser of this one runs the very real risk of losing sight of any real shot at winning the division. The Dolphins handled the Buffalo Bills last week, 30-13, as QB Tua Tagovailoa threw for 278 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Jets dropped their third straight with a, 27-24, loss to Atlanta. HB Braelon Allen rushed for 121 yards on 25 carries, but the continued use of QB Aaron Rodgers is not getting it done. A-Rod has a dismal 72.3 QBR with just 1 TD compared to 2 interceptions.

   Final Analysis: New York needs to make a decision on their quarterback situation. They can stay with the failing Rodgers or give the reins to rookie Jalen Milroe. Miami needs to keep Tagovailoa healthy as he keeps getting KO'd out of games. Could be a decent game, but see the Dolphins rolling away if Rodgers continues to play and play poorly. Miami 30-15. 

1:00 PM: CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-3) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-0)

Stumbling Bengals Take on Rollicking Patriots

   Being known for slow starts and fast endings, the Cincinnati Bengals can take solace in the fact they are, at least for now anyways, keeping to tradition. They were thoroughly outmanned last week in their, 33-3, loss to the Green Bay Packers and now have to face another undefeated club in the form of the Patriots. The main problem seems to be a lackluster running game that, quite frankly, has just not been the same since HB Joe Mixon fled to greener pastures in Houston. The team drafted Arkansas Razorback Ja'Quinden Jackson in hopes of reviving the ground game, but Jackson's dearth of any break away speed makes him more of a plodder than a game changer and his 2.9 YPC stat line is really hurting the offense. The Patriots, on the other hand, have no such worries. Sophomore quarterback Drake Maye has not thrown an interception yet and has 8 TD passes, while being sacked a mere 5 times! Rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty is slowly beginning to reach the awesome potential expected of him coming out of Boise State and now has his average up to 4.3 YPC with 8 rushing scores! He has recorded three 100+ yard games already including a 156 yard outburst two weeks ago against the Steelers.

   Final Analysis: New England is averaging 33.33 PPG. The offense has not had a single turnover yet so the club comes in with a +6 turnover margin. While errors are sure to come at some point in time, the team has an excellent blend of run and pass going while the Bengals are, essentially, one dimensional. New England 30-16.

4:05 PM: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-2) AT HOUSTON TEXANS (1-3)

Escalator Teams Meet: Seattle Going Up. Houston Going Down?

    This is a game that has major implications for both teams involved. After stumbling out of the gate with an 0-2 start, the Seahawks have rebounded beautifully winning their last two outings. They have gotten back to their old methodology of running the ball with Kenneth Walker, passing the ball carefully with Geno Smith, and leaning heavily on a stout defense. Houston, conversely, just is not playing as well as anticipated. They have a solid QB in CJ Stroud and possess the league's reigning rushing champion in Joe Mixon, but the offense has not clicked yet. Mixon has been relegated mostly to a backup role relinquishing his job to Ohio State rookie Treveyon Henderson. Henderson looked like the right choice after he ran for 151 and 112 yards in the club's first two games, but then he fell off with two rough performances in which he averaged 2.69 YPC! Stroud has not played well at all. He has been sacked 31 times (7.75 PG) and completed just 55.2% (58-105) of his pass attempts. Seattle's Walker has not run the ball all that great recently either. While the team lost both games to start the year, Walker ran for 161 and 102 yards in those defeats. He has rushed for just 124 yards on 41 carries (3.02 YPC) in the team's two wins.  However, Smith has had back-to-back 100+ QBR games with 4 TD passes while absorbing just 4 sacks after getting dropped 13 times in his first two games of the year.

   Final Analysis: This just has a feel to it like the Seahawks are on the escalator going up, while Houston is on the escalator heading down. If the Texans can get their running game going, however, this season can turn around quickly. Seattle needs a bit more consistency out of their running game. If they can get that going, they can string together a number of wins. Seattle 24-21.  

4:05 PM: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-3) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-2)

Defenseless Bolts and Steelers Meet in Pennsylvania

   A rugged Pittsburgh Steelers' defense, that had been their calling card in recent times, has gone on vacation, while the Chargers' D is completely AWOL. Both teams have surrendered way too many points to be able to survive on a weekly basis. The Chargers come in ranked 31st allowing some 33 PPG and Pittsburgh staggers in giving up a 27th ranked 30 PPG! The absence of defense would suggest this should become a shootout (and maybe it will), but the two teams have not exactly been offensive juggernauts either. LA is averaging just 18 PPG while the Steelers check in at a decent 25 PPG clip. The Chargers have the type of stats that suggest they should be much more effective offensively than they have been. QB Justin Herbert owns a 102.1 QBR, HB JK Dobbins is averaging 4.3 YPC, and rookie WR Emeka Egbuka is snagging balls for a sparkling 17.8 YPR! Steeler rookie QB Quinn Ewers has excited the local fan base with his 1249 yards passing, 9 touchdowns to just 2 picks, and amazing 127.6 QBR!

   Final Analysis: Steelers do not have a takeaway on the year and have recorded just 18 sacks. The Chargers' pass defense is allowing 314.75 YPG. Ewers could be slated for another big week passing the ball and the Steelers should score enough to win. Pittsburgh 29-23.

4:05 PM: LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-1) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-4)

Wounded Raiders Try to Keep Winning VS Winless browns

    Coming off a huge upset of the Kansas City Chiefs last week, 29-23, has raised some eyebrows around Vegas. However, the team will enter this game without their starting LT and LG and that could loom large. Vegas has relied upon a grinding running game with rookie tailback Omarion Hampton punishing front sevens. His ability to run has allowed the team to set up rookie QB Cam Ward in favorable situations. The offensive line is not seen as a strength of the club and without LT Kolton Miller and LG Jackson Powers-Johnson blocking the running game could shrink. That would mean Ward will have to play at a higher level than he has been asked to do so far. The Browns have had just about everything go wrong for them. Rookie QB Kurtis Rourke has a rough time of it, thus far, getting sacked 40 times and picked off 7 times already! Rourke has not recorded a 100+ QBR game yet. The defense has not been great either. The Browns have allowed 30+ points in two of their four games.

   Final Analysis: There is some concern about the Raiders' offensive line injuries. If they cannot run the ball, then Ward will need to pass it more than he desires and under more duress. That could lead to the defense having to be on the field more than desired as well. The Vegas' D is not very strong and could become exposed. Cleveland will need to protect Rourke and likely go with a run first approach and a short passing game scheme in order to chew up clock, move the chains, and score points. Las Vegas 26-23.

4:15 PM: DENVER BRONCOS (3-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-3)

Pony Up Ya'll!!!

    The Denver Broncos are coming into this game after having their magnificent start to their season halted last week by the Tennessee Titans, 35-23. With the Raiders upset of the Chiefs, the division tightened right up in a heartbeat and now they must quickly regroup to confront a Colts' team that is desperate for a win. The Broncos may have lost the game last week, but they did see the revival, hopefully, of tailback Javonte Williams. The 5'10" 220 Lbs bulldozer of a back barreled his way to a season high 149 yards on 28 carries after not having a game where he had run for more than 73 yards! The knowledge that they can run the ball should serve them well going forward. The defense, though, is showing some signs of needing work. Despite the big time defensive effort two weeks ago versus the Raiders, the reality is the unit gave up 34 points to the Chicago Bears three weeks ago and now 35 to the Titans. Indianapolis went 0-5 last season before they began their improbable run to the post-season. They are off to another sluggish start and coming off a disheartening, 37-12, whipping at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks. The loss was especially depressing as hopes had risen the week before when they handled the Cleveland Browns, 38-23. The same bugaboo that has been dogging them the past couple of seasons showed up again. RB Jonathan Taylor just could not get going and ended the game with 38 yards on 13 carries. His performance marked the fourth consecutive time this season he did not eclipse the century mark and he has averaged less than 4 YPC in all four games! Taylor has now gone seven games in a row without reaching the 100-yard plateau dating back to last season before he got injured.

   Final Analysis: Denver has been vulnerable to the pass allowing 322 YPG. Indy is averaging 286 YPG through the air and this could be a factor in this one. It now remains to be seen how the Broncos react to Williams' rushing output from a week ago and if they can balance the attack going forward. The Colts can win this game, but they sorely need some production from Taylor and just have not gotten that from him in quite some time now. The absence of the running game has pushed the Colts to a 26% (5-19) red zone efficiency number that is really hurting their offensive production. In 19 red zone ventures they have just 5 touchdowns compared to 6 field goals and 8 times with no points at all!  Denver 27-22. 

4:15 PM: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-3) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-0)

Halos Praying for an Upset Over Upstart Cards

    It was not very long ago that these Saints were hoisting the Pete Russo Trophy over their heads. Since then, though, QB Derek Carr declined precipitously compelling the organization to draft and start Jaxson Dart as the new gun in town. HB Alvin Kamra had been playing super until he was halted last week by a quicklly improving Tampa Bay Buccaneers' team finishing with a suppressed 48 yards on 20 carries. It was the first time this season he did not rush for over 100 yards. Dart, though, would throw for 396 yards and 2 touchdowns in the, 52-31, loss further revealing his potential. New Orleans' defense needs to be better, however, if they hope to get back into the NFC South fray. The Cardinals have been enjoying a super run to begin their season and have been the talk of the league along with the Broncos early on. Diminutive quarterback Kyler Murray just had a 396 yards, 3 touchdown performance last week as 'Zona zapped the 49ers, 36-30, in overtime. HB Trey Benson seems cemented as the team's top back and has responded with two 100+ yard games in his three starts and a 90 yard effort in the other outing. Arizona has weapons at wide-receiver, but seem overly intent on getting the ball, time and again, to Mississippi State rookie target Jae Jenkins. His 46 receptions is more than the catches of the next three Cardinal receivers combined!

   Final Analysis: The Saints will need to balance their offense out in order to win here. Dart has shown he can play, but he needs some help from Kamara and the running game. Arizona has shown it can be balanced, but the obvious amount of touches given to Jenkins could mark him for added attention. Arizona 30-23. 

8:20 PM:  GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-0) AT CHICAGO BEARS (0-4)

Can Quick Return to Old Rivalry Pave Way for Chicago Resurrection?

    These two old rivals met just two weeks ago at Lambeau Field. In that matchup, Green Bay rolled to a convincing, 35-0, whitewashing of the Bears that had Chitown fans in a bit of a frazzled state. A win at home in front of a frenzied Soldier Field fandom would be sweet revenge, indeed, and could jump start the Bears' season. The Packers, quite frankly, are playing at a level that many do not see as being sustainable. The offense has been elite averaging 34.8 PPG with a balanced attack featuring QB Jordan Love's passing and rookie HB Nicholas Singleton's running. Love's 126.6 QBR ranks second in the NFC trailing only the Eagles' Jalen Hurts, while Singleton comes in as the leading rusher in the PFL with 533 yards and four straight 100+ yard games to begin his career. The defense has been ridiculous as well allowing a mere 26 points (6.5 PPG). Obviously, Singleton is not going to rush for 100+ yards in every game, the defense cannot possibly expect to hold teams down like this, and Love has hiccups coming on the horizon. It is in this light that the Bears are hopeful of a huge upset. QB Caleb Williams is as talented, if not more so, than Love, HB D'Andre Swift is much better than his current 2.4 YPC resume shows, and the defense has eight players with an 80+ OVR rating!

   Final Analysis: While the Packers have played at an incredibly high level, the truth is that level is just not realistic to expect it to remain there. Chicago is a very talented team with playmakers all over the field and can win this one if they just play to their abilities. The roof has to fall in on Green Bay at some point in time and Chicago can only hope that that time is now. See this one being a very close game at Soldier Field in a prime time stand alone game. Green Bay 27-24.

8:30 PM: LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-2) AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-1-1)

West Coast Shootout on Monday Night!

    Both teams played second fiddle to the Seattle Seahawks last season. As of now, all three of the teams are sniffing the fumes of the undefeated Arizona Cardinals and cannot fall much further behind. LA has been a high octane offensive team, so far, scoring 30+ points in three of their four games to date. The problem is, however, a defense that allowed 27 or more points in all four games including two where they surrenderd 30+. San Fran began their season going 2-0, but since then they have gone 0-1-1 as the defense has giving up 32 and 36 points in the last two outings respectively. Similar to last season, QB Brock Purdy is among the league leaders in pass attempts (168-42 per game!). He does have an outstanding 11 TD passes compared to just a lone interception, but he has, yet again, been getting sacked at an alarming rate and has been dropped an NFC most 39 (9.785 sacks per game) times already. HB Christian McCaffrey is averaging 3.4 YPC and slowly seen his early season rush numbers shrink. In games 1 and 2 (Niners' victories) McCaffrey ran the ball 25 and 22 times. In the team's, 32-32, tie with the Vikings two weeks ago he ran it 14 times and followed that up with a mere 9 touches in last week's, 36-30, OT loss to the Cardinals. The stats are undeniable. In games in which McCaffrey has run the ball a minimum of 14 times, San Francisco has compiled an eye popping 9-1 record ,while the team has gone just 2-8-1 when he carries it less than 14 times!!!

   Final Analysis: This one could become a real up and down the field affair. The Niners' D has 35 sacks and a league best 10 takeaways, while the Rams' offense has not committed a turnover all season!  Something has to give right? The Achilles Heal for SF is the sacks absorbed by Purdy and the running totals for McCaffrey. The Rams, though, are tied with the 11th fewest sacks in the NFC and that could mean a big day for Purdy. San Francisco 34-28.