NFL 2019 Week 4 Recap

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has passed us by. Some games were surprises, some were close, and some were not even as close. I've done fairly well in picks so far in the season, we shall have to see if that trend continues and if Cardinal Viking can get the victory this week. In this post i'll talk about another NFL 100 spotlight, and the recaps of the games. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

I talked about defense last Sunday and I talked about offense on Wednesday, and for this spotlight. I thought I'd look at the 3rd and underrated portion of football, special teams. Yes, it is underrated. It is the decider in field position, kicking game, punting game, and returns. A punt ends up inside the 20 yard line can make the difference than a punt spotted on the 35-yard line. Blocking kicks/punts and returning them for touchdowns can help give your team a boost when they're not playing their best. There have been a few notable teams throughout the history of the NFL where special teams was key to winning, the 1986 Kansas City Chiefs were one of them.

The Chiefs hadn't made it back to the playoffs since 1971. In 1986, the Chiefs would see a resurgence. They were lead by Todd Blackledge who threw for 1,200 yards for 10 touchdowns and six interceptions as well as Bill Kenney who threw for 1,922 yards for 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Their running game was below average with Mike Pruitt running the ball for 448 yards, as a fullback. They finished the season with 358 total points for a 22.4 points/game, giving them 11th best in the NFL.

The defense for the team was lead by Albert Lewis and Kevin Ross with eight interceptions combined. They forced 15+ fumbles and recovered them. In 1986, they held opponents to 326 points, or 20.4 points/game.

Special teams for the Chiefs that year were so dominant, they gave all the scoring the Chiefs would need to win. In the last week of the regular season the Chiefs traveled to Pittsburgh, in need of a playoff berth. Deron Cherry would get things started with a special teams fumble recovery in the end zone Nick Lowery would kick a 47-yard field goal. Boyce Green would get a touchdown on a 97-yard kick return. Gary Anderson of the Steelers would have a field goal blocked by Lloyd Burress for a 78-yard touchdown. The Chiefs would ultimately win the game, giving the Chiefs a 10-6 record on the season, their best season since 1971, as well as a playoff berth. They would lose to the New York Jets 35-15.

Week 4 Recap

Philadelphia 34, Green Bay 27: TW: Packers; CV: Eagles

Both teams really had a chance to win it. Carson Wentz proved some doubters wrong with his play, throwing the ball for 160 yards for three touchdowns. Jordan Howard got 87 yards rushing for two touchdowns. It was an old-fashioned performance for Aaron Rodgers, throwing the ball for 422 yards for two touchdowns and an interception. Aaron Jones could only muster 21 yards rushing, Aaron Rodgers would be the leading rusher for 46 yards. Cardinal Viking finally gets a pick right after failing the past three times. 

All-time series: Packers lead series 27-17

Next week: Philadelphia: vs NY Jets; Green Bay: @ Dallas

TW: 0-1; CV: 1-0

New England 16, Buffalo 10: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

It wasn't a pretty game for Brady & Company but fortunately their defense and special teams gave them the help they needed. Tom Brady threw the ball for 150 yards for an interception. Brandon Bolden would give the Patriots the only offensive touchdown on the day from a 4-yard rush play. Sony Michel ran the ball for 17 carries for 63 yards. Buffalo couldn't get a lot from Josh Allen who threw the ball for 153 yards for three interceptions. Allen would score the only offensive touchdown for the Bills on a run play. Frank Gore had a good day running the ball for 109 yards. I think the game proved that the Bills defense is legit and that Josh Allen is still a man trying to learn how to play the game. 

All-time series: Patriots lead series: 75-43-1

Next week: Patriots: @ Washington; Buffalo: @ Tennessee

TW: 1-1; CV: 2-0

LA Chargers 30, Miami 10: TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers

It would be the Chargers first win in Miami since the "Epic In Miami" in January 1982. Philip Rivers wasn't even born at that time. Rivers threw the ball for 310 yards and two touchdowns in the game. Melvin Gordon wasn't starting but Austin Ekeler would get the start, running the ball for 60 yards and a touchdown. Josh Rosen gave the Dolphins fans something to cheer for with 180 passing yards and a touchdown, while throwing an interception. Kenyon Drake ran the ball for 44 yards. 

All-time series: Dolphins lead series 18-16

Next week: LA Chargers: vs Denver; Miami: Bye week

TW: 2-1; CV: 3-0

Tennessee 24, Atlanta 10: TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons

Marcus Mariota had a good game as the inconsistent Titans win. Mariota had 227 yards passing for three touchdowns. Derrick Henry reached the century mark with 100 yards rushing. Matt Ryan threw the ball for 397 yards with zero touchdowns. The Falcons running game couldn't get much going with Devonta Freeman getting 28 yards rushing for the game. Missed opportunity for the Falcons in a weak NFC South. 

All-time series: Titans lead series 8-7

Next week: Tennesee: vs Buffalo; Atlanta: @ Houston

TW: 2-2; CV: 3-1

Washington 3, NY Giants 24: TW: Giants; CV: Giants

The Dwayne Haskins era began prematurely when he was put in at quarterback for Case Keenum in the 2nd quarter. Both quarterbacks would finish with 137 yards and four interceptions combined. Daniel Jones had some growing pains in the game with 225 yards passing for a touchdown and two interceptions. Wayne Gallman stepped up at running back for Saquon Barkley, running the ball for 63 yards and a touchdown. 

All-time series: Giants lead series 102-69-4

Next week: Washington: vs New England; NY Giants: vs Minnesota

TW: 3-2; CV: 4-1

Kansas City 34, Detroit 30: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

In the 4th time in his career, Patrick Mahomes would throw for zero touchdowns in a game. Mahomes would throw the ball for 315 yards with zero interceptions. The Chiefs running game brought the scoring with LeSean McCoy getting 56 yards with a touchdown and Darrel Williams getting 13 yards with two rushing touchdowns. Matthew Stafford had a good day with 291 yards passing for three touchdowns. Kerryon Johnson ran the ball for 125 yards. The Chiefs would score on a strange play with a Lions fumble that was recovered by Baushaud Breeland. It was strange because there was no whistle blown and you're supposed to keep playing until the whistle blows. Poor Lions.

All-time series: Chiefs lead 9-5

Next week: Kansas City: vs Indianapolis; Detroit: Bye week

TW: 4-2; CV: 5-1

Cleveland 40, Baltimore 25: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

The pressure was on for Baker Mayfield but it would be his running back that would give his quarterback some help. Mayfield threw the ball for 342 yards for a touchdown and an interception. Nick Chubb would answer the call running the ball for 165 yards for three touchdown, his longest was for 88 yards. Lamar Jackson threw the ball for 247 yards for three touchdowns and two interceptions. Mark Ingram, who had been quite dependable for Baltimore, would get some solid yardage finishing the game with 71 yards on 12 carries. 

All-time series: Ravens lead series 30-11

Next week: Cleveland: @ San Francisco (Monday night); Baltimore: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 4-3; CV: 5-2

Carolina 16, Houston 10: TW: Panthers; CV: Texans

The Texans couldn't quite get much going against a back-up quarterback and a running back who's probably an underrated favorite for MVP right now. Kyle Allen threw the ball for 232 yards for zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Christian McCaffrey ran the ball for 93 yards for the Panthers only touchdown, as well as 86 yards receiving. DeShaun Watson threw the ball for 160 yards passing while running the ball for 12 yards and a touchdown (the Texans only touchdown on the day). Very quiet game, not a lot of scoring. 

All-time series: Panthers lead 3-2

Next week: Carolina: vs Jacksonville; Houston: vs Indianapolis

TW: 5-3; CV: 5-3

Tampa Bay 55, LA Rams 40: TW: Rams; CV: Rams

It was the most points given up by a Rams team since 1956 and Jared Goff threw the ball for 68 times. Goff threw the ball for a career high 517 yards for two touchdowns and three interceptions. Todd Gurley got 16 yards rushing for two touchdowns. Jameis Winston had a good day with 381 yards passing for four touchdowns and an interception. Rashaad Jones ran the ball well for the Bucs with 70 yards and a touchdown. 

All-time series: Rams lead series 16-9

Next week: Tampa Bay: @ New Orleans; LA Rams: @ Seattle (Thursday night)

TW: 5-4; CV: 5-4

Seattle 27, Arizona 10: TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

Arizona wouldn't get a lot of things right in the game. Russell Wilson threw the ball for 240 yards with a touchdown. Chris Carson ran the ball for 104 yards on 22 carries. New addition Jadaveon Clowney got a pick-six in the game as well. Kyler Murray threw the ball for 241 yards and an interception. Murray would run the ball for 27 yards and a touchdown, the only one for the Cards. David Johnson was the leading rusher for the Cardinals with 40 yards. 

All-time series: Seahawks lead series 21-19-1

Next week: Seattle: vs LA Rams (Thursday night); Arizona: @ Cincinnati

TW: 6-4; CV: 6-4

Jacksonville 26, Denver 24: TW: Jaguars; CV: Broncos

The Legend of Minshew continues to grow but it was his running back that took over the game for the Jags. Gardner Minshew threw the ball for 213 yards for two touchdowns. Leonard Fournette had the game of his life on the ground with 225 yards rushing even though he didn't score a touchdown. Joe Flacco threw the ball for 303 yards and three touchdowns and one interception. The Broncos running tandem of Philip Lindsey and Royce Freeman as they both totaled for 69 yards. At least Von Miller got a sack in the game. 

All-time series: Jaguars lead 7-6

Next week: Jacksonville: @ Carolina; Denver: @ LA Chargers

TW: 7-4; CV: 6-5

Minnesota 6, Chicago 16: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

It was a defensive battle where Kirk Cousins didn't play well and the Bears got the win from a backup quarterback. Cousins threw the ball for 233 yards for zero touchdowns. Dalvin Cook didn't get much from the ground as the Bears stuffed him quite easy, running the ball for 35 yards and a touchdown. Mitchell Trubisky would start the game but went down with an injury. Chase Daniel gave the Vikings defense some fits as the quarterback threw for 195 yards and a touchdown. David Montgomery ran the ball for 53 yards for the Bears. 

All-time series: Vikings lead series 60-55-2

Next week: Minnesota: @ NY Giants; Chicago: vs Oakland (London)

TW: 7-5; CV: 6-6

Oakland 31, Indianapolis 24: TW: Colts; CV: Colts

The bigger shocker of the afternoon was this game. Ultimately the difference was the Jacoby Brissett interception. Derek Carr threw the ball for 189 yards for two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs and Trevor Davis combined for 153 yards and a touchdown (by Davis). Jacoby Brissett did fine with 265 yards and three touchdowns and an interception. Rare road victory from Oakland. 

All-time series: Raiders lead series 10-8

Next week: @ Chicago (London); Indianapolis: @ Kansas City

TW: 7-6; CV: 6-7

Dallas 10, New Orleans 12: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

The NFL is a weird thing. The Saints rush defense wasn't playing well but yet they hold Ezekiel Elliot to 35 yards and a touchdown. Dak Prescott threw the ball for 223 yards and zero touchdowns. Teddy Bridgewater wasn't too flashy in the game with 193 yards and an interception. Alvin Kamara ran the ball for 69 yards and zero touchdowns. 

All-time series: Dallas leads series 17-13

Next week: Dallas: vs Green Bay; New Orleans: vs Tampa Bay

TW: 7-7; CV: 6-8

Cincinnati 3, Pittsburgh 27: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

The Bengals couldn't find a whole lot of things right in the game. Andy Dalton was sacked eight times while throwing the ball for 171 yards and an interception. Joe Mixon ran the ball for 62 yards for zero touchdowns. Mason Rudolph got his 2nd start in this game, throwing the ball for 229 yards and two touchdowns. Jaylen Samuels got a rushing touchdown while James Conner was the leading rusher with 42 yards. Pittsburgh finally got a win!

All-time series: Steelers lead series 65-35

Next week: Cincinnati: vs Arizona; Pittsburgh: vs Baltimore

TW: 8-7; CV: 7-8

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 7-8

Overall: 38-24-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 8-7

Overall: 41-21-1

See you guys on Wednesday for the Week 5 picks post!

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 4 Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming soon! There's a few decent matchups this week compared to last week but hopefully they will all be good games to watch. This post will have a NFL 100: A Spotlight and my picks to the games. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

In the previous post I talked about the greatest defense I ever saw, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens. In this spotlight I'll talk about the greatest offense I've ever seen. This particular offense was one of the greatest ever, they put the vertical passing scheme to perfection, with a quarterback that had one point was stocking groceries at a Hy-Vee for a wage of $5.50/hour. With a head coach who was known for being a hothead who had also lost a Super Bowl before. I'm of course talking about the 1999 St. Louis Rams.

The 1999 Rams seemed like a team that was from a fairy tale. The team had been in Los Angeles for 48 years and then moved to St. Louis in 1995. They made an appearance in the 1989 NFC Championship Game against their rival San Francisco 49ers. They would lose the game. The team would spend the rest of their years in LA in the cellar. When they moved to St. Louis, they would see much of the same.

In 1997, the Rams hired Dick Vermeil as their next head coach. Vermeil would have some success as a coach, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl in Super Bowl XV. He would resign after the 1982 season, citing burnout. He also lead the UCLA Bruins to a Rose Bowl victory in 1975. His first two seasons in St. Louis fared no better than the previous years the franchise had.

In 1999, the Rams traded to get two quality players, Trent Green from Washington and Marshall Faulk from Indianapolis. Vermeil finally got a quarterback to work with and a running back that he desperately needed to replace Lawrence Phillips (who ended up being a bust and cut mid-1997 season). In the 1999 preseason, Green would suffer an injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season. All seemed lost for the Rams. Until his backup came along and would lead the Rams to an unprecedented season.

Kurt Warner's journey to that moment was a long one. He was an undrafted free agent in 1994 that would get a tryout with the Green Bay Packers. He was cut before the regular season started. To keep an income while awaiting a call from the NFL, Warner was stocking groceries at a Hy-Vee in Ceder Falls, Iowa. With no call, Warner got a gig playing for the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League and would lead the league in passing and touchdowns. His play would garner an offer with the Rams and he would sign a futures contract. In 1998, he was sent to play for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe, once again leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns. He would return to the US and gain a spot on the Rams roster for the 1999 season, backing up Tony Banks. By 1999, he was #2 on the depth chart at quarterback. Once Trent Green was sidelined for the season, the rest was history.

In a press conference after the game, Vermeil would name Kurt Warner as their starter, stating "We will rally around Kurt Warner, and we'll play good football." The 1999 Rams were picked to finish last in most experts eyes. Lo and behold, they would shock the world.Even worse than the expansion team Cleveland Browns. 

What made the 1999 Rams special was the use of the vertical pro offensive scheme. The scheme was successful during the Don Coryell years in San Diego. It was a passing scheme that featured two wide receivers, a tight end, a fullback and a halfback. It utilized on timing and rhythm and putting receivers in motion. It forced defenses to cover the entire field, making them play more zone defense, than man coverage.

The Rams would jump right out of the gate strong, winning six of their first eight games before finishing the year at 13-3. They would put up 32.9 points/game with a total of 526 points that year, finishing 1st in the NFL, while their defense (which was arguably underrated) allowed only 15.1 points/game. Kurt Warner threw the ball for 4,353 yards for 41 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Insane numbers. Marshall Faulk would have a great year running the ball, finishing with 1,381 yards and seven touchdowns. Isaac Bruce would get 1,165 receiving yards for 12 touchdowns that season.

They would be dubbed "The Greatest Show On Turf" and in the playoffs is where the offense shined like no other. They would beat the Minnesota Vikings 49-37 in the Divsional playoff game. They would only need to score 11 points to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 11-6 to advance to their first Super Bowl in 40 years as a franchise. In the Super Bowl they beat the Tennessee Titans 23-16 to win their first and only (as of 2018 NFL season) championship. The game would also be dubbed "The One Yard Short" game.

In the aftermath, Vermeil would resign as head coach and Mike Martz would take over his duties. The Rams would return to another Super Bowl in 2001 where they were the heavy favorite against the New England Patriots. They would lose the game. The Rams would never quite reach that point while in St. Louis. Kurt Warner would spend time with the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals, leading the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLIII, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 1999 Rams were a story like no other, with a fairy tale ending. Their place in NFL history is one for the ages. However, much like all good fairy tales, they must end.

The last bitter memory for my dad, who had been a Vikings fan since day one, would be the 1999 NFC divisional playoff against the Rams. He had some good memories and mostly bad ones being a fan for over 38 years. He would pass away a couple of months after this game in March 2000. Fortunately he never got to see the horrible 41-0 loss to the New York Giants in the NFC Championship Game. Cheers dad!

Week 4 Picks

The 4th week of the NFL regular season starts in Green Bay, Wisconsin and ends in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets are on a bye week. There will be a Thursday night game, eight early games, four late games, a Sunday night game, and a Monday night game. CBS will have the doubleheader and FOX will carry the single, regional game.

Note: TW is me, CV is Cardinal Viking, my roommate

Philadelphia (1-2) @ Green Bay (3-0) (FOX/NFL Network): TW: Packers; CV: Eagles

The Eagles lost to the Lions and the Packers beat the Broncos last week. The matchup will be the Eagles wide-receivers vs the Packers defense. If the Packers can shut down the Eagles passing game, forcing them to go to their running game, Green Bay has a chance to get a victory. The Eagles defense is banged up and I trust Aaron Rodgers. Packers offense needs to play well all four quarters to get a win as well.

New England (3-0) @ Buffalo (3-0) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

Both teams got wins last week as the Patriots beat the Jets and the Bills beat the Bengals. We will learn a lot about the Bills in this game, if they are a playoff contender or a pretender. Tom Brady has a great record against the Bills and I can't see that changing a whole lot in this game.

LA Chargers (1-2) @ Miami (0-3) (CBS): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers

Both teams took losses last week as the Chargers lost to the Texans and the Dolphins lost to the Cowboys. The game itself could be a shot for the Dolphins to get a win as the Chargers haven't played particularly well in the last few weeks. I feel that the Chargers will get back on track this week by beating a team that is tanking so hard.

Oakland (1-2) @ Indianapolis (2-1) (CBS): TW: Colts; CV: Colts

The Raiders lost to the Vikings and the Colts beat the Falcons last week. Jacoby Brissett keeps getting better every week it seems. The Raiders defense is very suspect after that loss to the Vikings. If the Raiders offense can get something going against the Colts defense, they could make this interesting but I like the home team in this one.

Tennessee (1-2) @ Atlanta (1-2) (CBS): TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons

Both teams lost last week as the Titans lost to the Jaguars and the Falcons lost to the Colts. The matchup looks like a Falcons win on paper and I tend to agree with the paper. If the Falcons defense shuts down the Titans rushing attack, they should come out with a victory. I trust Matt Ryan enough to carve up the Titans defense. Especially when Julio Jones is in the lineup.

Washington (0-3) @ NY Giants (1-2) (FOX): TW: Giants; CV: Giants

The Redskins lost to the Bears and the Giants beat the Buccaneers. Daniel Jones is getting his 2nd start of his young career. Both teams have terrible defense and I feel the team that can get the ball rolling on defense can get a victory as this game could be a shootout. I feel the Giants will get a game-winning touchdown. Saquon Barkley will be out for this game and the Redskins could get a rollin' with their running game. I feel okay with picking Big Blue.

Kansas City (3-0) @ Detroit (2-0-1) (FOX): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

Both teams got wins last week as the Chiefs beat the Ravens and the Lions beat the Eagles. The game will come down to one thing: can the Lions slow down Patrick Mahomes? If they can and can take advantage of a poor Chiefs defense, they got a shot to win. Otherwise good luck Detroit. I'm taking KC.

Cleveland (1-2) @ Baltimore (2-1) (CBS): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

Both teams lost last week as the Browns lost to the Rams and the Ravens lost to the Chiefs. It comes down to experience and I feel the Ravens have a bit more experience than the Browns. Both teams are really even on paper. It will be a close game by less than a touchdown but I feel the Ravens will come out of the scrum with a win.

Carolina (1-2) @ Houston (2-1) (FOX): TW: Panthers; CV: Texans

Both teams got wins last week as the Panthers beat the Cardinals and the Texans beat the Chargers. The two teams are pretty even on paper. If the Panthers can pressure DeShaun Watson they got a good shot to win the game. I feel the Panthers have an edge in running back with Christian McCaffrey. Hopefully Kyle Allen can repeat his performance from last week.

Tampa Bay (1-2) @ LA Rams (3-0) (FOX): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Buccaneers lost to the Giants and the Rams beat the Browns last week. Jared Goff hasn't gotten off to the start that most have expected compared to last year. Huge test for the Rams offense against a decent Buccaneers defense. I don't trust Jameis Winston to not throw an interception in the game. Rams defense will keep them out of the endzone for sure. Give me LA!

Seattle (2-1) @ Arizona (0-2-1) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

Both teams lost last week as the Seahawks lost to the Saints and the Cardinals lost to the Panthers. I pretty much made a pact to not pick the Cardinals for a while but this game could be one of those games where the Cards have a shot to win. A small shot but something. If the Seahawks can pressure Kyler Murray then they have a great shot to win. Steep mountain for the Cardinals to win.

Jacksonville (2-1) @ Denver (0-3) (CBS): TW: Jaguars; CV: Broncos

The Jaguars got a win against the Titans and the Broncos lost to the Packers. Minshewmania is in full swing as the Jags go to Denver. Denver hasn't played well on both sides of the ball, especially their defensive front with 0 sacks. Jacksonville is 9th best in sacks allowed. If the Broncos have any sniff of a chance to win, they need to get to Gardner Minshew. Otherwise I'll take Jacksonville.

Minnesota (2-1) @ Chicago (2-1) (CBS): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

Both teams got wins last week as the Vikings beat the Raiders and the Bears beat the Redskins. The Vikings need Kirk Cousins to get out of his funk and play well in this game. They can't rely on the running game of Dalvin Cook, let alone be one-dimensional. It's time for Minnesota to escape the "can't win in Chicago" mindset and win on the road.

Dallas (3-0) @ New Orleans (2-1) (NBC): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

Both teams got wins last week as the Cowboys beat the Dolphins and the Saints beat the Seahawks. The Saints will need a great start from Teddy Bridgewater to win this game. It's a steep mountain to ask for a guy but I feel the Cowboys will pull off a victory on the road.

Cincinnati (0-3) @ Pittsburgh (0-3) (ESPN): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

Both teams lost last week as the Bengals lost to the Bills and the Steelers lost to the 49ers. The two teams are winless so far in the 2019 campaign so certainly one of them has to win this game. I feel the Steelers have the chops to win it as the Bengals are just banged up on both sides of the ball and not very good either. I'll take Mason Rudolph to finish week 4 with a win.

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com, coverage subject to change):

FOX Single:
Kansas City @ Detroit
Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis

CBS Single:
New England @ Buffalo
Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

CBS Late:
Minnesota @ Chicago
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

For more information on which game is being played in your area, check out: NFL 2019: Week 4 Maps

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Overall: 31-16-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 11-5

Overall: 33-14-1

See you guys on Monday night after the game for the Week 4 Recap. Enjoy the games!
-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 3 Recap

Hello readers! The 3rd week of the National Football League regular season has finished. It has brought us some blowouts, some surprise upsets, while some games that ended up as expected. The post will include an NFL 100: A Spotlight and a recap of the action. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

The NFL has had its share of great defenses throughout its history. Some were so great that the offense had to only score a touchdown and the game was over. The team that I would like to talk about is one of the best I've ever seen, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens were born in 1996 when Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell moved his team to Baltimore. The city hasn't seen football since the 1983 Baltimore Colts left town overnight. While the team would be considered to be an expansion franchise, much of the personnel were part of the Browns. In the 1996 NFL Draft, the new Ravens would draft a middle linebacker from University Of Miami (Florida) named Ray Lewis.

The Ravens offense was somewhat of an afterthought. Tony Banks started out the year for them but was replaced by a quarterback who had been on a couple of teams before, Trent Dilfer. The offense that year put up 20.8 points/game, qualifying them for 14th in total offense. They had such weapons like Shannon Sharpe, Jermaine Lewis and Jamal Lewis.

The defense itself shutout opponents four times during the regular season. They allowed only 10.3 points/game a record at that time.  The most they ever gave up was 36 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and that was the only time that they would give up that amount. The 2nd highest amount was 23 against the Tennessee Titans.

They finished the season with a 12-4 record, finishing 2nd in the AFC Central. They would have to win three games to get to a Super Bowl. They won the Wild Card game in the first playoff game in Baltimore since the "Ghost To The Post" game in 1977, beating the Denver Broncos 21-3. They went to Tennessee and would upset the Titans 24-10 in the Divisional playoff. In the AFC Championship Game they would spoil Jon Gruden's Oakland Raiders plan to go to a Super Bowl, beating them 16-3. It would be Super Bowl XXXV where the Baltimore Ravens truly shined.

In the end the Ravens defense is considered one of the best defenses ever. They would allow only 5 rushing touchdowns all season while giving up 970 rushing yards, opponents would only get 2.7 rushing yards per attempt, quite good numbers. While their pass defensive numbers weren't superior they would force 23 interceptions, a total of 49 turnovers. 

Week 3 Recap

Tennessee 7, Jacksonville 20: TW: Jaguars; CV: Titans

The Legend of Minshew continues to grow. Jacksonville's defense shut down much of what Tennessee wanted to do on offense, specifically the pass. Marcus Mariota would get only 304 yards with zero touchdowns and interceptions. Derrick Henry ran the ball for 44 yards with a touchdown, the only touchdown for the Titans. Gardner Minshew threw for 204 yards with 2 touchdowns. Leonard Fournette ran the ball for 66 yards with zero touchdowns. 

All-time series: Titans lead series 29-21

Next week: Tennessee: @ Atlanta; Jacksonville: @ Denver

TW: 1-0; CV: 0-1

Denver 16, Green Bay 27: TW: Packers; CV: Broncos

Aaron Rodgers was kept upright and the Broncos have yet to get a sack or a forced turnover. Joe Flacco threw the ball for 213 yards with an interception. Philip Lindsey was the star for the Broncos offense with 81 rushing yards for two touchdowns. Rodgers threw the ball 235 yards for a touchdown. Aaron Jones got two rushing touchdowns with 19 yards rushing. Impressive start to the season for Green Bay but much tougher opponents are ahead. 

All-time series: Series tied 7-7-1

Next week: Denver: vs Jacksonville; Green Bay: vs Philadelphia (Thursday night)

TW: 2-0; CV: 0-2

Cincinnati 17, Buffalo 21: TW: Bills; CV: Bills

The Bills are off to their best start since 2011. Andy Dalton threw the ball for 249 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. He would also run it into the endzone for a touchdown. Joe Mixon ran the ball for 61 yards on 15 carries. Josh Allen threw the ball for 243 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Frank Gore had a good day on the ground with 76 yards and a touchdown. Tough season so far for the Queen City of Cincinnati. 

All-time series: Bills lead series 17-15

Next week: Cincinnati: @ Pittsburgh; Buffalo: vs New England

TW: 3-0; CV: 1-2

Detroit 27, Philadelphia 24: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The Lions remain undefeated (they're 2-0-1 so it still somewhat counts) after three games. The Eagles on offense could've made some plays but fumbles and dropped passes would affect them the whole way. Matthew Stafford threw for 201 yards and a touchdown. Kerryon Johnson ran it for 36 yards and a touchdown. Carson Wentz threw the ball for 259 yards and two touchdowns but as I said could've been more. Jordan Howard ran it in for a score with 37 yards rushing. 

All-time series: Series tied at 16-16-2

Next week: Detroit: vs Kansas City; Philadelphia: @ Green Bay (Thursday night)

TW: 3-1; CV: 1-3

NY Jets 14, New England 30: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

The Jets 0-3 start to the season is their first since 2003. The release of Antonio Brown didn't factor much into the game. The Jets showed up in the 2nd half but by that time New England was relatively in control of the game. Tom Brady threw the ball for 306 yards and two touchdowns. Rex Burkhead was more involved in the game with 47 yards rushing with a touchdown. The Jets did... well Jets things. Business as usual for the Patriots.

All-time series: Patriots lead series: 66-54-1

Next week: NY Jets: Bye week; New England: @ Buffalo

TW: 4-1; CV: 2-3

Oakland 14, Minnesota 34: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

The Vikings took control in the first quarter and didn't let up until the final second. Derek Carr threw the ball for 242 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. Josh Jacobs, the Raiders running back didn't get a lot going for the Raiders, running the ball for 47 yards with 10 carries. Kirk Cousins threw the ball for 174 yards and a touchdown. The combined tandem of Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison ran the ball for 168 yards and two touchdowns. The ground game is definitely their bread and butter. 

All-time series: Raiders lead series: 10-6

Next week: Oakland: @ Indianapolis; Minnesota: @ Chicago

TW: 5-1; CV: 3-3

Baltimore 28, Kansas City 33: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

The game lived up to the hype as there was quite a bit of scoring in this game. Lamar Jackson threw the ball for 267 yards and ran it in for a touchdown. Mark Ingram had a great game for the Ravens running the ball for 103 yards and three touchdowns. Patrick Mahomes threw the ball for 374 yards and three touchdowns. Darrel Williams ran the ball for 62 yards while LeSean McCoy would run the ball for 54 yards and a touchdown. The game should've been a late-afternoon start. Oh well.

All-time series: Chiefs lead series: 6-4

Next week: Baltimore: vs Cleveland; Kansas City: @ Detroit

TW: 6-1; CV: 4-3

Atlanta 24, Indianapolis 27: TW: Colts; CV: Falcons

The game was quite the showcase of the two quarterbacks. Matt Ryan threw the ball for 304 yards and three touchdowns and an interception. Devonta Freeman ran the ball for 88 yards on 16 carries. Jacoby Brissett threw the ball for 310 yards and two touchdowns. Marlon Mack ran the ball for 74 yards and a touchdown, his longest run was for 28 yards. Adam Vinatieri was back to form with 2 for 2 on field goals and 3 for 3 on PAT's. 

All-time series: Colts lead series: 15-2

Next week: Atlanta: vs Tennessee; Indianapolis: vs Oakland

TW: 7-1; CV: 4-4

Carolina 38, Arizona 20: TW: Cardinals; CV: Panthers

Well as it turns out that Kyle Allen had a good day (even though it was against the Cardinals defense). Allen threw the ball for 261 yards and four touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey got back into a top form with his 153 rushing yards for a touchdown as well as 35 receiving yards. Kyler Murray did okay on the day, throwing the ball for 173 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions. He would also run the ball for 69 yards. Well... I picked you Arizona, wtf. 

All-time series: Panthers lead series 12-5

Next week: Carolina: @ Houston; Arizona: vs Seattle

TW: 7-2; CV: 5-4

NY Giants 32, Tampa Bay 31: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

The Daniel Jones era began in earnest with a victory on the road. Jones threw the ball for 336 yards for two passing touchdowns as well as two rushing touchdowns. Saquon Barkley got injured during the game but Jones carried the G-men. Jameis Winston threw the ball for 380 yards for three touchdowns and an interception. Ronald Jones was the leading rusher for the Bucs with his 80 yards on 14 carries. Freaking Buccaneers. 

All-time series: Giants lead series 16-7

Next week: NY Giants: vs Washington; Tampa Bay: @ LA Rams

TW: 7-3; CV: 5-5

Houston 27, LA Chargers 20: TW: Chargers; CV: Texans

There seems to be something off with the Chargers, especially in this game. DeShaun Watson played very well throwing the ball for 351 yards for three touchdowns. Carlos Hyde only got 19 yards rushing but had a touchdown of his own. Philip Rivers made his 209th consecutive start in the game. Rivers got 318 passing yards for two touchdowns, Keenan Allen had 183 of those 318. The Chargers running game didn't get too much yardage with Austin Ekeler with 36 yards. 

All-time series: Chargers lead series 5-2

Next week: Houston: vs Carolina; LA Chargers: @ Miami

TW: 7-4; CV: 6-5

New Orleans 33, Seattle 27: TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

Much to many people's surprise, the Saints somehow got a win in the Emerald City. They didn't totally rely on the arm of Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater threw the ball for 177 yards for two touchdowns. Alvin Kamara would run the ball for 69 yards for a touchdown. The Saints special teams got a touchdown on a punt return for 38-yards from Deonte Harris. Russell Wilson played a great game throwing the ball for 406 yards for two passing touchdowns as well as two rushing touchdowns with his 51 rushing yards. Drew Brees will be gone for a while but a tough victory in Seattle has to give them some confidence. 

All time series: Series tied at 8-8

Next week: New Orleans: vs Dallas; Seattle: @ Arizona

TW: 7-5; CV: 6-6

Pittsburgh 20, San Francisco 24: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

The 49ers had five turnovers in the game but would win against the Steelers. Mason Rudolph got the start for Pittsburgh throwing the ball for 174 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. James Conner ran the ball for 43 yards. Ju-Ju Smith Schuster had 81 receiving yards with a touchdown. Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 277 yards for a touchdown and two interceptions, the touchdown was the game-winner. Jeff Wilson got two touchdowns on 18 yards but Raheem Mostert was the leading rusher for San Francisco. Poor Steelers Nation. 

All-time series: 49ers lead series 12-10

Next week: Pittsburgh: vs Cincinnati; San Francisco: Bye week

TW: 8-5; CV: 7-6

LA Rams 20, Cleveland 13: TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Browns returned to Sunday night prime-time for the first time since 2008. Jared Goff had an alright game throwing the ball for 269 yards for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Todd Gurley managed to get 43 yards on 14 carries. Baker Mayfield only managed to get 195 yards passing with a touchdown and an interception. Nick Chubb got 95 yards rushing on the game with 23 carries. There was some questionable playcalling for the Browns but at this point, you need to play better and execute. 

All-time series: Rams lead series 13-11

Next week: LA Rams: vs Tampa Bay; Cleveland: @ Baltimore

TW: 9-5; CV: 8-6

Miami 6, Dallas 31: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

The game lived up to its hype, hype as in that the Cowboys would dominate the game and the Dolphins would lick their wounds. Interesting fact is that the Dolphins have the worst point differential since 1950 through three games. 

All-time series: Cowboys lead series 8-7

Next week: Miami: vs LA Chargers; Dallas: @ New Orleans

TW: 10-5: CV: 9-6

Chicago 31, Washington 15: TW: Bears; CV: Bears

The week finished off with the Bears taking on the Redskins on the road. Mitchell Trubisky had a good game throwing the ball for 231 yards and three touchdowns and an interception. David Montgomery gave Chicago some help in the run game with 67 yards on 13 carries. Case Keenum didn't help the Redskins cause much throwing the ball for 331 yards on two touchdowns and three interceptions. Adrian Peterson would only get 37 yards rushing with 12 carries. Could be Dwayne Haskins time before you know it. 

All-time series: Redskins lead series 26-23-1

Next week: Chicago: vs Minnesota; Washington: @ NY Giants

TW: 11-5; CV: 10-6

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Overall: 31-16-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 11-5

Overall: 33-14-1

See you guys on Wednesday for the Week 4 picks!

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 3 Picks

Hello readers! The third week of the National Football League regular season is soon upon us! There's bound to be some good matchups this week, some average ones, and some probably bad ones. Nevertheless we will talk about them this week as well as a NFL 100 spotlight, highlighting one of the biggest gaffes in NFL history. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

When it comes to gaffes in NFL history, you have The Butt Fumble in 2012, Garo Ypremian's attempted pass in Super Bowl VII, or Leon Lett's attempt to recover the ball in the 1993 Thanksgiving game against the Dolphins. None of them can really compare to Jim Marshall's Wrong Way Play.

On October 25th, 1964, the 3-3 Minnesota Vikings traveled to Kezar Stadium in San Francisco to take on the 2-4 San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings are entering their 4th season in existence since they became an expansion team in 1961. The 49ers had a decent quarterback in John Brodie who was entering into his 8th season as a quarterback.

The game started out well for the 49ers with San Fran striking first with a Brodie 2-yard run to give the 49ers a 7-0 lead. Vikings kicker Fred Cox got the Vikings on the board with a field goal, 7-3 49ers. John Brodie would hit Dave Parker for a 80-yard touchdown, Brodie's only touchdown pass on the day, 14-3 49ers. Running back Tommy Mason ran it into the endzone on a 7-yard play for the Vikings, reducing the lead to 14-10. Tommy Davis of the 49ers hit a field goal to give the 49ers a 17-10 lead going into halftime. Fred Cox was called in to hit a field goal again for the Vikings, he hits it, reducing the lead to 17-13 in favor of San Francisco. Minnesota would finally get on the board with an 8-yard run from quarterback Fran Tarkenton, 20-17 Vikings. Jim Marshall's linemate, Carl Eller, would get a touchdown from a fumble, 27-17 Vikings.

The play itself was a pass play that John Brodie would throw to running back Billy Kilmer. Kilmer was stripped and in the chaos Jim Marshall would grab the ball in the direction that Kilmer was heading, towards the endzone that was in Vikings territory. Marshall had thought he had scored a touchdown but it ended up being a safety due to the fact he was running the wrong way. Reducing the Viking lead to 27-19.

The Vikings would ultimately win the game 27-22 but the game and play would live on in NFL lore as one of the biggest gaffes in NFL history. What stands out to me is that Marshall would go on to play the game until 1979, nearly 20 years in the NFL. Sadly his team would go onto four Super Bowls and losing all four. Here's a clip of the play:

At the end of the season the Vikings would post their first winning record in franchise history. They wouldn't win a division title until 1968 and they would win their first and only NFL championship in 1969. For the 49ers in 1964 it would be their third straight losing season but they would post a 7-6-1 record in 1965. They wouldn't make the playoffs until 1970 and they won't win their first Super Bowl until Super Bowl XVI

Week 3 Picks!

Week 3 of the NFL regular season starts in Jacksonville, Florida and ends in Landover, Maryland. There will be a Thursday night game, eight early games, five late games, a Sunday night game, and a Monday night game. No teams are on a bye week. FOX will have the single game while CBS will have the double-header. Let's get to the picks!

Note: TW is me, CV is Cardinal Viking, my roommate

Tennessee (1-1) @ Jacksonville (0-2) (NFL Network): TW: Jaguars; CV: Titans

Both teams lost last week as the Titans lost to the Colts and the Jaguars lost to the Texans. The game is a tough one to pick, both teams haven't shown real flashes of spectacular play. Gardner Minshew has been a bright spot for the Jaguars since Nick Foles got injured in Week 1. If the Jaguars want to win they need Leonard Fournette to have a good game and have the defense continue its play. I'm willing to give the Jags a chance.

Denver (0-2) @ Green Bay (2-0) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Broncos

Last week the Broncos lost to the Bears and the Packers beat the Vikings. The big matchup is going to be Aaron Rodgers vs the Broncos defensive front. Denver's secondary isn't that great so I certainly expect the Packers offense continue to gel in Matt LeFleur's offense. I give the Packers defense the edge over the Broncos defense in this game. Denver is not a slouch I'll give them that.

Cincinnati (0-2) @ Buffalo (2-0) (CBS): TW: Bills; CV: Bills

The Bengals lost to the 49ers and the Bills beat the Giants last week. Josh Allen has been an underrated quarterback in the league and the Bills are a surprising 2-0 so far this season. The Bengals offense feels somewhat limited with AJ Green not in the lineup, so I feel the Bills defense has an edge in that department. Josh Allen needs to continue to play well and have their running game do well against a 30th ranked rush defense. I'll take the Bills.

Detroit (1-0-1) @ Philadelphia (1-1) (FOX): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The Lions got a win against the Chargers and the Eagles lost to the Falcons last week. Philly has some injuries and the Lions have a huge test to prove just how well they can play against a quality opponent. The Eagles pass defense needs to play better against the 7th ranked pass offense in the Lions. I feel Wentz and company find a way to get it done.

NY Jets (0-2) @ New England (2-0) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

The Jets lost to the Browns and the Patriots beat the Dolphins last week. Luke Falk didn't show much on Monday night and I can't expect the Jets offense to get a lot on the Patriots. Tom Brady would have to have a bad game to give the Jets an edge in the game, which doesn't happen a lot. I don't trust the Jets but I trust fellow Tom to get it done.

Oakland (1-1) @ Minnesota (1-1) (FOX): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

Both teams took losses last week as the Raiders lost to the Chiefs and the Vikings lost to the Packers. Kirk Cousins hasn't done a lot to prove that he is a good quarterback as his running game has carried the load. I feel it'll change in this game but I won't hold my breath if he throws an interception early in the game. The Vikings defense will keep the Raiders offense in check.

Baltimore (2-0) @ Kansas City (2-0) (CBS): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

Both teams got wins last week as the Ravens beat the Cardinals and the Chiefs beat the Raiders. This game somehow isn't on the late slate as its probably the best game of the week. I expect a shootout in the game as both teams have great offenses. While I do feel the Ravens defense is better than the Chiefs defense, the quarterback matchup certainly leans towards the Chiefs.

Miami (0-2) @ Dallas (2-0) (FOX): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

The Dolphins lost to the Patriots and the Cowboys beat the Redskins. I feel another blowout loss is in order for the Dolphins, not that I hate the Dolphins but reality hurts.

Atlanta (1-1) @ Indianapolis (1-1) (CBS): TW: Colts; CV: Falcons

Both teams got wins last week as the Falcons beat the Eagles and the Colts beat the Titans. Jacoby Brissett vs the Falcons pass defense is going to be the big matchup in the game. I feel it will also depend on which running game gets going. Tough game to call but I will go with the home team in their home opener.

Carolina (0-2) @ Arizona (0-2) (FOX): TW: Cardinals; CV: Panthers

Both teams took losses last week as the Panthers lost to the Buccaneers and the Cardinals lost to the Ravens. The game will depend on the health of Cam Newton, if he's in the Panthers have a good shot to win, if he's not it could be a Cardinals win. I'm leaning towards Cam Newton not playing so I'll take the Cardinals. Kyle Allen could have a stellar day against the Cards defense but the Panthers offense didn't get a lot of yardage last week.

NY Giants (0-2) @ Tampa Bay (1-1) (FOX): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers

The Giants lost to the Bills and the Buccaneers won against the Panthers last week. Daniel Jones era begins in earnest in New York. Tampa's defense has been doing well so far on the year, I'll take a chance on the Buccaneers. I still don't trust Jameis Winston to guide this team to good things.

Houston (1-1) @ LA Chargers (1-1) (CBS): TW: Chargers; CV: Texans

The Texans beat the Jaguars and the Chargers lost to the Lions last week. Houston's offense hasn't been spectacular so far on the year and the Chargers have a top-10 pass defense so I would expect the Chargers to send some defenders to DeShaun Watson via blitzing. The Chargers had a fluke loss last week and I feel they have a good chance to win this game but it'll be close.

New Orleans (1-1) @ Seattle (2-0) (CBS): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

The Saints lost to the Rams and the Seahawks beat the Steelers last week. Had Drew Brees not gotten injured last week, this game could be a good one but Teddy Bridgewater is starting in place of Brees. Sadly this is the marquee game of the week and unless Teddy Bridgewater plays like Drew Brees, I feel the Seahawks will win by 10 or more.

Pittsburgh (0-2) @ San Francisco (2-0) (CBS): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

The Steelers lost to the Seahawks and the 49ers beat the Bengals last week. Mason Rudolph will make his first start and he is up for a huge test against an improved 49ers defense that is ranked 9th in total defense. If Ben Roethlisberger was in the game the game could be more evenly matched but I can't trust Rudolph enough to give Pittsburgh its first win of the season.

LA Rams (2-0) @ Cleveland (1-1) (NBC): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

Both teams got wins last week as the Rams beat the Saints and the Browns beat the Jets. Cleveland got back into winning form last week against a below average Jets team, The Rams however, have been doing well so far in the season. The pressure is on Baker Mayfield and the Browns offense to beat a pretty good Rams defense. The game will be close but I feel in big game matchups, I feel the Rams will have an edge.

Chicago (1-1) @ Washington (0-2) (ESPN): TW: Bears; CV: Bears

The Bears won against the Broncos and the Redskins lost to the Cowboys last week. The week finishes off with an okay matchup on Monday Night Football. If there was a week where Mitch Trubisky finally gets off on the right foot, it would be this game. Washington's total offense is ranked 30th so far this season. They have a tough division and they need to get all the wins they can get.

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com; subject to change:

FOX Single:
Oakland @ Minnesota
Dick Stockton, Mark Schlereth

CBS Early:
Baltimore @ Kansas City
Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts

CBS Late:
New Orleans @ Seattle
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

For more information on which game is played in your area, check out: NFL Week 3 Maps

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Overall: 21-10-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Overall: 22-3-1

See you guys on Monday for the Week 3 recap! 

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 2 Recap

Hello readers! The 2nd week of the National Football League regular season has come to an end. There were quite a few blowouts, some very close games and some snoozers of games. We will talk about those games as well as a NFL 100 spotlight. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

When it comes to blowouts in championship games, you don't see a lot of them. Whether it be the weather is terrible, or that both teams are so evenly matched that a blowout wasn't in the picture, let alone a 10-point margin. What if I told you that there's a blowout that still stands nearly 80 years later. 

That game was the 1940 NFL Championship game between the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins. The Bears were coming into that game with a 8-3 record and the Redskins were coming into that game with a 9-2 record. The game was held at Griffith Stadium on December 8th, 1940. 

The Bears and Redskins had previously met prior to the championship. It was on a week 11 matchup where the Redskins would win the game 7-3. The game was decided on a bad call and the Bears called foul on the referees. Chicago would remember that game and felt that they should've won the game. 

The Bears that year had Sid Luckman at quarterback who threw for 941 yards with four touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Bears leading rusher was Ray Nolting had 373 rushing yards with a touchdown. Gary Famiglietti would have 320 rushing yards and four touchdowns. They also had Bronco Nagurski. 

The Redskins had flingin' Sammy Baugh on their team. Baugh would throw the ball for 1,367 yards with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dick Todd was the Redskins leading rusher with 408 rushing yards and had 4 touchdowns. 

Going into the game, one advantage that the Bears had was George Halas' T-formation a new innovation that wasn't used until after that season (with probably a good reason). Compared to the single-wing formation that most teams used at that time. Sid Luckman would use the T-formation to perfection and into this game. 

The game's scoring was started with a Bill Osmanski 68-yard rushing touchdown, the score was at 7-0 Bears. Sid Luckman would run it in to the endzone with a 1-yard rushing touchdown, the score was now 14-0. Joe Maniaci would get into the endzone with a 42-yard run, 21-0 Bears at the end of the 1st quarter. Sid Luckman would get a passing touchdown from a 30-yard play from Ken Kavanaugh, the score was 28-0 at the end of the 1st half. 

The 2nd half would get started with a 15-yard interception return from Hampton Pool, the score was 35-0 Bears. Ray Nolting would get a touchdown too from a 35-yard rush, while missing the extra point, 41-0 Bears. The Bears defense would continue their onslaught on Sammy Baugh with a 34-yard interception return for a score, 48-0 Bears. Chicago's defense came with another pick-six from a 24-yard interception return from Bulldog Turner, 54-0 Bears. Harry Clarke would run it in with a score on a 44-yard touchdown with a missed extra point, 60-0 Bears. Gary Famiglietti and Harry Clarke would finish off the blowout with a 2-yard rush and a 1-yard rush to run the score up 67-0 and 73-0 respectively. The game was finally over. The Bears were champions of the NFL for the 4th time. 

The next year the United States was plunged into another World War in 1941 and the NFL was not immune to the draft as teams would lose players, forcing teams to merge for a time. The Bears would be no exception. Chicago would go on to win NFL championships in 1941, 1943 and 1946. The Bears and Redskins would meet again in 1942 and the Redskins would exact some revenge on them winning the game 14-6. It would be Washington's last championship until Super Bowl XVII. 

Week 2 Recap

Note: TW is me, CV is Cardinal Viking my roommate.

Tampa Bay 20, Carolina 14: TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers

Well the game was somewhat of a snoozefest. The Panthers had no touchdowns in the game as they would rely on the leg of Joey Slye and did manage to get a safety. Cam Newton threw the ball for 333 yards with 0 touchdowns or interceptions. It was a quiet day on the ground for Christian McCaffrey with 16 carries for 37 yards rushing. Jameis Winston threw the ball for 208 yards and got a passing touchdown. Peyton Barber got 82 yards rushing on 23 carries for a touchdown. 

All-time series: Panthers lead series 23-15

Next week: Tampa Bay: vs NY Giants; Carolina: @ Arizona

TW: 0-1; CV: 0-1

LA Chargers 10, Detroit 13: TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers

The surprise of the week as the Chargers took on the Lions on the road. Philip Rivers threw the ball for 293 yards and an interception. The interception was the deciding factor in the game as Darius Slay was there at the right time. Austin Ekeler would get 66 yards rushing and a touchdown. Matthew Stafford of the Lions struggled early in the game but would make up the two interceptions with 245 yards passing and two touchdowns in the game. Bummer Chargers fans. 

All-time series: Chargers lead series 7-5

Next week: LA Chargers: vs Houston; Detroit: @ Philadelphia

TW: 0-2; CV: 0-2

Jacksonville 12, Houston 13: TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The Jaguars would ultimately fail in the 2-point conversion late in the game but a win is a win for the Texans. DeShaun Watson would throw the ball for 159 yards but would get a rushing touchdown on a 2-yard play. Gardner Minshew threw the ball for 213 yards and a touchdown. Minshew would also run the ball for 56 yards, Leonard Fournette, his running back would run it for only 47. DJ Chark would have the only receiving touchdown in the game for the Jaguars. Need a better offensive showing from the Texans if they want to go far. 

All-time series: Texans lead series: 22-13

Next week: Jacksonville: @ Tennessee (Thursday night); Houston: @ LA Chargers

TW: 1-2; CV: 1-2

Minnesota 16, Green Bay 21: TW: Packers; CV: Vikings

The Packers would put up 21 points in the first half and wouldn't need anymore for the rest of the game. Aaron Rodgers would throw the ball for 209 yards with two touchdowns. The tale of the game is the two running backs. Aaron Jones of the Packers would get 23 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown while Dalvin Cook got 154 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown. It was a rough one for Kirk Cousins with 230 yards passing with a touchdown and two interceptions. Packers defense put up a good fight but hopefully the offense gets more than just 21 in a game. 

All-time series: Packers lead series: 61-54-3

Next week: Minnesota: vs Oakland; Green Bay: vs Denver

TW: 2-2; CV: 1-3

Seattle 28, Pittsburgh 26: TW: Steelers; CV: Seahawks

Ben Roethlisberger goes out and Mason Rudolph goes in. Rudolph would throw the ball for 112 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. Ben Roethlisberger would throw the ball for 75 yards before exiting with an injury. James Conner would get only 33 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown. Russell Wilson would throw the ball for a perfect 300 yards with three touchdowns. The Seahawks running tandem of Rashaad Penny and Chris Carson would combine for 122 yards for a touchdown. The season couldn't start any worser for Pittsburgh. 

All-time series: Seahawks lead series: 10-9

Next week: Seattle: vs New Orleans; Pittsburgh: @ San Francisco

TW: 2-3; CV: 2-3

San Francisco 41, Cincinnati 17: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

The 49ers offense took control early and never relinquished the lead. Jimmy Garoppolo threw the ball for 297 yards for three touchdowns and an interception. Matt Breida ran the ball over the Bengals defense, gaining 121 yards with 12 carries. Jeff Wilson got some love scoring two touchdowns on the ground for San Francisco. Andy Dalton had a good game despite the blowout throwing the ball for 311 yards for two touchdowns and an interception. The Bengals running game couldn't get a lot going with Joe Mixon getting 17 yards on 11 carries. The 49ers are heading home after starting the season on the road. 

All-time series: 49ers lead series 12-4

Next week: San Francisco: vs Pittsburgh; Cincinnati: @ Buffalo

TW: 3-3; CV: 3-3

Indianapolis 19, Tennessee 17: TW: Colts; CV: Titans

The Jacoby Brissett train keeps rollin' and he gave the people of Nashville something to talk about as he got the Colts their first win of the season. Brissett threw the ball for 146 yards for three touchdowns and an interception. Jordan Wilkins was the leading rusher for the Colts with 82 yards on the ground with five carries. Marcus Mariota would throw the ball for 154 yards and a touchdown. Derrick Henry would also get a touchdown too with his 15 carries for 81 yards. The Colts get to go home finally for week 3. 

All-time series: Colts lead series 34-16

Next week: Indianapolis: vs Atlanta; Tennessee: @ Jacksonville (Thursday night)

TW: 4-3; CV: 3-4

New England 43, Miami 0: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

The last time New England came to Miami, the "Miracle at Miami" happened. The Patriots wouldn't let any opportunity for the Dolphins to come back. Tom Brady didn't miss a beat throwing the ball for 264 yards and two touchdowns. Newly acquired Patriot Antonio Brown would score a touchdown. Brady would also get a rushing touchdown in the game while Sony Michel would get 85 yards on the ground with a touchdown. The Miami quarterbacks were... let's just say poor. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 89 yards and three interceptions before Josh Rosen tried to salvage the damage with 97 yards passing and an interception of his own. At least you scored 10 against Baltimore last week Miami!

All-time series: Dolphins lead series: 55-53

Next week: New England: vs NY Jets; Miami: @ Dallas

TW: 5-3; CV: 4-4

Dallas 31, Washington 21: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

Dak Prescott of the Cowboys gave the Cowboys two reasons for him to renew his contract: his arm and his two legs. Prescott threw the ball for 269 yards for three touchdowns and ran the ball for 69 yards. Ezekiel Elliot was the leading rusher in the game with 111 yards and a touchdown. Case Keenum threw the ball for 221 yards and two touchdowns while Adrian Peterson ran the ball for 25 yards on 10 carries with a touchdown. The Blue Jersey curse didn't effect the Cowboys at all in the game while the Redskins look to get points to win. 

All-time series: Cowboys lead series: 72-45-2

Next week: Dallas: vs Miami; Washington: vs Chicago (Monday Night)

TW: 6-3; CV: 5-4

Buffalo 28, NY Giants 14: TW: Giants; CV: Giants

Well the team that actually plays its games in New York [state] won the game today. Josh Allen threw the ball for 253 yards and a touchdown. The Bills running game ran over the Giants defense as Frank Gore got 68 yards with a touchdown, Devin Singletary got 57 yards with a touchdown, and Josh Allen would run for 21 yards with a touchdown. Eli Manning threw the ball for 250 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions while Saquon Barkley got 107 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Gotta give some love to the Buffalo Bills who are 2-0 somehow. 

All-time series: Series tied 7-7

Next week: Buffalo: vs Cincinnati; NY Giants: @ Tampa Bay

TW: 6-4; CV: 5-5

Arizona 17, Baltimore 23: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens

In a game that I thought the point margin would be much larger, Kyler Murray gave us reason to take notice of him. Kyler Murray would throw the ball for 349 yards with zero touchdowns. David Johnson ran the ball on seven carries with 14 yards and a touchdown. Lamar Jackson of the Ravens threw the ball for 272 yards and two touchdowns. He would also run the ball for 120 yards on 16 carries. 

All-time series: Ravens lead series 4-1

Next week: Arizona: vs Carolina; Baltimore: @ Kansas City

TW: 7-4; CV: 6-5

Kansas City 28, Oakland 10: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

All the scoring in the game was done in first half and the Chiefs 28 points in the 2nd quarter was all that was needed to get the victory. Patrick Mahomes threw the ball for 443 yards with 4 touchdowns. LeSean McCoy played some part in the offense with his 23 yards rushing on 11 carries. DeMarcus Robinson caught the ball six times for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Derek Carr threw the ball for 198 yards for a touchdown and two interceptions. Josh Jacobs ran the ball for 99 yards with 12 carries.

All-time series: Chiefs lead series 66-53-2

Next week: Kansas City: vs Baltimore; Oakland: @ Minnesota

TW: 8-4; CV: 7-5

Chicago 16, Denver 14: TW: Broncos; CV: Bears

The Bears seemed to find their answer in kicker but the game itself was a stinker to high heaven. Quite a few questionable calls like the roughing the passer on Mitchell Trubisky and the question of how much time was left on the clock on that last pass play. Regardless, Joe Flacco threw the ball for 292 yards for a touchdown and an interception. Royce Freeman ran the ball for 54 yards. Mitchell Trubisky threw for 120 yards with no touchdowns. David Montgomery ran the ball for 62 yards and a touchdown. 

All-time series: Series tied at 8

Next week: Chicago: @ Washington; Denver: @ Green Bay

TW: 8-5; CV: 8-5

New Orleans 9, LA Rams 27: TW: Rams; CV: Rams

It wasn't a pretty game for the Saints and their season is definitely in jeopardy with Drew Brees out for almost two months. Brees would only get 165 passing yards before going out of the game with a thumb injury. Teddy Bridgewater didn't fare much better getting only 38 yards passing. The Saints running game didn't get a lot of yardage with Alvin Kamara getting only 45 yards. Jared Goff threw the ball for 283 yards and a touchdown and Todd Gurley ran for 63 yards and a touchdown. Goff also ran it in for a touchdown as well. 

All-time series: Rams lead series 43-34

Next week: New Orleans: @ Seattle; LA Rams: @ Cleveland

TW: 9-5; CV: 9-5

Philadelphia 20, Atlanta 24: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The Eagles were off just a bit in this one, same for Carson Wentz. Wentz threw the ball for 231 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, including rushing in for a touchdown on a 3-yard play. Miles Sanders didn't get much in the run game with 28 yards on 10 carries. Matt Ryan was slinging the ball all game, getting 320 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Julio Jones got 106 receiving yards with two touchdowns. You finally get a hard-fought win Atlanta.

All-time series: Eagles lead series 20-15-1

Next week: Philadelphia: vs Detroit; Atlanta: @ Indianapolis

TW: 9-6; CV: 9-6

Cleveland 23, NY Jets 3: TW: Browns; CV: Browns

The Browns got back on track with a win against the Jets to finish off Week 2. Baker Mayfield threw the ball for 325 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Nick Chubb got some solid yardage as he ran the ball for 62 yards and a touchdown. The Jets didn't get much going on either side of the ball. Trevor Siemian was the starter for the Jets but was out and in goes Luke Falk. Falk got 198 yards and not much else for the Jets. Le'Veon Bell got 68 yards on 21 carries but had a fumble in the game that might've been a touchdown. The Jets season is going to get much worse when they have to go to Foxborough next week. 

All-time series: Browns lead series 15-12

Next week: Cleveland: vs LA Rams; NY Jets: @ New England

TW: 10-6; CV: 10-6

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Overall: 21-10-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Overall: 22-3-1

See you guys on Wednesday for the Week 3 picks! 

-Tom