Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The third week of the season has brought us yet again closer to who could be come contenders and who could be pretenders. However, the season is still young and anything can happen. What Week 2 taught us that no lead is safe. For Week 3, teams that had leads in games would hold onto them. The week also brought us: a slugfest in Foxboro, a whimper contest that featured two of the best quarterbacks in the NFC, a Puntpalooza in Denver, and a multitude of teams getting their first win of the year. I'm excited to break down those games and more in this week's Recap! Let's get to work!
Week 3 Recap
Pittsburgh 17, Cleveland 29: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
Last week, the Browns gave up an unimaginable collapse. Against the Steelers, they would avoid the collapse and more. Mitchell Trubisky would start for the Steelers and would be just a passer. He would complete 20 of 32 passes for 207 yards. The veteran would find the endzone on a run that would go to the right. Najee Harris was off to a rough start for 2022 but would find the endzone on a 5-yard run. Harris would tally 56 yards on 15 carries for the Steelers. Pittsburgh's offensive woes would be marked by one stat: 1 for 9 in 3rd down conversions. One of the exciting parts of the game was a George Pickens one-handed catch that rivals Odell Beckham Jr's one-hander against Dallas in 2014. Jacoby Brissett would lead the Browns air attack with a solid passing showcase of 21 of 31 passes completed. He would get 220 yards with two touchdowns to Amari Cooper and David Njoku. Cleveland's bread and butter offense was their running tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Both Chubb and Hunt would get 113 yards and 47 yards respectively from the ground. Chubb would get a rushing touchdown. For the Steelers, it marks another inconsistent game for an offense that should be better than they should. It also marks an 0-6 record without game-changer TJ Watt. For the Browns, it is win #2 in 2022 with journeyman Jacoby Brissett who is just making the most of the opportunity.
Next week:
Pittsburgh: vs NY Jets
Cleveland: @ Atlanta
TW: 0-1; CV: 0-1
Baltimore 37, New England 26: TW: Patriots; CV: Ravens
Rivals put on a show in Foxboro. Last week the Ravens blew a lead in the 4th quarter, this week they didn't let it happen. Lamar Jackson was contained for first part of the game but gradually would bend the Patriots defense will. Jackson finished with 218 passing yards with four touchdowns with an interception. He would also get 107 yards rushing with a touchdown. Baltimore's defense would take advantage of turnovers despite they would bend not break the Pats offense. Mac Jones was having a decent star to 2022 but it would be this game that he would break. The former Alabama product completed 22 of 32 passes for 321 yards with three interceptions. One of them was in a redzone trip. Despite the passing woes they would have some bright spots in the run game. Rhamondre Stevenson would rush for 73 yards with a touchdown. Damien Harris would have 41 yards with a touchdown. Mac Jones would get a rushing touchdown with 31 yards rushing. Another bright spot for the Patriots was Devante Parker who racked up 156 receiving yards. For the Ravens, it is back to normalcy with the collapse in the back of their minds. For the Patriots, it is back to the drawing board with the possibility of Mac Jones missing time.
Next week:
Baltimore: vs Buffalo
New England: @ Green Bay
TW: 0-2; CV: 1-1
Buffalo 19, Miami 21: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
AFC East rivals would meet in the Florida sun. Josh Allen would once again have a stellar game as the passer completed 42 of 63 passes for 400 yards with two touchdown passes to Devin Singletary and Isaiah McKenzie. Allen was also the leading rusher in the game with 47 yards. It seems that the Bills used his arm too much and not a lot of balance on offense. Certainly if I had to throw the ball 63 times I would die. Tua Tagovailoa had a game for the ages last week against the Ravens but would have a meager game. The passer would complete 13 of 18 passes for 186 yards with a touchdown. Tua would leave the game for a time with a lower back injury. Chase Edmonds would get 21 yards rushing with two touchdowns. It was a game that on paper was a slugfest for the Bills but yet it was a two-point loss. It seems that Buffalo's red zone efficiency was not quite there with 2 for 4 inside the 20. Buffalo would also giveaway a fumble in the game but it wasn't quite the awful performance. For the Dolphins, they are now the only undefeated team in the AFC.
Next week:
Buffalo: @ Baltimore
Miami: @ Cincinnati (Thursday night)
TW: 0-3; CV: 1-2
Cincinnati 27, NY Jets 12: TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
In East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Bengals would get a dub. Joe Burrow has had a shaky start to 2022 but would find improvement in this game. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 275 yards with three touchdowns. Cincy's running game would provide some help as Samaje Perine would get 47 yards and Joe Mixon would get 24 yards. The Bengals defense would ensure that Joe Flacco wasn't comfortable in the pocket as they would cause four turnovers, two fumbles and two interceptions. Joe Flacco would lead the way to the Jets victory against Cleveland last week but would be undone as the passer completed 28 of 52 passes for 285 yards with two interceptions. One of the interceptions was a gimmie in the endzone. Breece Hall and Michael Carter would both get 39 yards rushing each in this game. Pass protection would be an issue for the Jets as the Bengals would attack Flacco and sack him four times with 33 total yards lost. For the Bengals, they finally get win #1 and try to keep with the Ravens and Browns who both won this week.
Next week:
Cincinnati: vs Miami (Thursday night)
NY Jets: @ Pittsburgh
TW: 1-3; CV: 2-2
Detroit 24, Minnesota 28: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
Not a consistent win in all three phases for the Vikes in this one but a win is a win. Jared Goff was consistent in this game as he completed 25 of 41 passes for 277 yards with a touchdown but also had an interception that was caught by Josh Metellus. Detroit's running game would outpace Minnesota's by a 139 to 123 yard comparison. Jamaal Williams got 87 yards with two touchdowns. Detroit was close to winning the game but a redzone trip and a Cousins to Osborn connection with 45 seconds left would spell doom to the Lions. Kirk Cousins had a rough game last week in Philadelphia. Cousins completed 24 of 41 passes for 260 yards with two touchdowns to KJ Osborn. Minnesota's running game would get lesser yards but would get two touchdowns from Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison. Minnesota's special teams was not great as Vikings kicker Greg Joseph would miss two field goals. For the Lions, it is another close loss in a game that could've gone their way. For the Vikings, their 2-1 mark helps them keep pace in a tight NFC North race.
Next week:
Detroit: vs Seattle
Minnesota: @ New Orleans (Sunday morning)
TW: 2-3; CV: 3-2
Houston 20, Chicago 23: TW: Bears; CV: Texans
Lovie Smith would be in familiar Soldier Field in this game. The former Bear coach would see his team battle against the Bears. Davis Mills would not play well but he plays for the Texans after all. Mills completed 20 of 32 passes for 245 yards with a touchdown to Jordan Akins. Dameon Pierce provided the Texans running offense some help as he got 80 yards rushing with a touchdown. His longest run was for 24 yards. Houston's defense would be a bright spot in pass defense as they held the Bears to 82 total pass yards. Justin Fields would toss 8 of 17 passes for 106 yards with two interceptions. The x-factor in this game would be Chicago's running game. Khalil Herbert was a beast as he got 157 yards rushing with two touchdowns. His longest run was from 52-yards. Seems like he was trying to unleash his inner Walter Payton a little bit. For Chicago, they are 2-1 in a surprising start for them. For Houston, they're still looking for their first win despite getting a half-win/tie in Week 1.
Next week:
Houston: vs LA Chargers
Chicago: @ NY Giants
TW: 3-3; CV: 3-3
Kansas City 17, Indianapolis 20: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Colts get their first win in 2022. Their 1-1-1 record would make any binary code fan happy. Patrick Mahomes would be not as happy as he completed 20 of 35 passes for 262 yards with a touchdown to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Mahomes would also be the team's running back as he completed 26 yards rushing. Jerrick McKinnon would get 20 yards rushing. Mahomes would also get into a war of words with offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy before halftime. Matt Ryan would have his roughest start in his career last week. He would have a better showing at home as he completed 27 of 37 passes for 222 yards with two touchdowns. Jonathan Taylor would run a solid game as he rushed for 71 yards on the ground. The game-winning drive by Indy would take 16 plays and resulted in a Matt Ryan to rookie Jelani Woods with 24 seconds left in the game. For the Chiefs, their hopes of an undefeated campaign ends.
Next week:
Kansas City: @ Tampa Bay (Sunday night)
Indianapolis: vs Tennessee
TW: 3-4; CV: 3-4
Las Vegas 22, Tennessee 24: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
The Raiders are off to their worst start since 2018. Derek Carr completed 26 of 44 passes for 303 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception. Josh Jacobs rushed for 66 yards on 13 carries. Mack Hollins had a game for the Raiders as the wide out had 158 yards receiving on eight catches. His longest was for 60-yards. Davante Adams had 36 receiving yards with a touchdown. This game was a showcase of slow starts for Las Vegas as they were down 24-10 at halftime. Opportunity was there to win it. One such opportunity was to convert a two-point conversion that would've tied the game at 24. It would be a failed attempt. Ryan Tannehill was having a poor start to 2022 but did have a better showing in this game as he completed 19 of 27 passes for 264 yards with a touchdown pass and had an interception. Derrick Henry was back as the king would rack up 85 yards rushing with a touchdown. For the Titans, they would hold on and get win #1 in the campaign. With a returning Derrick Henry to form they Titans can try to keep pace with the Colts.
Next week:
Las Vegas: vs Denver
Tennessee: @ Indianapolis
TW: 3-5; CV; 3-5
New Orleans 14, Carolina 22: TW: Saints; CV: Saints
Quarterback problems would plague the Saints in this game. Jameis Winston has dealt with back issues for the last two weeks and would continue to haunt him in this game. He completed 25 of 41 passes for 353 yards with a touchdown pass to Michael Gallaway but tossed two interceptions. Alvin Kamara would share in the woes as he would rush for 61 yards and would cause a fumble that would be scooped by Carolina for the first touchdown in the game. Mark Ingram would get a touchdown for the Saints while getting 18 yards rushing. Baker Mayfield was still off on plays but he would get a decent 170 yards passing with a touchdown pass to Laviska Shenault, a preseason acquisition from Jacksonville, in the 4th quarter. Christian McCaffrey would shine like his old self as the runner would get 108 yards rushing from scrimmage. For the Panthers, it is a win for them in 2022 and snaps a rough nine-game losing streak dating back to last year.
Next week:
New Orleans: vs Minnesota (Sunday morning)
Carolina: vs Arizona
TW: 3-6; CV: 3-6
Philadelphia 24, Washington 8: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
Inhospitality was dished out in Landover, Maryland. Jalen Hurts would showcase his arm more so than his legs in this game. Hurts would complete 22 of 35 passes for 340 yards with three touchdowns. All three of them would come from the 2nd quarter. Miles Sanders would rush for 46 yards on 15 carries. DeVonta Smith would have a game as he would catch eight balls for 169 receiving yards. Carson Wentz, unlike Hurts, would fare worse than his counterpart. Wentz would toss 25 of 43 balls for completions for 211 yards. Wentz didn't throw a touchdown but didn't throw an interception either. The main story was his former Eagle teammates sacking him nine times. Washington's lone touchdown would come from Antonio Gibson at the two-minute warning. Washington would score a safety as Eagles running back Boston Scott would get tackled. For the Eagles, they're the lone undefeated team in the NFC. For Washington, it was a rough game that would be preferable to store away and forget about.
Next week:
Philadelphia: vs Jacksonville
Washington: @ Dallas
TW: 4-6; CV: 4-6
Jacksonville 38, LA Chargers 10: TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
It would be Trevor Lawrence not Justin Herbert that would be the better quarterback in this game. Lawrence would complete 28 of 39 passes for 262 yards with three touchdown passes. Jacksonville's running game also came alive in this game as James Robinson rushed for 100 yards with a touchdown run. His 50-yard long run would be the longest in this game. Travis Etienne would get 45 yards in the game. Justin Herbert would be questionable at the start of this game with a rib cartilage injury. Herbert would be off in this game as he completed 25 of 45 passes for 297 yards with a touchdown pass to Mike Williams and had an interception. Sony Michel wouldn't get a lot going in this game as he would get 22 yards rushing. For the Jaguars, it marks the end of an 18-game road losing streak that goes back to a 2019 Week 15 win at Oakland. It also marks a 2-1 record for the Jags. For the Chargers, they're 1-2 in a competitive AFC West.
Next week:
Jacksonville: @ Philadelphia
LA Chargers: @ Houston
TW: 4-7; CV: 4-7
Atlanta 27, Seattle 23: TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
Have a day, Cordarrelle Patterson! Marcus Mariota would play in this game as he would complete 13 of his 20 passes for 229 yards with a touchdown and had an interception. Mariota would cross the endzone plane for a rushing touchdown. Seattle would have their hands full with Cordarrelle Patterson who had 141 rushing yards with a touchdown. He had a 40-yard run that would go the distance. Patterson had already bested his Week 1 performance of 120 yards against the Saints. Geno Smith would produce in this game as he completed 32 of 44 passes for 325 yards with two touchdown passes to DK Metcalf and Will Dissly. Smith also had an interception. Rashad Penny would put together a good showing with 66 yards rushing.
Next week:
Atlanta: vs Cleveland
Seattle: @ Detroit
TW: 4-8; CV: 4-8
Green Bay 14, Tampa Bay 12: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The last Rodgers-Brady matchup was... a whimper. Aaron Rodgers completed 27 of 35 passes for 255 yards with two touchdowns but had an interception. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon wouldn't get a lot going on the ground for the Packers but would get 36 and 32 yards respectively. Romeo Doubs would be the leading receiver for the Packers with 73 yards. Tom Brady would be solid in this game but his weapons was limited. He completed 31 of 42 passes for 271 yards with a touchdown to Russell Gage. Tampa's running game would be limited as well as Leonard Fournette would get 35 yards on 12 carries. Both teams would get 101 yards rushing in this game. Green Bay's defense would step up as they would limit the Bucs offense to 285 total yards. They would sack Tom Brady three times. Tom Brady would eventually lead the Bucs on the final drive and get a touchdown that would cut the lead to 14-12. On the attempted two-point conversion, Brady would try to go to Russel Gage again but would be broken up. For the Packers, they would get the last laugh in the marquee matchup at least until the playoffs. For the Buccaneers, it marks their first loss of 2022.
Next week:
Green Bay: vs New England
Tampa Bay: vs Kansas City
TW: 4-9; CV: 4-9
LA Rams 20, Arizona 12: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
In Glendale it was a defensive effort for the Rams, rather than an offensive effort. Matthew Stafford would put together a 18 of 25 completed passes, 249 yards passing effort. His longest pass would be a Ben Skowronek connection for 32 yards. The Rams scoring would be from their running attack as Cam Akers would rush for 61 yards for a touchdown. Cooper Kupp would play the role of a runner in a 20-yard run that would end in a six-points result. Kyler Murray would use his arm a lot as he completed 37 of 58 passes for 314 (at least his performance would be worthy of a slice of pi). The passer wouldn't get a touchdown for the game but he didn't throw an interception either. Arizona's offense would be putrid on 3rd down as they would convert 6 of 18 3rd down chances. James Conner would rush for 39 yards on 13 carries. Malcolm Brown would be the leading receiver for the Cards in this game catching 14 balls for 140 yards. For the Rams, it is a 2-1 start for them and a 11 of 12 games dominance over their division rivals, dating back to 2017. For the Cardinals, it is a 1-2 start that would share a record with the Seahawks and 49ers.
Next week:
LA Rams: @ San Francisco (Monday night)
Arizona: @ Carolina
TW: 5-9; CV: 5-9
San Francisco 10, Denver 11: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
At Empower Field at Mile High, fans were treated to more of a baseball score rather than a football one. Jimmy Garoppolo who would replace Trey Lance last week, was effective in most areas in this game. The passer completed 18 of 29 passes for 211 yards with a touchdown to Brandon Aiyuk but would have an interception in the game. The biggest issue for Garoppolo was field awareness. In the 3rd quarter, deep in his own endzone, Garoppolo would touch the out of bounds part of the endzone, resulting as a safety. Jeff Wilson would be the leading rusher in the game as he rushed for 75 yards on 12 carries. Deebo Samuel would catch five balls for 73 yards. Russell Wilson has had a slow start for the Broncos but would complete 20 of 33 passes for 184 yards. Javontae Williams would get 58 yards rushing for the Broncos. Melvin Gordon would score the lone touchdown for the Broncos on a late drive in the 4th quarter. He would get 26 yards on the ground. For the 49ers, it is a meager performance that sends them to the bottom of the NFC West basement. For the Broncos, they are keeping in pace with the Chiefs who lost earlier on Sunday.
Next week:
San Francisco: vs LA Rams (Monday night)
Denver: @ Las Vegas
TW: 5-10; CV: 5-10
Dallas 23, NY Giants 16: TW: Giants; CV: Giants
The football gods were kind to one but cruel to another. Cooper Rush would throw well in the game as he completed 21 of 31 passes for 215 yards with a touchdown to CeeDee Lamb. Lamb had dropped an earlier pass but would rebound from the rough start. Big D's running game would pile on the Giants defense as Tony Pollard rushed for 105 yards. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 73 yards with a touchdown. Dallas would rely on kicker Brett Maher a lot as he would hit 3 of 4 for field goals. It was a slow start for Dalls on offense but would get going in the 2nd half by scoring 17 of their 23 points. Daniel Jones would find less than paradise in this game. He completed 20 of 37 passes for 196 yards with an interception that would be caught in the 4th quarter. Jones would face pressure from the Cowboys all game as he would have 20+ pressures in the game. Saquon Barkley would have some good showing as he ran for 81 yards with a touchdown, including a 36-yard run. Sterling Shepard would be the leading receiver for the Giants with 49 yards. Shepard would leave the game with a leg injury. For the Cowboys, it is a huge win against a resurgent Giants team and would keep pace with the Eagles. For the Giants, it is a grimacing loss after starting the season with a 2-0 record. The loss will hurt but they've faced worse.
Next week:
Dallas: vs Washington
NY Giants: vs Chicago
TW: 5-11; CV: 5-11
2022 Pick'em Records:
My record:
Week 1: 8-7-1
Week 2: 8-8
Week 3: 5-11
Total: 21-26-1
Cardinal Viking's record:
Week 1: 6-9-1
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 5-11
Total: 22-25-1
Previous Picking Records:
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2019: 161-94-1
2020: 167-88-1
2021: 173-98-1
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