NFL 2024 Week 9 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that was Week 9 was a decent week for picks as I finished with a record. We are almost to the halfway mark on the regular season with a little bit of a margin below 50 percent. We still haven't quite had a lot of teams on a bye yet but eventually it will be coming. In this post I will be doing a preview of the week's action, my picks to the games and the Early and Late TV broadcasting pairings that FOX and CBS will have for the early and late game windows. This post will be the last one without a playoff picture as I will be doing one next week for Week 10. A bit early for it I know but I like looking at it. For games this week, I'm keeping an eye on: Cowboys-Falcons, Commanders-Giants, Broncos-Ravens, Lions-Packers and Buccaneers-Chiefs. Anyway, let's get to work!

Week 9 Preview

The Ninth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in East Rutherford, New Jersey and finish up in Kansas City, Missouri. The week will have a 15-game slate where 30 teams will play. Teams on a bye this week are the Pittsburgh Steelers and the San Francisco 49ers. Week 9 will have five divisional games, three interconference games, five AFC games and two NFC games. There will be a Thursday night game, eight early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. The doubleheader this week goes to FOX and CBS will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!

Week 9 Picks

Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me.

Houston (6-2) @ NY Jets (2-6) (Amazon; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Texans

The Texans beat the Colts and the Jets lost to the Patriots last week. The Texans last week got a good result but it was a close one. The offense did a solid job in the passing game and the running game. Joe Mixon has been a solid contributor that you expect him to get a 100-yard game on the ground. The game was a defensive one but you have to expect their defense to hang tough in games. I think the game against the Jets will be a good test as to how their run game can handle the front seven of the Jets.

The Jets have had a tough season despite all the high expectations of the team. They seem to not be able to get out of their own way as they shoot themselves in the foot a lot of times. The play last week against New England was sloppy as they called timeouts early, Aaron Rodgers seemed off at a lot of times, the defense was starting to crack a bit as well. The path to the playoffs for the Jets is starting to shrink as they lose a game and teams in the AFC with better records solidify their position. If there is a "Run the Table" for the Jets it has to start this game but it is a tough test. I think the firing of Robert Saleh will come back to bite them. I'll take the Texans.

All-time series: Jets lead 7-3

Dallas (3-4) @ Atlanta (5-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Falcons

The Cowboys lost to the 49ers and the Falcons beat the Buccaneers last week. Dallas has had a rough one of a season as of late. They have played awful at home as usually they are being blown out. They somehow have a better record on the road. Granted it isn't that much of an improvement. They played a better game in some aspects against the 49ers. They still gave up the ball a fair amount but CeeDee Lamb was nearly unstoppable. It has to account for something. They have a fighting chance to get back into winning against Atlanta.

The Falcons have had some better luck on offense. Kirk Cousins seems to be gelling well in Atlanta. He has a good rapport with Drake London and Darnell Mooney. They have some good runners in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. I think it's the defense that is the more questionable thing that the Falcons are concerned. They are somewhat in the middle of the pack in terms of defense. They'll be facing against a tough test against the Cowboys who have a good plethora of wide receivers that can get chunks of yardage. I'll go with the Falcons for at least another game as I can't trust the Cowboys.

All-time series: Cowboys lead 19-11

Denver (5-3) @ Baltimore (5-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Ravens

The Broncos beat the Panthers and the Ravens lost to the Browns last week. Denver has been playing well this year. They have perhaps the frontrunner of the quarterback class of this past year's draft in Bo Nix. He finally started to break out as a passer with three touchdowns in the win last week. This week will be the Broncos biggest test of the season so far. They have to be on their toes against a Ravens team that is hungry to get back to a win.

Baltimore really should've won last week against Cleveland. Their offense played a solid game with probably more pass than run than what we're accustomed to. The defense had a letdown as Jameis Winston had a lot more of an impact on their secondary than previous teams have found. May have even found a weakness in the Ravens defense. While I do think the Ravens should get back on track and get a win in this game, I urge caution to not let Denver go lightly. They do have a good defense and can stop the run if need be. I think the Ravens are still a bit too much for them.

All-time series: Ravens lead 10-6

LA Chargers (4-3) @ Cleveland (2-6) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Chargers

The Chargers beat the Saints and the Browns beat the Ravens last week. The Chargers got back to a winning result last week against the Saints. A Saints team that is spiraling out of control. Remember that they were the highest scoring team for the first two weeks of the season. Justin Herbert had a good game as he dismantled the Saints defense. With a little help with his friends as well. I think they will be facing a good test in Cleveland.

Cleveland had a good win last week against rival Baltimore. They might've found a quarterback that is not getting paid DeShaun Watson money in Jameis Winston. Winston willed the Browns offense to a win in an upset against arguably the best team in the AFC. The crazy thing is that it is with Jameis Winston who hasn't played a lot of meaningful football for at least a year. Not since he was with the Saints for a spell. I'm not sure how well they can do against the Chargers. I think the Chargers defense will like the turnovers that Winston will toss their way. If they can take advantage of it and get the opportunities, I like their chances.

All-time series: Chargers lead 19-9-1

Las Vegas (2-6) @ Cincinnati (3-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Bengals

The Raiders lost to the Chiefs and the Bengals lost to the Eagles last week. The Raiders in 2024 is kind of a mess. They had a better showing against rival Kansas City. It was certainly a better game for starter Gardner Minshew. Maybe it was their play against a rival that made the difference. Still the Raiders lost and their record is as such. Their play with the quarterback has been the biggest piece of evidence of their record. They have a shot to win against the Bengals but they need to get their running game going.

Cincinnati has had a better amount of success than their opponents but that's saying a lot. A 3-5 record going into this game has the Bengals season slipping away. With the Steelers ahead of the division and the Ravens close behind, the only hope for the Bengals is to get a win and get the final playoff spot. It'd be better to go a winning streak the rest of the way and hope for the best. The Bengals should be able to win this game but they need to do better on offense and keep going.

All-time series: Raiders lead 21-13

Miami (2-5) @ Buffalo (6-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Bills

The Dolphins lost to the Cardinals and the Bills beat the Seahawks last week. Miami had a game that might've been one that should've won. They got Tua Tagovailoa back and they still lost. The offense was doing its job but the defense wasn't. Sadly it isn't something that won't get fixed this season likely. It'll have to be something the Dolphins will address in the draft but until then Tua will have to will his way to win. He isn't alone as he does have a good running game and wide out group. I just don't think they can win against the Bills.

Buffalo has been running away with the division it seems. They have six wins when the entire division has that exact amount of wins among the three teams. Josh Allen is having a great season with 14 touchdowns and just one interception. The lone interception happened last week against Seattle. They should find a way to win using their same formula that they used the last time they met in Week 2. In that game, the Bills went with a run heavy attack with James Cook getting two touchdowns. Granted that was also the game that Tua got a concussion in. It should be a Bills win.

All-time series: Dolphins lead 62-59-1

New England (2-6) @ Tennessee (1-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Patriots

The Patriots beat the Jets and the Titans lost to the Lions last week. New England got out of their six-game losing streak last week. They found a way to win by using their running back Rhamondre Stevenson for the two touchdowns towards the end of the game. They won it despite losing Drake Maye just before halftime. He was ruled out of the game with a concussion. Ultimately it is up to him and the protocol for him to get going into this game. Otherwise Jacoby Brissett will start. Either way, I like the Patriots chances to win this game.

Tennessee has been kind of a rough team in 2024. They have been expected to be that way. Last week's game against Detroit was more of the same of them. They turning the ball over a lot and the defense is saddled to help out a bit more than often as they were tired probably by the end of it. The Lions offense took advantage of the turnovers and then the scoring would be well in favor of the Lions. It'll be a bit more of an even matchup and the Titans defense might have a decent chance for rest. I think it'll be a toss up as both teams aren't really going anywhere this season but I'll go on a whim and take the Pats.

All-time series: Patriots lead 26-18-1

New Orleans (2-6) @ Carolina (1-7) (CBS; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Panthers

The Saints lost to the Chargers and the Panthers lost to the Broncos last week. The Saints are not marching into the playoffs. At least at the current moment. The fact that the loss of Derek Carr to injury and the Saints lack of an competent quarterback in his stead has been something to be in awe of. Spencer Rattler hasn't been the answer. Maybe Jake Haener to be the one guy that you could look to to provide help. I just don't know who can win this game, especially the Saints.

Carolina has been a mess of a team. Their quarterback situation is one of many problems with them. I don't know what's even worse the offense or the defense. Safe to say, the offense has been the brunt of the issues. They give up the ball a lot and they don't score a lot of points. You have to remember that this team beat the Raiders and that was back in Week 3. The Saints are the likely better team in this matchup between the two cellar dwellers of the NFC South right now but I'll go on a whim and take the Panthers. I might get it wrong.

All-time series: Saints lead 32-28

Washington (6-2) @ NY Giants (2-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm)

Pick: Commanders

The Commanders beat the Bears and the Giants lost to the Steelers last week. Washington had quite the game last week. They certainly had quite the finish as they somehow got a hail mary win against Chicago. It has to be the best win for them in years. Possibly beyond the Dan Snyder year's in the early to mid 90's. I have to think that the win might get a bit hectic for them with a new game on the horizon. The Commanders are a bit of a concerning team with the health of Jayden Daniels. Can his rib injuries be enough to keep him on the field? A fair amount of questions but I like the Commanders in the game.

New York has been a bit of a rough team to watch. They can take some solace as this game is not a primetime game. There is also rougher news as running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is injured with a concussion. he was a non-participant in Wednesday's practice which might prove to be a questionable to out status for this game. Devin Singletary has decent numbers but he hasn't been much of a factor at least for the Giants to keep him on the starting lineup. The Giants have some help with Malik Nabers and have a solid pass defense. The Giants could make this a contest but I think the Commanders successful season continues.

All-time series: Giants lead 108-72-5

Chicago (4-3) @ Arizona (4-4) (CBS; 4:05 pm)

Pick: Cardinals

The Bears lost to the Commanders and the Cardinals beat the Dolphins last week. The Bears really had to grind it out against Washington last week. They had the game well in hand until the last play of the game. Tyrique Stevenson is now a meme in the sports circles now that he talked with Bears fans before the Hail Mary happened. The Bears coming into this game should have an alright time with moving the ball. The Cardinals are a decent defense but can bend at times. Hopefully this week the Bears can find their way to a win and prevent any last second things from occurring.

The Cardinals in 2024 have been a bit of a surprise at 4-4. They have an offense with a healthy Kyler Murray at the helm. As long as he is upright, the Cardinals have a chance to win. He still has a good running game to back him up when he himself isn't running around taking names. This year he has a star in Marvin Harrison Jr. who just catches balls and runs forward for yardage. He has a shot to be Offensive Rookie of the Year if he keeps it up but I think he needs a few more good games to get it locked up. The defense of Arizona will be a thing that will be looked at in this one. They're a bend but not break defense. I think the Cards find a way to win and get to 5-4.

All-time series: Bears lead 58-29-6

Jacksonville (2-6) @ Philadelphia (5-2) (CBS; 4:05 pm)

Pick: Jaguars

The Jaguars lost to the Packers and the Eagles beat the Bengals last week. Doug Pederson makes his return to Philadelphia. Pederson was the winning coach in their Super Bowl LII run. His new team has had a tough go of it in 2024. The Jaguars had been playing a little better of late. A big win against the Patriots was big for their case. They sadly lost in a close game against the Packers. A Brandon McManus field goal put their hopes of a winning streak to an end. I'm not sure how well the Jaguars can do against a Eagles team that is playing better.

The Eagles earlier in the season was back to their old ways that they had going in the later part of last season. A collapse of epic proportions. The Eagles had probably their best game of the season in a whooping of the Bengals. Jalen Hurts was hitting on all cylinders as he the passer and runner. They even had the Tush Push going in quite a few plays. The Eagles should be able to handle the Jaguars in this game. They have had times of playing down to competition but I think the Eagles should win this game.

All-time series: Eagles lead 4-3

Detroit (6-1) @ Green Bay (6-2) (FOX; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Lions

The Lions beat the Titans and the Packers beat the Jaguars last week. A big NFC North rivalry renews another chapter. Plus it'll be a Tom Brady game as well. The Lions coming into this game with a 6-1 record. They have an offense that is just spectacular and well balanced. Jared Goff is a nearly 100% efficient quarterback who hasn't quite had a game below 60% in pass completion. They have a running game and a passing game that has many players that can hurt you. The Lions don't quite have the defense that they had in recent years but with the loss of Aidan Hutchinson to injury has to mean a little something.

Green Bay has a 6-2 record coming into this game. They haven't had a bye week yet but they have a big test ahead. The Packers in 2024 doesn't quite have the offensive firepower that their rivals have. Jordan Love has also spent a few spells in the injury list. They would need him to play in this game I think to win. The Packers defense might be the biggest factor in this game. The packers are a very opportunistic defense who are not afraid to go after the ball and attempt to make a turnover. I don't know how well Malik Willis will play if he can win this game for the Pack. I think the Lions are too good at the moment to let this game slip through their fingers.

All-time series: Packers lead 106-76-7

LA Rams (3-4) @ Seattle (4-4) (FOX; 4:25 pm)

Pick: Rams

The Rams beat the Vikings and the Seahawks lost to the Bills last week. The Rams got back on track last week. They got back their offensive weapons in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua from lengthy injuries. Their defense has gotten a little better. They managed to shut down the pass offense of the Vikings which has to say for something. They will likely need to get back to the same gameplan against the Seahawks. The running game has been a decent one to watch with Kyren Williams.

Seattle has been a bit of a strange team this season. They have a head coach that is a defensive minded one but has had a defense that has given up 30+ points in many games this season. It doesn't help their cause much as their quarterback hasn't played his best football either. He has just eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. The offense should be better but the defense needs to play better as well. I am a bit high on the Rams for now and I'll take them in this one. I have taken the Seahawks a bit too much this season. I'll go with the Rams.

All-time series: Seahawks lead 27-26

Indianapolis (4-4) @ Minnesota (5-2) (NBC; 8:20 pm)

Pick: Vikings

The Colts lost to the Texans and the Vikings lost to the Rams last week. Indianapolis lost last week with Anthony Richardson with just 10 of 32 passing. He is not quite the passer that is a stereotypical one. He is more of a runner than a passer. His comments about him being tired after last week seems to speak a bit to me. I really think that the passer isn't the answer for the Colts. I'd rather see Joe Flacco in this game. He is probably their best shot at winning.

The Vikings had a 5-0 record and then they are now at 5-2. It seems like at the blink of an eye. Their recent losing streak reminds Vikings fans of 2016 where they had a 5-0 record and then they fell apart and ended up with a 8-8 record. It seems that they need to win games to avoid that average mark. Granted teams aren't going to have an even record by the end of the season. I think the Vikings should try to get back to their running game. If they can do that it should fall back in line with their passing game. They have a solid passing attack. The defense should do fine as well.

All-time series: Colts lead 18-8-1

Tampa Bay (4-4) @ Kansas City (7-0) (ABC; 8:15 pm)

Pick: Chiefs

The Buccaneers lost to the Falcons and the Chiefs beat the Raiders last week. Tampa Bay has been playing well for the most part during the season. Then the injuries began to pile up. The injuries to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans has been a bit of a troubling one. The turnovers by Baker Mayfield have also been piling up. I think he's just trying too much. He has a good running back group. Let them and the defense start taking on the weight. I would give targets and catches to Cade Otton as well. Safe to say, the Chiefs will take advantage of turnovers.

Patrick Mahomes in 2024 hasn't had quite the season that he'd like to remember. He has 1,651 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. Whether it be the pressure to make history or him seeing ghosts at time, Mahomes will likely play better. Kareem Hunt has been a good pickup as Isiah Pacheco has been injured since the early part of the season. The defense will get a bit of help as Josh Uche from New England will come and help the pass rush and take pressure off of Chris Jones. As if the Chiefs needed more star power for their team. I don't know when the undefeated season will happen but I don't think it will end with the Buccaneers handing them their first loss. I think it lasts for another season.

All-time series: Buccaneers lead 8-7

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings

FOX Early

Dallas @ Atlanta

Adam Amin, Greg Olson

Washington @ NY Giants

Chris Myers, Mark Sanchez

New England @ Tennessee

Jason Benetti, Mark Schlereth

Las Vegas @ Cincinnati 

Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston

FOX Late

Detroit @ Green Bay

Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady

LA Rams @ Seattle

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

CBS Single

Miami @ Buffalo

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

Denver @ Baltimore

Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

LA Chargers @ Cleveland

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

New Orleans @ Carolina

Tom McCarthy, Jay Feely

Jacksonville @ Philadelphia (Late)

Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty

Chicago @ Arizona (Late)

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2024 Week 9 Maps

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Total: 82-41

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 9 Recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom

NFL 2024 Week 8 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come to an end. The week that was Week 8 brought us some great storylines on National Tight End's Day! The day coined by George Kittle brings awareness to those that do pass block, run block and all the while catch passes for touchdowns. The true unsung hero's in an offense. Such storylines like, losing streaks ending in Cleveland and New England, a game winner in Jacksonville, a game ending sack in Houston and a miracle in Landover. All those storylines and more in this week's recap post.

NFL Week 8 Freaky Stat

Of the seven early games in Week 8, five of them came down to the wire as the margin of victory of within five points. 

NFL Week 8 Recap

Minnesota 20, LA Rams 30

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings stymied in Inglewood. Sam Darnold hit 18 of 25 passes for 240 yards with two touchdowns to Josh Oliver and Trent Sherfield. Aaron Jones got 19 carries for 58 yards in the loss. Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 115 yards and had the longest play for the Vikings on a 27-yard pass play to Jefferson. The Vikings had 276 total yards in the game. It feels more of a game that would be more on the Vikings defense than probably anything. There was controversy as Byron Young sacked Sam Darnold in the endzone for a safety. From the replay footage, Young had grabbed Darnold's facemask while in the process of the sack. Sadly it wasn't flagged when it should've as it was a scoring play. For the Vikings, it's back-to-back losses as they drop to 5-2

Sam Darnold hit 25 of 34 passes for 279 yards with four touchdowns and an interception picked up by Byron Murphy. DeMarcus Robinson caught two of those passes for scores while Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams had one each. Kyren Williams had 23 carries for 97 yards. Puka Nacua made his return from a lengthy injury and had seven catches for 106 yards in the game. He hadn't played since at least week 1 or 2. Cooper Kupp also made his return with five catches for 51 yards and had the longest play for the Rams on a 27-yard play that resulted in that much of a gain. Despite the non-call on the facemask, I think the Rams were probably going to win this game as Stafford was feeling pass happy and I can't blame him with his two favorite targets back in the fold. For the Rams, they get to 3-4 on the season with some hope of getting back into the playoff hunt. 

Next week:

Minnesota: vs Indianapolis (Sunday night)
LA Rams: @ Seattle

TW: 0-1

Atlanta 31, Tampa Bay 26

Pick: Falcons

Four touchdowns enough for the Falcons to hold off the Bucs. Kirk Cousins hit 23 of 29 passes for 276 yards with four touchdown passes. Kyle Pitts had two of those passes while Darnell Mooney and Bijan Robinson had each one. Bijan Robinson had 13 carries for 63 yards in the game. Kyle Pitts would make his contribution to National Tight End's Day known with the two touchdowns but also had the longest play for the Falcons for a score from 49 yards. The Falcons finished with 394 total yards in the game. The win was a bit too close as the Buccaneers were attempting to comeback in the game. It wasn't the case as they would win. For the Falcons, they improve to 5-3 on the season. 

Baker Mayfield hit 37 of 50 passes for 330 yards with three touchdowns and had two interceptions. The two happened in the 3rd quarter. Cade Otton had two of those three touchdown catches for his contribution to National Tight End's Day. Rachaad White had the other touchdown. Bucky Irving had nine carries for 44 yards in the loss for the Buccaneers. Cade Otton was also the leading receiver for the Buccaneers with nine catches for 81 yards and had the longest play for the Bucs with a 29-yard gain. The turnovers by Baker seemed to be big thing to take into account for the game. They made an attempt for a comeback but the Bucs drop a game. For the Buccaneers, they drop to 4-4 on the season as their season starts to slip a bit. At least the "Creamsicle" uniforms were kind of cool to see.

Next week:

Atlanta: vs Dallas
Tampa Bay: @ Kansas City (Monday night)

TW: 1-1

Arizona 28, Miami 27

Pick: Dolphins

The Cards rally to win in South Florida. Kyler Murray hit 26 of 36 passes for 307 yards with two touchdowns. Marvin Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson were the Cardinals players that received the ball from Murray for scores. James Conner had 20 carries for 53 yards with a touchdown. Trey McBride had a big day as he contributed nine catches for 124 yards with a 37-yard gain being the longest play for the Cardinals on this National Tight End's Day. Arizona had 389 total yards in the win. Chad Ryland would hit a game-winner from 34 yards out to give the Cardinals a one-point win. The drive that resulted it was a 13-play, 71 yard drive. Arizona had 389 total yards in the game. For the Cardinals, they get to 4-4 on the season. 

Tua Tagovailoa would make his return for the Dolphins after a six-week absence. The star quarterback hit 28 of 38 passes for 234 yards with a touchdown pass to De'Von Achane. Achane had the leading rusher honor with 10 carries for 97 yards with a 47-yard gain being the longest in the game. Raheem Mostert had two touchdowns in the game as he had nine carries for 19 yards. Tyreek Hill had six catches for 72 yards in the game. He has to be certainly glad that his quarterback is in the fold. Miami had 377 total yards in the game. The game really came down to the Dolphins nod doing enough to hold off the Cardinals in the game. Maybe it had to be with Tua's still being away from the field from over a month of injury. For the Dolphins, they drop to 2-5 on the season. 

Next week:

Arizona: vs Chicago
Miami : @ Buffalo

TW: 1-2

Baltimore 24, Cleveland 29

Pick: Ravens

The Browns upset the Ravens at home. Lamar Jackson hit 23 of 38 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns to Mike Andrews and Nelson Agholor. Derrick Henry hit 11 carries for 73 yards with a touchdown. A quieter day for him but did have a 39-yard gain for the longest play for the Ravens in the game. Zay Flowers had seven catches for 115 yards in the game. Baltimore had 387 total yards in the game. I feel it was a game where the offense of the Ravens wouldn't get a lot of yardage from their running game which had been their better part of the game. For the Ravens, their five-game winning streak ends as they drop to 5-3. 

A change for Cleveland for this game was head coach Kevin Stefanski delegating offensive playcalling to Ken Dorsey. Jameis Winston orchestrated the offense well enough as he hit 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards with three touchdowns. Cedric Tillman had two of those touchdowns and David Njoku had the other touchdown catch. The 2nd Tillman touchdown would be the go-ahead score that gave the Browns the lead with 59 seconds left in the game. Nick Chubb hit the ground running with 16 carries for 52 yards. Cedric Tillman had seven catches for 99 yards in the game. David Njoku had five catches for 61 yards for his contribution to National Tight End's Day. Cleveland had a good day from their quarterback Jameis Winston who made his return to a starting role for at least a year. The Browns had 401 total yards. For the Browns, they end their five-game losing streak and improve to 2-6

Next week:

Baltimore: vs Denver
Cleveland: vs LA Chargers

TW: 1-3

Green Bay 30, Jacksonville 27

Pick: Packers

A Brandon McManus field goal enough for the Packers to get a win in Jacksonville. Jordan Love hit 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards with an interception. The quarterback would leave the game with a groin injury. Making a return to the game, Malik Willis hit 4 of 5 passes for 56 yards with a touchdown pass to Tucker Kraft for his contribution to National Tight End's Day. Josh Jacobs did the work as he had 25 carries for 127 yards with two touchdowns. One of them had Jacobs doing deke moves and fakes all the way to the endzone. Tucker Kraft with the touchdown also had three catches for 78 yards with a 67-yard gain being the scoring play. Green Bay had 422 total yards in the game. Brandon McManus's field goal was from 24 yards that would give the Packers the win. For the Packers, they improve to 6-2 with a big game against the Lions at home. 

Trevor Lawrence hit 21 of 32 passes for 308 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Evan Engram had one and Brian Thomas Jr. had the other touchdown for the Lawrence passes. Trevor Lawrence would get into the endzone for a score has he was trying to get into the endzone while his teammates were pushing him into it. It was a dogpile for sure. Tank Bigsby had 18 carries for 78 yards in the game. Brian Thomas Jr. had three catches for 60 yards in the game. The longest gain for the Jags was a 33-yard one on a pass play to Christian Kirk. It was kind of a back and forth affair for the duration of the game as the Jaguars made it a comeback but the Packers made a few more plays to win it. Total yards for the Jaguars was 390 with 299 of them coming from pass plays. For the Jaguars, they drop to 2-6 on the season. 

Next week:

Green Bay: vs Detroit
Jacksonville: @ Philadelphia

TW: 2-3

Indianapolis 20, Houston 23

Pick: Texans

An Anthony Richardson sack prevents the Colts from winning in Houston. Richardson hit 10 of 32 passes for 1 touchdown and one interception for 175 yards. Josh Downs was the player that caught the pass from Richardson for a 69-yard (heheh nice) play for the score. Jonathan Taylor had 20 carries for 105 yards with a touchdown. Josh Downs had four catches for 109 yards in the game. The Colts had 303 total yards in the game. the game was a tight one as the offense really wouldn't get a lot of it going as the passing game had just 10 completions of 175 yards with 17.5 yards/completion. The Richardson sack was also a fumble that was recovered by Houston. For the Colts, they drop to 4-4 on the season. 

CJ Stroud hit 25 of 37 passes for 285 yards with a touchdown pass to Tank Dell in the game. Joe Mixon had 25 carries for 102 yards with a touchdown as well. Stefon Diggs had five catches for 81 yards in the game with a 49-yard gain as the longest in the game. Dalton Schultz had four catches for 52 yards for his contribution to National Tight End's Day. Houston had 363 total yards in the game. This game was a reminder of their Week 1 game as both teams kept it close all game but would be a same result of a Texans win. For the Texans, it is a big win as they improve to 6-2 but also have a short week as they this Thursday. 

Next week:

Indianapolis: @ Minnesota (Sunday night)

Houston: @ NY Jets (Thursday night)

TW: 3-3

NY Jets 22, New England 25

Pick: Jets

The Patriots upset the Jets despite losing Drake Maye. Aaron Rodgers hit 17 of 28 passes for 233 yards with two touchdowns in the first half. The first went to Tyler Conklin for his contribution to National Tight End's Day. The 2nd went to Xavier Gipson on a 1-yard toss play to the right. Breece Hall had 16 carries for 80 yards in the game. Braelon Allen had 12 carries for 32 yards with a touchdown that would also lead to a missed point after. Greg Zuerlein would miss one other one in the game. Garrett Wilson had five catches for 113 yards in the game and had the longest play for the Jets for a 35-yard gain. New York had 336 total yards of offense in the game. The Jets story in this game was a mistakes on offense and special teams. The offense seemed so sloppy during the first part of the first half to the point where they had to burn three timeouts before halftime. For the Jets, they drop to 2-6 on the season with their playoff hopes slipping away. 

Drake Maye started for the Patriots in this game. He hit 3 of his 6 passes for 23 yards and rushed for a 17-yard touchdown to get the scoring going for the Patriots. He had three rushes for 46 yards with a 18-yard run that would ultimately land him in the blue tent for a concussion. Jacoby Brissett hit 15 of 24 passes for 132 yards in the game. Rhamondre Stevenson had 20 carries for 48 yards in the game with two touchdowns that were the scores that would help get the Patriots over the hump. The 1-yard touchdown from Stevenson gave the Patriots the lead for good and even caught the 2-point conversion pass that gave the Patriots a 3-point lead with 22 seconds left. Kayshon Boutte had three catches for 46 yards with the 34-yard gain being the longest in the game for the Pats. The Patriots held on and never lost their swagger despite losing Maye to a concussion. The thing that got them going was a big punt return to start the 2nd half by Marcus Jones that would lead to the 2nd touchdown for Stevenson. For the Patriots, their six-game losing streak ends as they improve to 2-6 on the season. 

Next week:

NY Jets: vs Houston (Thursday night)
New England: @ Tennessee

TW: 3-4

Philadelphia 37, Cincinnati 17

Pick: Bengals

The Eagles go on a huge 2nd half run to topple the Eagles. Jalen Hurts would do all the offensive touchdowns in this game ash he hit 16 of 20 passes for 236 yards with a touchdown pass to Devonta Smith. Hurts as a runner had a big day as he had 10 carries for 37 yards with three touchdowns. Saquon Barkley would have a limited scoring role but he did get 22 carries for 108 yards but would have a lot of yardage in the game. Devonta Smith had six catches for 85 yards in the game with the longest play for Philadelphia for a 45-yard gain for a score. Philadelphia had 397 total yards in the game. It was a quiet day for the offense for the first half as their defense was on the field for 10 of the 15 minutes of the 1st quarter. They would reel off 27 points in the 2nd half. It was a game that was reminiscence of their run a couple of years ago with the Tush Push plays. For the Eagles, they get to 5-2 on the season.

Joe Burrow hit 26 of 37 passes for 234 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown went to Ja'Marr Chase on a play where Burrow directed his favorite target to go back inside and he made the catch. Chase Brown had 12 carries for 32 yards with a touchdown run of his own. His touchdown would be the last for the Bengals in the game. Mike Gesicki had seven catches for 73 yards in the game to be the leading receiver for the Bengals. The longest play for the Bengals was a pass play to Jermaine Burton for a 41-yard gain. Cincinnati had 280 yards of offense in the game. The lack of a defensive presence in the 2nd half and not putting up yards afterwards in the 2nd half doomed the Bengals in this game. For the Bengals, their three-game winning streak ends as they drop to 3-5.

Next week:

Philadelphia: vs Jacksonville
Cincinnati: vs Las Vegas

TW: 3-5

Tennessee 14, Detroit 52

Pick: Lions

A blowout for the Lions in Ford Field. Mason Rudolph started the game for the Titans. Mason Rudolph did what he could in the game as he hit 22 of 38 passes for 266 yards with a touchdown pass to Nick Westbrookikhine. Rudolph also threw two interceptions in the loss but did score a rushing touchdown in the game with 4 carries for 29 yards. Tony Pollard had 20 carries for 94 yards in the game. Calvin Ridley was the leading receiver for Tennessee with 10 catches for 143 yards and had the longest play for the Titans with 47-yard gain. Tennessee had 416 total yards in the game. The obvious reasons for the loss was that their defense couldn't stop Detroit and they couldn't really score touchdowns. Detroit's offense took advantage of turnovers as the Titans also had two fumbles as well as the interceptions. For the Titans, they drop to 1-6 on the season.

Jared Goff hit 12 of 15 passes for 85 yards with three touchdown passes. The Goff passes went to Brock Wright for his contribution to National Tight End's Day, Sam LaPorta and Kalif Raymond. David Montgomery played quarterback for a play and hit Amon Ra St. Brown for a score. Hendon Hooker saw some playtime in the blowout win as he hit 2 of 3 passes for six yards. Jahmyr Gibbs had 11 carries for 127 yards with a touchdown and had a 70-yard gain for the score that was the longest play for the Lions. David Montgomery had nine carries for 33 yards in the game. Sam LaPorta had six catches for 48 yards to be the leading receiver for the Lions. Detroit had 225 total yards in the game. Despite the small total yardage stat, the Lions took advantage of many Titans mistakes and kept it out of reach for most of the game. For the Lions, they improve to 6-1 on the season.

Next week:

Tennessee: vs New England
Detroit: @ Green Bay

TW: 4-5

New Orleans 8, LA Chargers 26

Pick: Chargers

No scorigami for this game. Spencer Rattler hit 12 of 24 passes for 156 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Jake Haener had 9 of 17 passes for 122 yards with the same result. Taysom Hill had a pass attempt that yielded in a 3-yard completion. Alvin Kamara had 10 carries for 67 yards. Chris Olave had eight catches for 107 yards to be the leading receiver for the Saints. Alvin Kamara did have a pass catch that yielded in the longest gain for the game on a 37-yard play. The Saints would have a safety on a JK Scott play that was regained in the endzone. Bailey Grupe hit 2 of 3 field goals in the game to get to the eight points. New Orleans had 366 total yards in the game. The lack of offense was the key to this game as the Chargers just made their team look like a 2nd division team. For the Saints, they drop to 2-6 as they have lost six straight games. 

Justin Herbert hit 20 of 32 passes for 279 yards with two touchdowns to Ladd McConkey. JK Dobbins had 17 carries for 57 yards with a touchdown. Ladd McConkey finally got his breakout game as he caught six passes for 111 yards and had the longest play for the Chargers with a 60-yard gain. Herbert had the longest run play for the Chargers with a 38-yard gain. Los Angeles had 378 yards of offense in the game. The Chargers won the game by really putting on a balanced gameplan with a big dose of passing. Obviously Ladd McConkey was going to be the key part as the wide out hadn't quite made it in the NFL at that point. For the Chargers, they get to 4-3 on the season. 

Next week:

New Orleans: @ Carolina

LA Chargers: @ Cleveland

TW: 5-5

Buffalo 31, Seattle 10

Pick: Bills

Josh Allen, James Cook eat Seahawk in Seattle. Josh Allen hit 24 of 34 passes for 283 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Keon Coleman had the one touchdown and Dalton Kincaid had the other touchdown for a contribution to National Tight End's Day. James Cook had 17 carries for 111 yards with two touchdowns. Khalil Shakir had nine catches for 107 yards receiving. Shakir had the longest play for the Bills from a 35-yard gain as a pass. Buffalo had 445 total yards in the game. The big factor of the game was the offense being on the field for a lot of time as they held the ball for 38:03 of ball possession. Them converting on 3rd down was also a factor as they had 8 of 15 conversions. For the Bills, they improve to 6-2 with a good lead in the AFC East.

Geno Smith hit 21 of 29 passes for 212 yards with an interception. Seattle's running game wouldn't find much traction as Geno Smith was the leading rusher with five carries for 16 yards. Kenneth Walker managed to get just 12 yards on nine carries. Jaxon-Smith Njigba had six catches for 69 yards in the game. The longest play for the Seahawks was a pass connection from Smith to AJ Barner for a 20-yard gain. Seattle managed to get 233 total yards in the game. A lack of a running game and not being able to sustain drives was really the big thing for the Seahawks in this one. A lack of defense has been a big thing for Seattle this season. For the Seahawks, they drop to 4-4 on the season.

Next week:

Buffalo: vs Miami
Seattle: vs LA Rams

TW: 6-5

Carolina 14, Denver 28

Pick: Broncos

Bryce Young made it back to the game as they lost again to the Broncos. Young hit 24 of 37 passes for 224 yards with two touchdowns but also had two interceptions in the game. Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette were the players that caught the passes by Young for scores. Chuba Hubbard had 15 carries for 56 yards in the game. The longest play for the Panthers was a 29-yard pass play that went to Jalen Coker. The Panthers in this game was a mess on offense as they converted 5 of 14 3rd down conversions and had converted one of four in 4th down. For the Panthers, they drop to 1-7 on the season.

Bo Nix did all of the offense in the game. The passer hit 28 of 37 passes for 284 yards with three touchdowns and rushed into the endzone for a score. Nate Adkins, Jaleel McLaughlin and Adam Trautman had the catches for scores from Nix. Jaleel McLaughlin was the leading rusher for the Broncos with eight carries for 47 yards. Cortland Sutton had eight catches for 100 yards. He and Adam Trautman had the longest plays for the Broncos with 37-yard gains. Denver had 400 total yards in the game. Their scoring came in the 2nd quarter where they reeled off 21 points and 7 points in the 3rd quarter. The Denver defense would put the clamp on the Panthers as they only scored in the 1st and 4th quarters. For the Broncos, they get to 5-3 on the season as they head to Baltimore.

Next week:

Carolina: vs New Orleans
Denver: @ Baltimore

TW: 7-5

Chicago 15, Washington 18

Pick: Bears

It was the Landover Miracle. Caleb Williams hit 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards in the game. Dandre Swift had 18 carries for 129 yards with a touchdown. The touchdown was the longest play in the game for the Bears on a 56-yard rush. Roschon Johnson had the other touchdown for a rushing score. Rome Odunze had three catches for 41 yards in the game. It was a close game but the game might've came down to a Bears play that originally was supposed to go to Teven Jenkins for a score but was a fumble. It was a play that maybe was meant as a tribute to William "Refrigerator" Perry who scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XX against the Patriots. Sadly Perry didn't fumble in the big game. Chicago had 307 total yards in the game. For the Bears, they drop to 4-3 on the season.

Jayden Daniels had 21 of 38 passes completed for 326 yards for a touchdown pass to Noah Brown. More on that touchdown play in a moment. Brian Robinson Jr had 16 carries for 65 yards in the game. Austin Ekeler had seven carries for 52 yards with 29-yard gain being the longest running play for the Commanders. Terry McLaurin had five catches for 125 yards with a 61-yard gain being the longest play in the game. The play was in the first quarter. The hail mary play seemed like it lasted forever. Daniels scrambled to his right and left and tossed up a prayer. A Bears player knocked the ball up in the air and Noah Brown was in the right place at the right time and the Commanders get the win. The Commanders had 481 total yards in the game. For the Commanders, they improve to 6-2 on the season.

Next week:

Chicago: @ Arizona
Washington: @ NY Giants

TW: 7-6

Kansas City 27, Las Vegas 20

Pick: Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes and company got the win in Las Vegas. Mahomes hit 2 of 38 passes for 262 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The first went to his favorite target, Travis Kelce. The 2nd went to Xavier Worthy. Kareem Hunt had 21 carries for 59 yards for a touchdown. Travis Kelce had 10 catches for 90 yards in the game which also had the longest play for the Chiefs with a 25-yard gain. Praise his contribution to National Tight End's Day. Kansas City had 334 total yards in the game. For the Chiefs, they keep their undefeated streak going as they improve to 7-0.

Gardner Minshew had 24 of 30 passes for 209 yards with two touchdowns. Jakobi Meyers had one touchdown and DJ Turner had the other touchdown. Alexander Mattison had 14 carries for 15 yards in the game. Yikes. Brock Bowers had five catches for 58 yards for this game as his tribute to National Tight End's Day. Las Vegas had 228 total yards in the game. The lack of a running game was the big thing for the Raiders. They had a better game from Gardner Minshew who had zero interceptions in the game. It also means that Patrick Mahomes has never lost in Allegiant Stadium, including Super Bowl LVIII last February. For the Raiders, they drop to 2-6 on the season.

Next week:

Kansas City: vs Tampa Bay (Monday night)
Las Vegas: @ Cincinnati

TW: 8-6

Dallas 24, San Francisco 30

Pick: Cowboys

Two NFC rivals match up in the Bay. Dak Prescott hit 25 of 38 passes for 243 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Both of them went to Cee Dee Lamb. Cee Dee Lamb had a game as he caught 13 passes for 146 yards. It was his first 100+ yard game receiving this season. Ezekiel Elliott had 10 carries for 34 yards with a touchdown of his own. Rico Dowdle would not play in this game due to an illness. Cee Dee Lamb had the longest play for the Cowboys on a 29-yard gain. Dallas had 292 total yards in the game. Despite the turnovers, the Cowboys had a chance to win the game. They had a lead at halftime so at least they can find solace in that. For the Cowboys, it is another loss as they drop to 3-4.

Brock Purdy hit 18 of 26 passes for 260 yards in the game. The quarterback passed for a touchdown and also ran into the endzone for a touchdown. George Kittle caught the pass as the founder of National Tight End's Day made his presence known in the game for a score. Isaac Guerendo had 14 carries for 85 yards with a touchdown. The longest run for the Niners was a one carry play by Ricky Pearsall for a 39-yard gain. George Kittle had six catches for 128 yards. Deebo Samuel, who was out last week due to a severe case of pneumonia, played in this game with four catches for 71 yards, 47 yards on one catch. San Francisco had 469 total yards in the game. The 49ers looked dead on offense for a while but a 3rd quarter performance yielded 21 points for the Red and Gold that would be the difference maker in this game. The 49ers would hold off a Cowboys march late in the 4th quarter and they win. For the 49ers, they get a needed bye with a 4-4 record.

Next week:

Dallas: @ Atlanta
San Francisco: Bye

TW: 8-7

NY Giants 18, Pittsburgh 26

Pick: Steelers

The Giants had a solid game for the most part. he hit 24 of 38 passes for 264 yards with an interception. Tyrone Tracy Jr. had 145 yards rushing on 20 carries with a touchdown. Darius Slayton had four catches for 108 yards in the game. It was a game for the Giants kicker to get a bit of a workout as Greg Joseph had four of four field goals in the game. The Giants had 394 total yards in the game. It feels lke the reason why they lost was because of TJ Watt but I think the offense just couldn't get anything going. For the Giants, they drop to 2-6 on the season and play against Washington.

Russell Wilson had 20 of 28 passes completed for 278 yards with a touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III. Austin III would get a punt return for a score as well in the game. Najee Harris had 19 carries for 114 yards in the game. George Pickens had four catches for 74 yards in the game. He had the longest play for the Steelers which was a 43-yard gain on a play. Pittsburgh had 426 total yards in the game. The big thing for the Steelers was their offense keeping themselves in this one. For the Steelers, they improve to 6-2 on the season with a bye next week.

Next week:

NY Giants: vs Washington
Pittsburgh: Bye

TW: 9-7

Records

2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 3-11

Week 6: 13-1

Week 7: 13-2

Week 8: 9-7

Total: 82-41

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111

See you all on Wednesday/Thursday for the Week 8 Picks post! Enjoy your week!

-Tom