NFL 2019 Week 5 Recap

Hello readers! The fifth week of the National Football League's regular season ended. The week that was brought some drama, some surprises, and some games that weren't surprises. The surprises might've costed me big in terms of picks this week, we shall have to see how much damage there was as well as if Cardinal Viking beat me this week. In this post, I'll talk about a rather chilly NFL 100 spotlight, and a recap of the games.

NFL 100: A Spotlight

This past Sunday was the 27th all-time meeting between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. The two teams throughout their history have produced some great games. Games like, Rodgers to Cooks, The Dez Catch Game in 2015, or Favre vs The Triplets matchups in the 1990's. By the time the two teams met in the 5th overall meeting, the rivalry would be etched into NFL lore. 

Head coaches Tom Landry and Vince Lombardi were assistant head coaches for Jim Lee Howell of the New York Giants in the 1950's. Landry was the defensive coordinator while Lombardi was the offensive coordinator. Lombardi left a powerhouse in the Giants for the head coaching job at Green Bay in 1959. Landry would leave the Giants to become the first head coach of the Cowboys in 1960. The two coaches played in games that were mostly dominated by Green Bay but by the mid 1960's the Cowboys were starting to catch up. The first meaningful matchup was the 1966 NFL Championship game held in the Cotton Bowl. Lombardi would outlast his counterpart in a 34-27 game, en route to a Green Bay victory in Super Bowl I. 

The Packers 1967 campaign was a harder road to travel. They lost Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung to the expansion draft, they lost many key people to injury throughout the regular season, and age was starting to catch up to the Packers. The Packers finished the year with a 9-4-1 record. 

The 1967 Dallas Cowboys season remained as a building off of the year before. They finished the year with a 9-5 record under the arm of Don Meredith and a powerful running game. They held a 7-2 record before finishing the season winning two of their last five games. 

The NFL that year moved to a 4-team, four division, two conference system where the winners of the four divisions would play in the playoffs. There was the Eastern Conference that had the Capitol and Century divisions, and the Western Conference that had the Coastal and Central divisions. The four division winners were: Dallas (Capitol), Cleveland (Century), Green Bay (Central), and Los Angeles (Coastal). The Packers would beat the Rams 28-7 at Milwaukee County Stadium and the Cowboys beat the Browns 52-14 at the Cotton Bowl. 

The game was played on December 31st 1967, the place was Lambeau Field. It would be the coldest New Years Eve in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The game itself would be dubbed the Ice Bowl because of its adverse weather conditions. The weather that day was sunny with a -15 (-26 celsius) temperature at kickoff. The temperature would get to around -12 but the weather conditions would deteriorate as the game would go on. There was a tarpaulin put in around the field that was removed before gametime. The $80,000 heating coil system underneath the field would malfunction and while there was moisture on the field, the field would succumb to the cold and crust over as the game would go on. 

Green Bay would strike first, with some help from two Dallas penalties, on a 8-yard pass play from Bart Starr to Boyd Dowler, giving the Packers a 7-0 lead. The Packers drive was a 16-play, 83 yard drive that included a 17-yard reception from Starr to Donny Anderson. It was the only scoring in the first quarter. 

The Packers scoring would continue after a defensive stop. The drive included a 13-yard run from Ben Wilson and a six-yard run from Travis Williams before Bart Starr found Boyd Dowler again for a 43-yard score giving Green Bay a 14-0 lead. 

Dallas' famed Doomsday Defense would step up and cause two turnovers that would lead to 10 points for Dallas. George Andrie would cause a Starr fumble that would end in a seven-yard touchdown. Dallas would recover another turnover on a Willie Wood fumble that would end up with a Cowboys field goal that would cut the lead to 14-10 Packers at halftime. 

While there was no scoring in the 3rd quarter, the Cowboys would finally have some success in sustaining drives as they had yet to get a first down on an offensive drive. The Packers just didn't find ways to close out Dallas for good. The obvious homefield advantage of playing in the cold wasn't totally an advantage when its colder than hell. 

Dallas would finally have an offensive touchdown on a 50-yard pass play from Dan Reeves to Lance Rentzel on a halfback option play. The Packers defense wasn't ready for it. It was the first play in the 4th quarter giving Dallas a 17-14 lead. The Packers had a chance to tie the game with a Don Chandler field goal, but would miss from 40 yards.

Dallas would get two first downs before the Packers defense held its ground on the Cowboys 38-yard line, forcing Dallas to punt on 4th down. Willie Wood recovered the punt for a nine-yard gain. The ball was spotted at the 32-yard line with 4:50 left on the clock. The wind chill was now at -50 Farenheit with both teams under fatigue and the field conditions deteriorating. 

The first play was a six-yard pass from Starr to Anderson. Recent acquisition Chuck Mercein would gain seven yards on a run play to the Packers 43 yard line. Bart Starr found Boyd Dowler for a 13-yard pass play to the Dallas 44 yard line. Dowler would leave the field after a Cornell Green tackle, Max McGee would replace him. An attempted halfback option from Donny Anderson resulted in a nine-yard loss. Anderson would answer back with a 12-yard and a nine-yard pass plays that moved the ball to the Dallas 30-yard line. Chuck Mercein would get a reception that resulted in a 20-yard gain to the Dallas 11-yard line. Mercein would again find an open spot on 54-Give, a play that made Dallas linebacker Bob Lilly follow Gale Gillingham. Lombardi called it "the sucker play," the result was a eight-yard run to the Dallas 3-yard line. Donny Anderson would attempt to get into the endzone but was stopped short on the Cowboys 1-yard line. Anderson attempted twice to get into the endzone. With 3rd and Goal looming, the Packers called their final timeout, with 16 seconds left. 

The play was Brown Right 31 Wedge, a run play that was designed to be given to Chuck Mercein, but to some Packers players, they knew that Starr would keep the ball. It was a risky play, if the Packers failed they would have a clock that was counting down as they used their final timeout, and there was no guarantee that the Packers could get a play off in time on 4th down. Success on the play would be determined on a double team. Once the play got off, right guard Jerry Kramer and center Ken Bowman made a key block on Jethro Pugh that would give Starr enough space to give the Packers a 20-17 lead. Don Chandler would get the extra point that would give the Packers the 21-17 lead. The Packers were once again NFL Champions for the 3rd consecutive year, their 11th overall. 

Super Bowl II would end up being a cake walk for the Packers who would romp on the AFL's Oakland Raiders 33-14, giving the Packers their 2nd Super Bowl championship. Bart Starr would win his 2nd consecutive Super Bowl MVP. The game was the end of an era in Green Bay and the beginning of futility would result in two playoff appearances from 1968 to 1991. 

In the aftermath, the game would be Vince Lombardi's last home playoff win as Super Bowl II would be his last win in his career with Green Bay. Green Bay would return to the playoffs in 1972 but would lose to the eventual NFC champion Washington Redskins. They made an appearance in the "Playoff Bowl" in 1982 getting a playoff win against the St. Louis Cardinals before losing to the Dallas Cowboys. Their fortunes wouldn't change until 1992 when Mike Holmgren and Brett Favre entered the scene, and the rest is history. 

For the Cowboys they would return to the playoffs in 1968 and 1969 but would lose to the Cleveland Browns. In 1970, they made their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl V but would lose to the Baltimore Colts. They finally got the monkey off their back with a victory in Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins, giving Dallas their first championship. They would be a force to be reckoned with ever since. 

While most of the original CBS broadcast of the Ice Bowl is lost to time, the original radio broadcast of the game still very much exists. The video I'm including has footage of the game for the NFL's Game of the Week, the audio features the radio talents of Ted Moore and Chuck Johnson of WTMJ, the Packers flagship network, with some audio of the Cowboys radio broadcast of KLIF featuring Bill Mercer and Blackie Sherrod. 

Week 5 Recap:

LA Rams 29, Seattle 30: TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The game itself was less dependent on Jared Goff's arm but the Rams defense has to be certainly suspect now. Jared Goff threw the ball for 395 yards for a touchdown and an interception. Todd Gurley was more involved in the game, getting 51 rush yards for two touchdowns. Russell Wilson had the game of his life, completing 17 of 23 passes for 268 yards for four touchdowns. Chris Carson had 118 yards from the ground for zero touchdowns. The game came down to a missed field goal from Greg Zuerlein. It was a 44-yard attempt. 

All-time series: Seahawks lead series 24-19

Next week: LA Rams: vs San Francisco; Seattle: @ Cleveland

TW: 0-1; CV: 0-1

Chicago 21, Oakland 24: TW: Bears; CV: Bears

The game was a surprise to most as the classic Bears defense was supposed to stomp out the Raiders offense. Chase Daniel threw the ball for 231 yards for two touchdowns and two interceptions. David Montgomery could only muster 25 yards from the ground. Derek Carr would throw for 229 yards for zero touchdowns but it would be Josh Jacobs who would run over the Bears defense, getting 123 yards from the ground for two touchdowns. The Raiders are a good road team, in spite that they had to go play the game in England. 

All-time series: Raiders lead series 8-7

Next week: Chicago: Bye week; Oakland: Bye week

TW: 0-2; CV: 0-2

Buffalo 14, Tennessee 7: TW: Titans; CV: Bills

The "Titans Picking Carousel" continues. I pick the Titans, they lose, when I pick against them, they win. Josh Allen had a bounceback game with 217 yards from the air for two touchdowns and an interception. Frank Gore put up some good numbers with 60 rushing yards. Marcus Mariota could only get 183 yards passing for zero touchdowns. Derrick Henry would get the only touchdown for the Titans on a 1-yard play, giving him 78 yards from the ground. Seriously, Fuck Tennessee! 

All-time series: Titans lead series 28-19

Next week: Buffalo: bye week; Tennessee: @ Denver

TW: 0-3; CV: 1-2

Jacksonville 27, Carolina 34: TW: Jaguars; CV: Panthers

I probably drank too much of the Minshewmania kool-aid (probably had too many hairs from Minshew's mustache) but the Jaguars couldn't stop the McCaffrey machine. Gardner Minshew threw the ball for 374 yards for two touchdowns. Leonard Fournette had another 100-yard plus rushing day with 108 yards for a touchdown. Kyle Allen for the Panthers threw the ball for 181 yards for a touchdown. It would be Christian McCaffrey's 176 rushing yards and 61 receiving yards (2 rushing touchdowns and 1 receiving touchdown) that would give the Panthers the edge in the game. He has to be in the MVP consideration. Let alone being a fantasy football star!

All-time series: Panthers lead series 4-3

Next week: Jacksonville: vs New Orleans; Carolina: vs Tampa Bay (London)

TW: 0-4; CV: 2-2

New England 33, Washington 7: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

The Redskins kept this to a close game but eventually the Patriots got this to a score that most people thought they would get to. Tom Brady threw the ball for 348 yards for three touchdowns and an interception. Sony Michel was the leading rusher for the Patriots with 91 yards and a touchdown. Colt McCoy started for the Redskins but wouldn't amount to much with 119 passing yards for zero touchdowns and an interception. Steven Sims would score the only Redskins touchdown on a 65-yard running play. 

All-time series: Redskins lead series 6-5

Next week: New England: vs NY Giants; Washington: @ Miami

TW: 1-4; CV: 3-2

Arizona 26, Cincinnati 23: TW: Bengals; CV: Cardinals

Kyler Murray got his first win in his career in the epicest of of epic Toilet Bowl games. I made up that word by the way. Kyler Murray finished the game with 253 yards for zero touchdowns while throwing zero interceptions. He also ran the ball for 91 yards with a touchdown and Chase Edmonds ran the ball for 68 yards for a touchdown as well. Andy Dalton had a better game with 262 yards passing for two touchdowns. Joe Mixon got 93 yards on the ground for the Bengals. The game came down to a Zane Gonzalez 31-yard field goal that gave the Cards a win. 

All-time series: Series tied 6-6

Next week: Arizona: vs Atlanta; Cincinnati: @ Baltimore

TW: 1-5; CV: 4-2

Minnesota 28, NY Giants 10: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings

The Vikings offense got back on the right foot against an average Giants defense. Kirk Cousins threw for 306 yards for two touchdowns. Dalvin Cook ran the ball for 132 yards for zero touchdowns. The Vikings would also score on a safety. Daniel Jones threw the ball for 182 yards for a touchdown and an interception. The Giants didn't get much help from their running backs as Jon Hilliman was the leading rusher for 20 yards. At least one Minnesota named team can beat a New York named team (sorry Twins fans, I had to do it). 

All-time series: Vikings lead series 17-12

Next week: Minnesota: vs Philadelphia; NY Giants: @ New England

TW: 2-5; CV: 5-2

Baltimore 26, Pittsburgh 23 (F/OT): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

A rivalry was reborn today. The game was a classic Baltimore-Pittsburgh battle, with tough defense and scoring not by the 50's. Lamar Jackson had 161 yards passing with a touchdown and three interceptions. He also had 70 rushing yards. Mark Ingram got a touchdown while running the ball for 44 yards. Before he left the game in the 3rd quarter after a vicious hit from Earl Thomas, Mason Rudolph threw the ball for 131 yards for a touchdown. James Conner got 55 rushing yards for a touchdown. Craig Boswell would hit three field goals in the game. Justin Tucker would score the game-winning field goal in overtime on a 46-yard field goal. 

All-time series: Steelers lead series: 28-23

Next week: Baltimore: vs Cincinnati; Pittsburgh: @ LA Chargers

TW: 2-6; CV: 5-3

Atlanta 32, Houston 53: TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The game lacked defense but for those who enjoy high-scoring games, then this was the cream of the crop. Matt Ryan threw for 330 yards for three touchdowns and an interception. The Falcons running attack was somewhat limited in the game as Devonta Freeman would only get 30 yards on 11 carries. DeShaun Watson however had a really good game with 426 yards passing with five touchdowns. Carlos Hyde got some scoring with a rushing touchdown as well as his 60 yards rushing for the game. The Falcons managed to keep DeAndre Hopkins at bay but they forgot to cover Will Fuller who had 217 receiving yards for three touchdowns. Ouch Atlanta.

All-time series: Texans lead series 3-2

Next week: Atlanta: @ Arizona; Houston: @ Kansas City

TW: 3-6; CV: 6-3

Tampa Bay 24, New Orleans 31: TW: Saints; CV: Buccaneers

Any chance of Teddy Bridgewater faltering back to sub-par play was diminished in this one. Jameis Winston threw the ball for 204 yards for two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Ronald Jones was the leading rusher for the Bucs with 35 but Peyton Barber would get 32 yards rushing and a touchdown. Teddy Bridgewater threw the ball for 314 yards for four touchdowns and an interception. Alvin Kamara provided some spark in the running game with his 62 yards from the ground. I started the Saints defense in fantasy, but much like most of this week, it was a dud.

All-time series: Saints lead series 34-21

Next week: Tampa Bay: vs Carolina (London); New Orleans: @ Jacksonville

TW: 4-6; CV: 6-4

NY Jets 6, Philadelphia 31: TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The Eagles kept it close for the first half but began to not toy with its prey and put the beating that most people figured they would. Luke Falk started for New York who would throw for 120 yards for two interceptions. Le'Veon Bell was the leading rusher for them with 43 but it would be Vyncent Smith who would get New York out of their touchdown drought on a trick play. Carson Wentz threw the ball for 189 yards for a touchdown. Jordan Howard got 62 yards from the ground with a touchdown.

All-time series: Eagles lead series 11-0

Next week: NY Jets: vs Dallas; Philadelphia: @ Minnesota

TW: 5-6; CV: 7-4

Denver 20, LA Chargers 13: TW: Chargers; CV: Broncos

The Chargers were off in this game, not sure why though. Denver did well on both sides of the ball and took turnover opportunities to heart. Joe Flacco had 182 yards for a touchdown and an interception. Philip Lindsey had 114 yards rushing for a touchdown. Philip Rivers could only muster 211 yards passing for two interceptions, zero touchdowns mind you. Melvin Gordon returned to the Chargers with 31 yards rushing. Maybe the Chargers defense is not as good as we thought.

All-time series: Broncos lead series: 67-52-1

Next week: Denver: vs Tennessee; LA Chargers: vs Pittsburgh

TW: 5-7; CV: 8-4

Green Bay 34, Dallas 24: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys

In my defense, I thought the Cowboys offense would play angry but instead they reverted back to their last week play. Aaron Rodgers would throw the ball for 238 yards for zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. It would be Aaron Jones that provided the offense for the Packers, with 107 yards rushing for four touchdowns. Dak Prescott would throw the ball for 463 yards for two interceptions and three interceptions. Ezekiel Elliot would run the ball for 12 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. Should've picked Green Bay if the Cowboys laid an egg.

All-time series: Packers lead series: 20-17

Next week: Green Bay: vs Detroit (Monday night); Dallas: @ NY Jets

TW: 5-8; CV: 8-5

Indianapolis 19, Kansas City 13: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

The Colts got their revenge on the Chiefs. Jacoby Brissett played game manager with his 151 yards passing with an interception. Marlon Mack ran the ball all over the Chiefs defense with 132 yards though Brissett would score the only offensive touchdown for Indy. Patrick Mahomes still managed to put up 321 yards passing for a touchdown. The Chiefs running game got not much going as Damien Williams got 23 yards rushing.

All-time series: Colts lead series 17-10

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

TW: 5-9; CV: 8-6

Cleveland 3, San Francisco 31: TW: Browns; CV: 49ers

Matt Breida got things going a couple of minutes into the game and the 49ers didn't let up. Baker Mayfield had a pretty pitiful game with 100 yards passing and two interceptions. Nick Chubb had a good game with 87 yards rushing. Austin Seibert would get the only points for the Browns with a field goal. Jimmy Garoppolo had 181 yards passing for two touchdowns. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman combined for 211 rushing yards for two touchdowns. Oh Browns, even when you try to do some good, you fail. It hurts.

All-time series: Browns lead series 12-7

Next week: Cleveland: vs Seattle; San Francisco: @ LA Rams

TW: 5-10; CV: 9-6

The Records (By Week & Year):

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

Week 5: 9-6

Overall: 47-30-1

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

Week 5: 5-10

Overall: 46-31-1

See you guys on Wednesday for the Week 6 Picks! 

-Tom 

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 Week 5 Picks

Hello readers! The time has come again for week 5 picks. The week that was week 4 has passed on with intriguing matchups, some upsets, some blowouts, and some games that came down to the final seconds.

The month of October is every exciting for sports fans in the United States and this year is no different. You have the National Football League regular season in full swing, Major League Baseball getting their playoffs starting (writing this before the NL Wild Card game, Rockies vs Diamondbacks), the National Hockey League starting their regular season (opening night is tonight as I'm writing this 10/4), and the National Basketball Association starting their regular season early on October 17th. Not also to mention that soccer fans get to enjoy the European leagues as well.

Last Sunday going into Monday morning, the nation witnessed a tragic event in Las Vegas. At the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas a shooter would open fire at a concert taking place in the hotel, killing 50+ people, while injuring 500 people at the event. As you read this please keep the victims of this horrifying event in your hearts and minds. Remember that love conquers hate, no matter what.

On Monday, the world also lose a legend in music, Tom Petty. Tom Petty best known for his musicianship as the frontman of his band: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers suffered a full cardiac arrest and would die later after making the decision to be pulled off of life support. The rocker was only 66 years old. In keeping with his memory, here's a cool video of one of his best known songs:

Before last week's action transpired me and Cardinal Viking (my roommate) were 1-1-1 on picks. The week that was Week 4 would prove to be much of the same in terms of record for the both of us. Some games went my way, some games went his way. Let's take a look at our records for the past week:

My record:

11-5 (I picked Dallas and the Rams won in an upset, and I picked the Cardinals to win against the Niners)

Cardinal Viking's record: 

11-5 (He picked the Rams to beat the Cowboys, and he picked the Niners to beat the Cardinals)

So after four weeks of NFL action, we would tie yet again with a record of 1-1-2. The both of us picked the Patriots to beat the Panthers (sorry for doubting you Cam Newton). We picked the Packers to beat the Bears (sorry not sorry Bears fans). 

With a quarter of the season over, week 5 will be the first of many weeks for teams going on a bye week. The Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and Denver Broncos will be going on a bye week for this week. The 14-game slate begins in Tampa, Florida and will end in Chicago, Illinois. There will be a Thursday night game, 8 early games, 3 late games, a Sunday Night Football game, and a Monday Night game. HERE ARE THE PICKS:

New England @ Tampa Bay: Patriots. The Patriots come off a loss against the Panthers, while the Buccaneers got the win against the Giants. I feel the Patriots will have a bounceback game against the Buccaneers. The Bucs have still key injuries on the defensive side of the ball, and Brady is hungry. 

Arizona @ Philadelphia: Eagles. Both teams come off wins as the Eagles beat the Chargers, and the Cardinals beat the Niners in overtime. The game will be a tight one I feel but when it comes down to it which Quarterback will come up big for their teams. 

Buffalo @ Cincinnati: Bengals. The two teams are coming off wins as the Bengals beat the Browns, and the Bills beat the Falcons. Tyrod Taylor of the Bills looks good so far this season, and the Bengals offense looks like they're back on track. The game may come down to the defenses, and which defense comes up with the most stops. Vegas pens this game as the Bengals as the favorite by -3, which I can't disagree. The Bengals get the win. 

Carolina @ Detroit: Panthers. The two teams in blue and white look to get wins in this game. The Lions won a tough game against the division rival Vikings, and the Panthers got their biggest win of the season beating the Patriots at home (which doesn't happen all that often). I'll be riding on the Panthers bandwagon for this game, and hopefully my renewed faith in Cam Newton will be rewarded. 

Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh: Steelers. The Jaguars roll into the Steel City to take on the Steelers. The Jaguars lost to the Jets on the road, and the Steelers got the bounceback win against the Ravens on the road. Did you know that the Jaguars last playoff win was against the Steelers at Heinz Field. That was in 2007 in the AFC wild card game. That was the past, and this is now/future. Steelers get the win. 

LA Chargers @ NY Giants: Tie... just kidding... Giants. The 2 of the 4 winless teams meet up this week as the Phillip Rivers-led Chargers roll into New Jersey to take on the Giants. This game normally would give me the heebie jeebies but I feel that Alexandra Daddario would take the Giants. I can't disagree with her. 

NY Jets @ Cleveland: Browns. The Jets came off a win against the Jaguars at home last week, while the Browns got curbstomped by their Ohio neighbors, the Bengals. This game normally would be the feel of a "Toilet Bowl" game but the Jets somehow have the same record as the Patriots. The people down at Las Vegas as of right now pen this as a pick 'em as both teams neither are the favorite or the underdog. That doesn't spell well for the Jets, but neither does the Browns. Alexandra Daddario's gut would probably be with the Jets, but I'll go against her on this one and pick the Browns. Is it sad that I have to have Daddario be on this column twice this week already?

San Francisco @ Indianapolis: Niners. Both teams come off losses last week. The Niners lost a heartbreaker to the Cardinals in overtime, and the Colts lost to the Seahawks on Sunday night. The game really could come down to a shootout but the game is putting the Colts as a favorite by 1.5 points. I'll go against Vegas and stick with the Niners who could get their first win of the season. 

Tennessee @ Miami: The... Titans. The final game in the early slate puts the Titans and the Dolphins together on the same field. Both teams came off bad losses as the Titans lost to the Texans, Dolphins to the Saints in London. Marcus Mariota will be out of this game and the Titans signed Brandon Weeden to start for this game (somehow a one-legged Colin Kaepernick could play better, oh well) and Jay Cutler is still considered to be a starting quarterback. The game looks awful on paper but I'd rather take the Titans, I hope it ends in a tie or a win for the Titans. Just awful.

Baltimore @ Oakland: Raiders. Both teams came off losses against division rivals. The Ravens lost to the Steelers, and the Raiders lost to the Broncos. The good news is that for the Raiders Derek Carr will miss some time this season, and not the whole season. The Raiders backup E.J. Manuel proved to be a decent backup last week, and the Raiders should win against a bad Ravens team. 

Seattle @ LA Rams: Rams. Both teams got good wins last week. The Rams upset the favorited Cowboys at home, and the Seahawks won against the Colts. The Rams are looking to be the biggest story of the season so far, and I feel bad for picking against them last week. Here's a little perspective for you: I turn 29 in November, and Rams Head Coach, Sean McVay, is 31 years old. He must command a lot of respect in that locker room. Keep rolling. 

Green Bay @ Dallas: Packers. The marquee game of the week comes as the Packers take on the Cowboys at home in a rematch of the NFC divisional playoff game. The Packers look back to form last week against the Bears for the win, and the Cowboys came off a loss to the Rams. The game will be quite entertaining and should live up to the hype that it did in the playoffs last season. Go Pack Go!

Kansas City @ Houston: Chiefs. The Sunday Night Football matchup features the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs on the road to take on the Houston Texans. Both teams came off wins last week as the Chiefs beat the Redskins, and the Texans hung 57 points against the Titans. I like the Chiefs in this matchup as the Kareem Hunt vs Texans matchup will be key. The Texans are 14th in the league in rush defense. DeShaun Watson looked good but I feel that Alex Smith will have the last word in the game. 

Minnesota @ Chicago: Vikings. Both teams came off losses to their division rivals. The Vikings lost to the Lions, and the Bears to the Packers. The classic Black-And-Blue divison matchup will be prevalent in this game as divisional games always put more energy. The Vikings defense will keep them in the game as the Bears will feature Mitch Trubisky in his first NFL start as the Bears quarterback. The Vikings will win this game I feel regardless of whoever starts as QB for the Vikes. 

Local TV Schedule (via 506sports, subject to change):

CBS Single:
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh

Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon

FOX Early:

Arizona @ Philadelphia

Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

FOX Late:
Green Bay @ Dallas

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

For more on which game will be featured in your area go to NFL Week 5 TV Map 

Record:

Week 1: 10-5

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 11-5

Overall: 39-24

Cardinal Viking, my roommates record:

Week 1: 7-8

Week 2: 13-3

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 11-5

Overall: 39-24

See you guys next week! 

-Tom