NFL 2021 Week 5 Recap

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The week that was provided us: kickers had a rough week, the Jacksonville Jaguars losing 20 straight games, and a punter netting a 0 yard punt via being blocked by a fellow blocker. All those games and more in this week's recap post! Let's get to work!

Week 5 Recap

LA Rams 26, Seattle 17: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
Two quarterbacks had issues with their fingers in this game. Matthew Stafford was able to handle the discomfort from his throwing hand finger. Russell Wilson wasn't so fortunate. Matthew Stafford threw for 365 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in this game. It was a better game for Stafford in some aspects. The Rams running game had a solid game with Darnell Henderson rushed for 82 yards with a rushing touchdown. Sony Michel had 37 yards with a touchdown run as well. LA's defense wouldn't get a lot of pressure on Russell Wilson but Aaron Donald had five tackles and a sack. Russell Wilson threw for 152 yards with a touchdown and an interception before leaving the game with an injury to his throwing hand middle finger. Geno Smith would come in and provide 131 yards with a touchdown pass and threw an interception in the game. It would be his first touchdown pass since 2017. It will be likely that Russell Wilson will be out for a few weeks, it would be his first time with an injury. 

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Next week:
LA Rams: @ NY Giants
Seattle: @ Pittsburgh

NY Jets 20, Atlanta 27: TW: Falcons; CV: Jets
The fans at London were treated to two things: American football and the Atlanta Falcons nearly blowing a lead in the 4th quarter. Zach Wilson threw for 192 yards with an interception. Michael Carter would get 38 yards with a touchdown. Ty Johnson would get 12 yards with a rushing touchdown. New York's defense was a bright spot as Quinen Williams got two forced fumbles and CJ Mosley had one. Atlanta would get a great game from Matt Ryan. Ryan threw for 342 yards with two touchdown passes. Cordarrelle Patterson had a solid day with running the ball with 54 yards on 14 carries. Mike Davis had 53 yards with a touchdown on 13 carries. Kyle Pitts was the big target in this game with 119 yards receiving with a touchdown. Truly tea and crumpets were to be had in this game. 

TW: 2-0; CV: 1-1

Next week:
NY Jets: Bye week
Atlanta: Bye week

Denver 19, Pittsburgh 27: TW: Steelers; CV: Broncos
It was a return to the Steelers of old. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 288 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception in the game. The two touchdowns and interception would come late in the 4th quarter. Javonte Williams would get 61 yards rushing for the Broncos. Denver's defense would get an early turnover on a Ben Roethlisberger fumble by Malik Reed. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 253 yards with two touchdowns. One of them would come on a 50-yard passing touchdown to Diontae Johnson. Najee Harris would finally get his breakthrough game as he rushed for 122 yards with a touchdown on 23 carries. Chase Claypool would also have a great day with 130 yards receiving with a touchdown. His longest was from 59 yards. 

TW: 3-0; CV: 1-2

Next week:
Denver: vs Las Vegas
Pittsburgh: vs Seattle

Detroit 17, Minnesota 19: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
Oh Detroit, you were so close again. Jared Goff threw for 203 yards with an interception in the game. Detroit's running game was the bright spot for the Lions as Jamaal Williams rushed for 57 yards and Dandre Swift rushed for 51 yards with a rushing touchdown, giving Detroit their only offensive score in the game. The Swift touchdown would come in with 37 seconds left in the 4th quarter. Kirk Cousins threw for 275 yards with a touchdown pass and had an interception in the game. Alexander Mattison rushed for 113 yards as Dalvin Cook would be out again for this game. Vikings kicker Greg Joseph would hit the game-winning field goal from 54 yards as time expired in the game. Such a heartbreaker for the Lions as Dan Campbell had to fight back tears after the loss. 

TW: 4-0; CV: 2-2

Next week:
Detroit: vs Cincinnati
Minnesota: @ Carolina

Green Bay 25, Cincinnati 22 (F/OT): TW: Packers; CV: Bengals
Packers kicker Mason Crosby and Bengals kicker Evan McPherson would combine for 4 for 9 on field goal attempts in this game. Aaron Rodgers threw for 344 yards with 344 yards passing with two touchdowns and had an interception in the game. Aaron Jones had a good day with running the ball with 103 yards and AJ Dillon had 30 yards rushing. Mason Crosby had missed three field goals in the game but he would hit a 49-yard field goal to give the Packers the edge in the game. Joe Burrow threw for 281 yards with two touchdown passes with two interceptions in the game. Cincinnati would get some help on the ground with Samaje Perine running the ball with 59 yards rushing. Joe Mixon would get 33 yards with a touchdown. Ja'Marr Chase had 159 yards receiving with a touchdown. Honestly should've ended in a tie as both teams really didn't look like they should've won. 

TW: 5-0; CV: 2-3

Next week:
Green Bay: @ Chicago
Cincinnati: @ Detroit

Miami 17, Tampa Bay 45: TW: Bucccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Tom Brady came, Tom Brady saw, and Tom Brady conquered in a battle for Florida. Jacoby Brissett threw for 275 yards with two touchdown passes with an interception in the game. Myles Gaskin rushed for 25 yards in the game. Jerome Baker had seven tackles with a sack in the game for the Dolphins. Tom Brady threw for 411 yards with five touchdown passes. Leonard Fournette rushed for 67 yards with a touchdown run. Antonio Brown and Mike Evans had two touchdown pass receptions from Tom Brady each. Nothing much else to say, the sky is blue. 

TW: 6-0; CV: 3-3

Next week:
Miami: @ Jacksonville (at London)
Tampa Bay: @ Philadelphia

New England 25, Houston 22: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
It would be a rebound game for Davis Mills but then the Texans would Texan. Mac Jones would have 231 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in the game. Damien Harris rushed for 58 yards with a touchdown. Patriots kicker Nick Folk would have a rebound game from missing the game-winner last week against the Buccaneers. Folk would have a 4 for 4 day on field goals, including the game-winner from 21 yards. Davis Mills had a four-interception game against the Bills last week. This week he would have a better game with 312 yards with three touchdown passes. Mark Ingram would have 41 yards rushing for the game. One of the biggest moments in the game was when Texans punter Cameron Johnston's punt would bound off of Terrance Brook's helmet for a punt of zero yards. The Patriots would take advantage of the miscue by hitting a field goal that would cut the Texans lead to 10. 

TW: 7-0; CV: 4-3

Next week:
New England: vs Dallas
Houston: @ Indianapolis

New Orleans 33, Washington 22: TW: Football Team; CV: Saints
Of course the Saints would win when I pick against them. Jameis Winston had a bounceback game against Washington. He threw for 279 yards with four touchdowns and had an interception in the game. One of the touchdowns would come from a Hail Mary pass to Deonte Harris for a 72-yard score. Alvin Kamara would have a rebound game as well as he rushed for 71 yards with a touchdown run. He would also score a receiving touchdown to have 51 receiving yards in the game. Taylor Heinicke would not have a great game as he has had in previous games. The quarterback would throw for 248 yards with two interceptions in the game. Antonio Gibson's two rushing touchdowns on 60 yards rushing would give Washington some relevance in the game. 

TW: 7-1; CV: 5-3

Next week:
New Orleans: Bye week
Washington: vs Kansas City

Philadelphia 21, Carolina 18: TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers
With the turnovers that the Panthers, this game's score should've been way different. Jalen Hurts had 198 yards with an interception. Hurts would also rush for 30 yards with two touchdowns. Miles Sanders rushed for 45 yards for the Eagles. Jake Elliot would hit 2 of 2 field goals. Sam Darnold threw for 177 yards with a touchdown pass but would also have three interceptions for Carolina. Two of the interceptions would be picked off by Darius Slay. Chuba Hubbard had 101 yards rushing in the game for the Panthers. Good day for him on the ground in the absence of Christian McCaffrey. Carolina's defense would get a safety on a Jalen Hurts fumble. Carolina is 3-2 after a 3-0 start. Could the wheels be falling off a bit? Perhaps. 

TW: 7-2; CV: 5-4

Tennessee 37, Jacksonville 19: TW: Titans; CV: Titans
The Jaguars have lost 20 straight games, only the 2nd-longest losing streak to the 0-26 start that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had during the 1976-1977 seasons. Ryan Tannehill would have a rebound game from his poor performance against the Jets last week. He had 197 yards with a touchdown pass that would go to Mycole Pruitt on a 14-yard play. Derrick Henry would continue to do Derrick Henry things and get 130 yards rushing with three touchdowns on the ground. Trevor Lawrence threw for 273 yards with a touchdown and had an interception. James Robinson rushed for 149 yards with a touchdown run. His longest was from 58 yards. Trevor Lawrence rushed for 28 yards with a touchdown. I would honestly not be surprised if Urban Meyer either resigns or gets fired by not just the on the field performance but his off the field antics. That team looks lost and needs someone that will have the respect of that locker room. 

TW: 8-2; CV: 6-4

Next week:
Tennessee: vs Buffalo
Jacksonville: vs Miami (at London)

Chicago 20, Las Vegas 9: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
It was a defensive game but Justin Fields would get his first career touchdown pass in it. Fields finished the game with 111 yards passing with a touchdown on 12 completions. Khalil Herbert, not Khalil Mack, would rush for 75 yards in the game. Damien Williams rushed for 64 yards with a touchdown. Khalil Mack would return to face his former team on the road. The linebacker would tally seven tackles and a sack in the game. Derek Carr threw for 206 yards with an interception. Josh Jacobs would rush for 48 yards with a touchdown. Las Vegas's offense looked off and it might've been a factor with the recent story coming out of Jon Gruden's 2011 comments to NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith. Could it have been a factor perhaps. Could it be construed as being that, I would say yeah. 

TW: 8-3; CV: 6-5

Next week:
Chicago: vs Green Bay
Las Vegas: @ Denver

Cleveland 42, LA Chargers 47: TW: Browns; CV: Browns
I felt this game was going to be a dandy on the picks post and boy I wasn't wrong in this one. Baker Mayfield would play in the game despite having a harness on his left shoulder. The QB would have 305 yards passing with two touchdowns. Nick Chubb had a stellar day on the ground with 161 yards with a touchdown. His running mate Kareem Hunt rushed for 61 yards with two touchdowns. David Njoku was the leading receiver for Cleveland with 149 yards with a touchdown. Justin Herbert had 398 yards passing with four touchdowns. Austin Ekeler rushed for 66 yards with two touchdowns. Justin Herbert also rushed for 29 yards with a touchdown. Mike Williams was the leading receiver for LA with 165 yards with two touchdowns. Last time there was a 47-42 game was last year's Browns-Ravens game. 

TW: 8-4; CV: 6-6

Next week:
Cleveland: vs Arizona
LA Chargers: @ Baltimore

NY Giants 20, Dallas 44: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
Dak Prescott would come in and take care of business against the Giants. Daniel Jones would start for the Giants before leaving the game on a cart with a concussion. Mike Glennon would come in and throw for 196 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Saquon Barkley would also leave the game with an injury before rushing for nine yards. Devontae Booker rushed for 42 yards with a touchdown. Dak Prescott threw for 302 yards with three touchdowns but had an interception in the game. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 110 yards with a touchdown. Safe to say the Cowboys are playing well. 

TW: 9-4; CV: 7-6

Next week:
NY Giants: vs LA Rams
Dallas: @ New England

San Francisco 10, Arizona 17: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
Never thought the Cards would keep it tight for the 49ers to come within a touchdown. The former North Dakota State product Trey Lance would get his first NFL start. Lance threw for 192 yards with an interception. He would also rush for 89 yards in the game, his longest being a 15-yard run. Deebo Samuel would get the only touchdown for San Francisco on a 13-yard run. Kyler Murray threw for 239 yards with a touchdown pass. James Conner would get 29 yards with a touchdown run. Rondale Moore would get 38 yards rushing. Didn't also think the Cardinals would be the only undefeated team left in the NFL. 

TW: 10-4; CV: 8-6

Next week:
San Francisco: Bye week
Arizona: @ Cleveland

Buffalo 38, Kansas City 20: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills would see some measure of revenge over their defeat in the AFC Championship Game this past January. Josh Allen would throw for 315 yards with three touchdowns. He would also score a rushing touchdown while getting 59 yards. Patrick Mahomes would ultimately carry carry the Chiefs as he threw for 272 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 61 yards in the game. There was also a lightning delay during halftime. Safe to say the delay stopped the Buffalo Bills better than the Chiefs defense. 

TW: 11-4; CV: 9-6

Next week:
Buffalo: @ Tennessee
Kansas City: @ Washington

Indianapolis 25, Baltimore 31 (F/OT): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
It wasn't a pretty game for the Baltimore Ravens but they ended up coming out the winner in the end. One of the reasons why it wasn't pretty was the resurgence of Colts quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz threw for 402 yards with two touchdown passes. It was certainly one of his best games as a Colt. One of his touchdowns would come on a screen play to Jonathan Taylor that would go for a 76-yard touchdown. Jonathan Taylor would hit 53 yards rushing with a touchdown. Lamar Jackson threw for 442 yards with four touchdowns. He also rushed for 62 yards in the game. The game-winning touchdown would come on a 5-yard play to Marquise Brown. At one point the Colts were up 25-9 in the 4th quarter. 

TW: 12-4; CV: 10-6

Next week:
Indianapolis: vs Houston
Baltimore: vs LA Chargers

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4

Total: 48-32

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6

Total: 51-29

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

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 

Look out for the Week 6 Picks post sometime on Wednesday! See you then.

-Tom

NFL 2020 Week 5 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The week that was brought us some drama with the injury of Dak Prescott, the Raiders playing the underdog card to their advantage, and Tom Brady forgetting how to count which down it is. In this post I'll be recapping the week's games. Let's get to work!

Week 5 Recap

Tampa Bay 19, Chicago 20: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Nick Foles would got the better of Tom Brady in this one both in the score and in counting. Brady did fine in the game with a 253 passing yards with a touchdown. Ronald Jones had another great day on the ground game with 106 yards. You can blame it on Brady but you're not gonna win a lot of games with 114 yards in penalties. Nick Foles threw for 243 yards with a touchdown and threw and an interception. Devin Montgomery wouldn't need to put up a lot of rushing yards but he did get 29 yards with a touchdown. Allen Robinson had a solid day in receiving with 90 receiving yards. As much as I hate the Bears, they win ugly but a win is a win. 

Next week:
Tampa Bay: vs Green Bay; Chicago: @ Carolina

TW: 0-1; CV: 0-1

Jacksonville 14, Houston 30: TW: Texans; CV: Jaguars
The Texans got a win, finally. Gardner Minshew threw for 301 yards and threw for two touchdowns (the only two touchdowns for the Jags). James Robinson ran for 48 yards on 13 carries, decent game for him. The Jaguars had two turnovers that were fumbles, including a fumble that was in the redzone. DeShaun Watson threw for 359 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. The two interceptions didn't really hurt the Texans that much but still could've been a different game. David Johnson had a better day with 96 yards on the ground. Brandin Cooks had a great day with 161 receiving yards with a touchdown. 

Next week:
Jacksonville: vs Detroit; Houston: @ Tennessee

TW: 1-1; CV: 0-2

Cincinnati 3, Baltimore 27: TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
Poor Joe Burrow. Joe Burrow threw for 183 yards and threw an interception in the game. Joe Mixon ran for 59 yards but didn't run for a touchdown. Tee Higgins was the leading receiver for the Bengals with 62 yards. Cincinnati had three turnovers in the game with two fumbles and an interception. Joe Burrow had a rough time in pass protection as he was sacked seven times for 48 yards lost. Lamar Jackson threw for 180 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Mark Ingram ran for 57 yards but didn't score a touchdown. Malcolm Brown was the leading receiver for Baltimore with 77 yards with a touchdown. I knew the Bengals would have a hard time winning this game but to only score three points? Ouch. 

Next week:
Cincinnati: @ Indianapolis; Baltimore: @ Philadelphia

TW: 2-1; CV: 1-2

LA Rams 30, Washington 10: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The year has been crap but seeing Alex Smith return to the football field was definitely worthy of a feel good story. Jared Goff had a good day throwing the ball with 309 yards with two touchdowns but threw an interception in the game. Cam Akers ran the ball with 61 yards while Darrell Henderson ran for 39 yards with a touchdown run. Kyle Allen started for Washington and had 74 yards passing before getting injured. Alex Smith didn't help the cause much with 37 yards passing for the game. Kyle Allen would score the only touchdown for Washington on a touchdown run. 

Next week:
LA Rams: @ San Francisco; Washington: @ NY Giants

TW: 3-1; CV: 2-2

Las Vegas 40, Kansas City 32: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
Oh boy this one was a shocker. Derek Carr had a great day with 347 yards with three touchdowns and threw an interception. Josh Jacobs ran for 77 yards with two touchdowns. Henry Ruggs III had 118 yards receiving with a touchdown in the game. Patrick Mahomes had similar stats to Carr with 340 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Mahomes rushed for 21 yards with a touchdown. Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 40 yards. Definitely exposed the defending champs for sure. 

Next week:
Las Vegas: Bye; Kansas City: @ Buffalo

TW: 3-2; CV: 2-3

Philadelphia 29, Pittsburgh 38: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
Either the Eagles are underrated despite of record or the Steelers defense was exposed. Carson Wentz threw for 258 yards with two touchdowns with two interceptions. Obviously turnovers would've made a difference in this game. Miles Sanders ran for 80 yards with two touchdowns, one of the touchdowns was from a 74-yard run. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 239 yards with three touchdowns. Rayray McCloud ran for 63 yards in this game, James Conner rushed for 44 yards with a touchdown. Chase Claypool had a stellar day with 110 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown. Steelers are 4-0 for the first time since 1979. 

Next week:
Philadelphia: vs Baltimore; Pittsburgh: vs Cleveland

TW: 4-2; CV: 3-3

Carolina 23, Atlanta 16: TW: Falcons; CV: Panthers
Atlanta still sucks but that Dan Quinn guy got fired. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 313 yards with two touchdowns and didn't throw an interception. Mike Davis ran for 89 yards but didn't run in for a touchdown. Robby Anderson had 119 yards receiving in the game for Carolina. Matt Ryan would only put up 226 passing yards while throwing an interception. Todd Gurley was the shining light for Atlanta with 121 rushing yards with a touchdown. Calvin Ridley would have 136 receiving yards in the game. Good day for him as well. Dan Quinn was the tip of the iceberg if you're Atlanta, his firing might help but still have a long way away from being relevant. 

Next week: Carolina: vs Chicago; Atlanta: @ Minnesota

TW: 4-3; CV: 4-3

Arizona 30, NY Jets 10: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
With Bill O'Brien and Dan Quinn getting fired, could Adam Gase be the next one? Kyler Murray threw for 380 yards with a touchdown and had an interception. He, Kenyan Drake, and Chase Edmonds scored a rushing touchdown. Definitely a well-balanced attack. Joe Flacco would start for the Jets. Flacco threw for 185 yards with a touchdown. Le'Veon Bell ran for 60 yards in the game. Jamison Crowder had 116 yards with a receiving touchdown. The Jets are 0-5 for the first time since 1996. 

Next week:
Arizona: @ Dallas; NY Jets: @ Miami

TW: 5-3; CV: 5-3

Miami 43, San Francisco 17: TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
What happened to Jimmy Garoppolo? Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 350 yards with three touchdowns. Myles Gaskin ran for 57 yards with a touchdown. Preston Williams had 106 receiving yards with a touchdown. Jimmy Garoppolo started for the 49ers with 77 yards passing and threw two interceptions before getting benched in favor of CJ Beathard. Beathard added 94 yards with a passing touchdown for San Fran. Raheem Mostert had 90 rushing yards. Problems just keep unfolding for San Francisco. 

Next week:
Miami: vs NY Jets; San Francisco: @ LA Rams

TW: 5-4; CV: 5-4

Indianapolis 23, Cleveland 32: TW: Browns; CV: Browns
Brownies are 4-1 for the first time since a guy named Bill Belichek was coaching them in 1994. Philip Rivers threw for 243 yards but threw two interceptions. One of the interceptions was a pick six Jonathan Taylor ran for 57 yards with a touchdown. It would be the only offensive touchdown for the Colts in the game. Isiaiah Rodgers had a kick six in the game running for 101 yards for a score. Baker Mayfield threw 247 two touchdowns and two interceptions. Nick Chubb wasn't in the game but Kareem Hunt was enough to provide a sufficient running attack for Cleveland with 72 yards rushing. Did I also mention that Nick Saban was the Browns defensive coordinator in 1994? 

Next week:
Indianapolis: vs Cincinnati; Cleveland: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 6-4; CV: 6-4

NY Giants 34, Dallas 37: TW: Cowboys; CV: Giants
Dallas got their 2nd win of the year, but with a great cost. Daniel Jones threw for 222 yards but didn't throw a touchdown pass. Evan Engram and Devontae Freeman scored a touchdown in the game each while racking up nine and 60 yards rushing respectively. Dak Prescott started the game for Dallas but would leave the game due to injury to the ankle. Prescott threw for 166 yards but threw an interception. Former Cincinatti Bengal quarterback Andy Dalton would take his place and threw for 111 yards. Ced Wilson threw for 11 yards with a touchdown. Ezekiel Elliot ran for 92 yards with two touchdowns. CeeDee Lamb had a great day in catching the football with 124 yards receiving. Dallas is about to enter the great unknown with Dalton at quarterback. 

Next week:
NY Giants: vs Washington; Dallas: vs Arizona

TW: 7-4; CV: 6-5

Minnesota 26, Seattle 27: TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
Poor Minnesota, Twins haven't won a playoff game since 2004, Timberwolves and Wild are crap, the Lakers won their 17th NBA title (a team that used to be the Minneapolis Lakers), and the Vikings can't hold a lead worth a darn. Kirk Cousins threw for 249 yards with two touchdowns and threw an interception. Dalvin Cook ran for 65 yards with a touchdown while Alexander Mattison ran for 112 yards for the Vikings as well. Russell Wilson continued his spectacular season with 217 yards passing with three touchdowns with an interception. Wilson rushed for 58 yards with Chris Carson also rushing for 52 yards with a touchdown run. 

Next week:
Minnesota: vs Atlanta; Seattle: Bye

TW: 8-4; CV: 7-5

LA Chargers 27, New Orleans 30 (F/OT): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
Justin Herbert is good at this football thing. Unfortunately the rest of the Chargers aren't good at keeping leads. Justin Herbert threw for 264 yards with four touchdowns. Justin Jackson ran for 71 yards but didn't score a touchdown. Drew Brees threw for 325 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Alvin Kamara ran for 45 yards in the game. Taysom Hill ran for 13 yards with a touchdown run. The game would go into overtime, while it was almost close to ending in a tie, Saints kicker Will Lutz hit a 36-yard field goal to give the Saints the win. 

Next week:
LA Chargers: Bye; New Orleans: Bye

TW: 9-4; CV: 8-5

Buffalo 16, Tennessee 42: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The game was lackluster to be honest. It was weird to see football on a Tuesday night. Josh Allen threw for 263 yards with two touchdowns with two interceptions. TJ Yeldon was the leading rusher for the Bills with 52 yards rushing. Devin Singletary ran for only 25 yards. Ryan Tannehill threw for 195 yards with three touchdown passes. Derrick Henry ran for 57 yards with two touchdowns. Ryan Tannehill ran for 42 yards with a touchdown run of his own. Buffalo got embarrassed tonight but perhaps its a blessing in disguise that perhaps you're not as good as you think you are. A learning experience perhaps. 

Next week:
Buffalo: vs Kansas City; Tennessee: vs Houston

TW: 9-5; CV: 8-6

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Total: 52-24-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Total: 44-32-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

See you guys tomorrow for the Week 6 picks post!

-Tom

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 

MLB 2019 Week 5 Recap (4/22/19 - 4/28/19)

First pitch (1st Inning)
Hello readers! A month has past since the start of the season. It has brought with many intriguing storylines and quite a few teams benefited from the month of April and the month hasn't been kind to a few teams. The column will feature a recap of all 30 teams and a final out of a debut of perhaps epic proportions for years to come. Let's get to work!
American League

American League East (2nd Inning):

Baltimore Orioles (5th in AL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 10-19; Week Runs Scored: 18):
The Orioles took 2 of 3 against the White Sox and got swept against the Twins in 3 games. The Orioles have in general been in free fall since the first week but this wasn't too shocking for most baseball people. Andrew Cashner already has 4 wins on the year when last year he had the same number. Just gotta take wins as much as possible, you're not gonna get a lot of them this year.

This week: 3 games @ Chicago (AL); 3 games vs Tampa Bay

Boston Red Sox (4th in AL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 11-17; Week Runs Scored: 27):
The Red Sox took 2 of 4 against the Tigers and took 0 out of 2 (possible 3rd game was postponed, moved to June 8th) against the Rays. It was another frustrating week if you're a Red Sox fan. They just haven't put a string of wins together and not all facets of their game have been a factor. Hangover of magnitudes could be a factor too. Hopefully they'll put it all together soon.

This week: 3 games vs Oakland; 4 games @ Chicago (AL)

New York Yankees (2nd in AL East; Week Record: 6-1; Overall Record: 17-11; Week Runs Scored: 46):
The Yankees took 3 of 4 against the Angels and swept the Giants in 3 games. Offense still keeps producing runs despite the fact that many of their starters are currently injured. You also have to give it to their pitching too for stepping it up. Overall great week for the Yankees and certainly this upcoming week could be even better.

This week: 2 games @ Arizona; 3 games vs Minnesota

Tampa Bay Rays (1st in AL East; Week Record: 4-1; Overall Record: 18-9; Week Runs Scored: 20):
The Rays took 2 of 3 against the Royals and took 2 out of possibly 3 (3rd game was postponed and will be played on June 8th) against the Red Sox. Tampa has to feel good being in 1st place in the division while the surging Yankees are closing on them. Tyler Glasnow continues to be a star on a team that's bread and butter is their starting pitching. Will they continue their success? I can't see it happening but what do I know.

This week: 4 games @ Kansas City; 3 games @ Baltimore

Toronto Blue Jays (3rd in AL East; Week Record: 3-2; Overall Record: 14-14; Week Runs Scored: 22):
The Blue Jays got swept in 2 games and swept the Athletics in 3 games. The Blue Jays offense really took off this week and their pitching was on lockdown as well. They also added Vladimir Guerrero Jr to their roster, hopefully he can be good like his father.

This week: 3 games @ Los Angeles (AL); 3 games @ Texas

American League Central (3rd Inning)

Chicago White Sox (4th in AL Central; Week Record: 3-2; Overall Record: 11-14; Week Runs Scored: 32):
The White Sox took 1 of 3 against the Orioles and took 2 out of possibly 3 (Saturday's game was postponed) against the Tigers. Certainly the White Sox offense has been showing flashes of brilliance. The loss of Eloy Jimenez for a few weeks will be a factor in the coming weeks.

This week: 3 games vs Baltimore; 3 games vs Boston

Cleveland Indians (2nd in AL Central; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 15-12; Week Runs Scored: 18):
The Indians split a 2-game series against the Marlins and took 2 of 4 against the Astros. The loss of Mike Clevinger on Monday will be a big loss as he won't return until July. Their offense just hasn't gotten them wins enough to get them past the Twins.

This week: 2 games @ Miami; 3 games vs Seattle

Detroit Tigers (3rd in AL Central; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 12-14; Week Runs Scored: 30):
The Tigers took a 4-game split against the Red Sox, then took 0 out of a possible 3 (Saturday's game was postponed). The Tigers had some promise in shutting down offenses in their series against Boston which is a noble effort because they are the defending champions but to lay an egg against a below average White Sox team is no excuse. Doesn't help their cause that Shane Greene got only one save this week.

This week: 2 games @ Philadelphia; 3 games vs Kansas City

Kansas City Royals (5th in AL Central; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 9-19; Week Runs Scored: 28):
The Royals took 1 of 3 against the Rays and Angels in both of their series. Kansas City pretty much has had a week like every other week. The offense can be either good or quiet on some nights. Their pitching situation isn't helping either. Their World Series title seems so far away now.

This week: 4 games @ Tampa Bay; 3 games @ Detroit

Minnesota Twins (1st in AL Central; Week Record: 4-2; Overall Record: 16-9; Week Runs Scored: 35):
The Twins took 1 of 3 against the Astros and swept the Orioles in 3 games. Minnesota has looked stellar so far in the year despite losing the series to the Astros earlier this week. Their formula of hitting and solid pitching has done well for them. You don't picture them to be a home run hitting club but they hit them nonetheless, for example Max Kepler.

This week: 4 games vs Houston; 3 games @ New York (AL)

American League West (4th inning)

Houston Astros (1st in AL West; Week Record: 4-3; Overall Record: 17-11; Week Runs Scored: 34):
The Astros took 2 of 3 against the Twins and split a 4-game series against the Indians. Houston looked well enough but could they still improve on it, sure. They're starting to hit their stride, pitching is back to form and their offense is keeping opposing pitchers agitated, not much to really state.

This week: 4 games @ Minnesota; 2 games @ Los Angeles (AL)(Games in Monterrey, Mexico)

Los Angeles Angels (Week Record: 3-4; Overall Record: 12-17; Week Runs Scored: 40):
The Angels took 1 out of 4 against the Yankees and took 2 of 3 against the Royals. Albert Pujols is getting closer to that 2,000 RBI's in his great career. The story is relatively the same for the Angels, great offense, and pitching that can't stop people. That was evident against the Yankees in that series. Still has to be nice that Mike Trout is still on your team for the next decade.

This week: 3 games vs Toronto; 2 games vs Houston (Games in Monterrey, Mexico)

Oakland Athletics (4th in AL West; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 14-16; Week Runs Scored: 30):
The Athletics swept the Rangers in 3 games and got swept in 3 games against the Blue Jays. Brooms were a factor this week in Oakland. They were the sweeper and then they were the ones who get swept. The pitching in Oakland is still questionable but their offense can get them runs. Just an average week for the Athletics.

This week: 3 games @ Boston; 3 games @ Pittsburgh

Seattle Mariners (1st in AL West; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 18-12; Week Runs Scored: 24):
The Mariners got swept in 2 games against the Padres and took 2 of 4 against the Rangers. The Mariners took a bit of a detour this week and it didn't result in wins for them. The first half of their series against the Rangers was good but to give up 29 runs in 2 games has to spell bad news for their pitching's psyche. Baseball is baseball and they could just go off on a tear.

This week: 2 games vs Chicago (NL); 3 games @ Cleveland

Texas Rangers (3rd in AL West; Week Record: 2-5; Overall Record: 13-13; Week Runs Scored: 46):
The Rangers got swept in 3 games against the Athletics and took a split in a 4-game series against the Mariners. The bigger stories of the week is how many runs the Rangers put on the Mariners on Saturday and Sunday. The run totals of 15 and 14 for both of those games were quite impressive as the Rangers allowed only 2. Other than that it has been a rough week for the Rangers who had before that couldn't put runs on the board.

This week: 2 games vs Pittsburgh; 3 games vs Toronto

National League

National League East (5th inning)

Atlanta Braves (3rd in NL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 13-14; Week Runs Scored: 28):
The Braves took 1 of 3 in both of their series against the Reds and the Rockies. The prospects of returning to the playoffs took a steep turn as Arodys Vizcaino will be out for the season. The Braves bullpen will be also missing a few pieces in Jonny Venters and Darren O'Day as they will miss some time due to injury. Their offense and starting pitching can play well when it gets deeper into the season but having bullpen issues is not a good remedy.

This week: 4 games vs San Diego; 3 games @ Miami

Miami Marlins (5th in NL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 8-20; Week Runs Scored: 18):
The Marlins split a 2-game series against the Indians and took 1 of 4 against the Phillies. Not too much to say on this one, they're god awful, very little offense to piece together a string of wins and pitching that is near the bottom of the rankings. I hear 'em tanks a rolling.

This week: 2 games vs Cleveland; 3 games vs Atlanta

New York Mets (2nd in NL East; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 14-13; Week Runs Scored: 27):
The Mets took 2 of 3 against the Phillies and took 1 of 3 against the Brewers. It certainly looked promising for Jacob DeGrom who started off so well throwing the ball and now dropping his 3rd straight start, certainly Mets fans have to be worried about their ace. All in all it has been an average week for the Mets who didn't gain or lose ground in the division.

This week: 4 games vs Cincinnati; 3 games @ Milwaukee

Philadelphia Phillies (1st in NL East; Week Record: 4-3; Overall Record: 16-12; Week Runs Scored: 29):
The Phillies took 1 of 3 against the Mets and took 3 of 4 against the Marlins. The honeymoon of Bryce Harper and the Phillies should be starting to wane as the season moves into May but so far so good for the Phillies despite playing poorly against a Mets team that was struggling on offense. They did take 3 of 4 against a bad Marlins team though, which matters.

This week: 2 games vs Detroit; 3 games vs Washington

Washington Nationals (4th in NL East; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 12-14; Week Runs Scored: 30):
The Nationals took 1 of 3 against the Rockies and against the Padres. Washington's bullpen looks more of a mess than trying to control a bull in a pen. Their offense has had to bail them out quite a few games this week especially in their Sunday game against the Padres. The injuries to Ryan Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman will be a factor as well as they are top players in their system.

This week: 4 games vs St. Louis; 3 games vs Philadelphia

National League Central (6th inning)

Chicago Cubs (2nd in NL Central; Week Record: 4-2; Overall Record: 14-12; Week Runs Scored: 33):
The Cubs took 2 of 3 against the Dodgers and took 2 of 3 against the Diamondbacks. One of the hotter teams of late is the Chicago Cubs. Winning 7 of their last 10 games. Getting good starts from their pitchers and good offense.

This week: 2 games @ Seattle; 3 games vs St. Louis

Cincinnati Reds (5th in NL Central; Week Record: 3-3; Overall Record: 11-16; Week Runs Scored: 29):
The Reds took 2 of 3 against the Braves and then took 1 of 3 against the Cardinals. It was an average week for the Reds. The offense showed some flashes of great against a quality Braves team that probably should've taken that series victory. Nonetheless if the Reds could play the rest of the year like that against quality opponents they'd be in conversation of a playoff contender. Unfortunately, they're still rebuilding.

This week: 4 games @ New York (NL); 3 games vs San Francisco

Milwaukee Brewers (3rd in NL Central; Week Record: 2-4; Overall Record: 15-14; Week Runs Scored: 30):
The Brewers got swept in 3 games against the Cardinals and took 2 of 3 against the Mets. Christian Yelich has hit 14 home runs in the month of April, one word to describe it: outstanding. Despite this, Yelich did have to go out of Sunday's game to a possible injury from the back. Fortunately for the Brew Crew the ballplayer should be back in a few days. Their team ERA is still high for the most part.

This week: 4 games vs Colorado; 3 games vs New York (NL)

Pittsburgh Pirates (Week Record: 0-7; Overall Record: 12-14; Week Runs Scored: 16):
The Pirates got swept in 4 games against the Diamondbacks and got swept in 3 games against the Dodgers. Pittsburgh's offense was the story this week as they could only muster 16 runs in 7 games this week. Perhaps they weren't quite the contender that perhaps some people thought they were. You still have the Steelers to cheer about, Pittsburgh though you lost both of your key offensive players in Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown in the offseason. Maybe you can recover after this past week.
This week: 2 games @ Texas; 3 games vs Oakland

St. Louis Cardinals (1st in NL Central; Week Record: 5-1; Overall Record: 17-10; Week Runs Scored: 34):
The Cardinals swept the Brewers in 3 games and took 2 of 3 against the Reds. With Milwaukee struggling to get wins the Cardinals and Cubs took advantage of it. The Cardinals this year have done it with their offensive power with a pitching staff that can compile wins, but not dominating. Jordan Hicks would be exception as he got 3 saves this week for the Redbirds.

This week: 4 games @ Washington; 3 games @ Chicago (NL)

National League West (7th inning)

Arizona Diamondbacks (3rd in NL West; Week Record: 5-2; Overall Record: 16-13; Week Runs Scored: 44):
The Diamondbacks swept the Pirates in 4 games and took 1 of 3 against the Cubs. The offense was very productive this week. Their starting pitching did well against Pittsburgh and Zach Greinke threw 7 scoreless innings in a 5-0 shutout on Thursday. It still surprises me how well they are doing on offense without their star players lost in the offseason.

This week: 2 games vs New York (AL); 3 games @ Colorado

Colorado Rockies (4th in NL West; Week Record: 4-2; Overall Record: 13-15; Week Runs Scored: 43):
The Rockies took 2 of 3 against the Nationals and took 2 of 3 against the Braves. Colorado is starting to recover nicely after a very rough start to the season. I feel they are a team that if they can get a winning streak going they can be a force to be reckoned with as they were picked to get far into the season, this week will be a huge week for the Rockies as they are taking on two weaker pitching teams in the Brewers and the Diamondbacks.

This week: 4 games @ Milwaukee; 3 games vs Arizona

Los Angeles Dodgers (1st in NL West; Week Record: 4-2; Overall Record: 18-11; Week Runs Scored: 26):
The Dodgers took 1 of 3 against the Dodgers and swept the Pirates in 3 games. Los Angeles looked to continue their success of last week and keep off the Diamondbacks for 1st place in the division. The underrated candidate for NL MVP this year, Cody Bellinger, has been on a tear in April. I feel its time to say that they are the best team in baseball right now, hopefully they don't lay an egg again this week.

This week: 3 games @ San Francisco; 3 games @ San Diego

San Diego Padres (3rd in NL West; Week Record: 4-1; Overall Record: 16-12; Week Runs Scored: 24):
The Padres swept the Mariners in 2 games and took 2 of 3 against the Nationals. San Diego had a better week than last week and you have to give the credit to their closer Kirby Yates who added 3 saves this season to 13 total on the year. Of course, their offense does help too. I'm looking at you Fernando Tatis.

This week: 4 games @ Atlanta; 3 games vs Los Angeles (NL)

San Francisco Giants (5th in NL West; Week Record: 2-3; Overall Record: 11-16; Week Runs Scored: 22):
The Giants swept the Blue Jays in 2 games and got swept against the Yankees in 3 games. Same story this week, offense bad, pitching good. Not gonna win a lot of games if you're offense can't rise above that .211 team batting average. Certainly you could look at Brandon Crawford and Evan Longoria for the Giants struggles at offense.

This week: 3 games vs Los Angeles (NL); 3 games @ Cincinnati

League Leaders (8th Inning)

In the American League, the offensive leaders in batting average is Tim Anderson with a .402, Eddie Rosario with 11 home runs, and Domingo Santana with 30 RBI's. The pitching leaders are Marco Gonzales with 5 wins, Marcus Stroman with a 1.43 ERA, and Shane Greene with 11 saves.

In the National League the offensive leaders are: Cody Bellinger with .420 batting average, Christian Yelich with 14 home runs, and 34 RBI's. In pitching, Zach Greinke and Jake Arrieta have 4 wins, Luis Castillo has a 1.23 ERA and Kirby Yates has 13 saves.

The Final Out (9th inning):

The Toronto Blue Jays haven't had a whole lot to cheer for in a few years since they were in the playoffs but on April 26th, 2019, the son of Vladimir Guerrero Sr., debuted. His son, appropriately named, Vladimir Guerrero Jr would have a few key defensive plays and a double in the game. Certainly if he has 1/4 of the talent that his father had, he'll still be a solid ballplayer. Here's a video of his debut. I'll see you all next week for next week's recap.

NFL 2018 Week 5 Recap

Hello readers! Another week of intense, high stakes National Football League action has taken place. There were upsets, blowouts, and some games that were decided on the final play. The recap will be sort of a short one as I don't necessarily have a lot to talk about but the recap will still remain the same.

Indianapolis 24, New England 38: TW: Patriots, CV: Patriots
At the end of the day, it still proves that the Patriots are still the best team in the AFC. This game still proved that even though Andrew Luck still had quite the game slinging the ball for over 300 yards passing for three touchdowns. Not also to mention that he had 59 attempted throws. The Patriots are still a well-built machine.

TW: 1-0, CV: 1-0

Atlanta 17, Pittsburgh 41: TW: Falcons, CV: Falcons
Well, shit happens. The day that Yinzer nation that had been waiting for all year had come. The day the Steelers defense didn't suck. The Steelers offense returned to for with both the running and air games playing to balance. Ben Roethlisberger would throw for 250 yards for three touchdowns while James Conner would run in for two touchdowns. It might be safe to say that Atlanta isn't looking too good right now and they might be done. Tough division to come back from.

TW: 1-1, CV: 1-1

Baltimore 9, Cleveland 12: TW: Ravens, CV: Ravens
The day also finally came for the Browns. They finally won a game on a Sunday for the first time in almost three years, December 2015 as a matter of fact. It was a bit surprising to me that it would be their older brother, Baltimore, that would let them win a game. The game-winning field goal was ugly yet beautiful as they would win a game. Baker Mayfield threw for 342 yards with a touchdown and was pretty solid for most of the game. As for Baltimore, shaking my head. C'mon man!

TW: 1-2, CV: 1-2

Denver 16, NY Jets 34: TW: Broncos, CV: Jets
It was a big day for Isiah Crowell on the ground as he would break the franchise rushing yards record of 210 yards set by Thomas Jones in 2009. Crowell would get 219 after the game. Sam Darnold was overall alright as he didn't need to step up and make the big throws. For the Broncos, they went to the east coast and looked flat even though Case Keenum would throw for over 300 yards. Jet lag perhaps, who knows.

TW: 1-3, CV: 2-2

Green Bay 23, Detroit 31: TW: Packers, CV: Packers
It was a game that shouldn't have been closer than what the final result showed. Costly mistakes early in the game ended up dooming the Packers. The Lions took advantage of some of those mistakes and would end up winning a close one. Green Bay very fortunate that this game was as close as it was. Green Bay might need a new kicker after Mason Crosby would miss three field goals and one extra point. It is interesting to note that the Lions have a three-game winning streak against the Packers for the first time since 1990-1991, the year before Brett Favre would come to Green Bay.

TW: 1-4, CV: 2-3

Jacksonville 14, Kansas City 30: TW: Jaguars, CV: Chiefs
The Patrick Mahomes train kept on rolling despite not throwing for a touchdown, this was not the story of the game. Last week I quoted myself for being right and I'm going to have to quote myself for being wrong. Here's what I said about this game in terms of defense on the picks column:

"Jaguars are 1st in overall defense, the Chiefs are in 32nd. Can't beat an opponent when you can't stop them. I make my case."

The Chiefs defense would force five turnovers on the Jaguars as they were the big story in this game, not the offense. Football giveth, football taketh. Just not the Jaguars day nor my day.

TW: 1-5, CV: 3-3

Miami 17, Cincinnati 27: TW: Bengals, CV: Bengals
The game was a story of the first three quarters and then the fourth quarter. The Dolphins took a 17-point lead with 9:30 left in the 3rd quarter and then the Bengals would score 27 unanswered points. The Bengals took charge as they ravaged against Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins on defense while making two key defensive touchdowns on an interception and a forced fumble. Good win for the Bengals.

TW: 2-5, CV: 4-3

NY Giants 31, Carolina 33: TW: Panthers, CV: Panthers
A game that ultimately came down to the wire and a game-winning field goal. Graham Gano would ultimately hit a 63-yard field goal, tied for the 2nd longest in NFL history. The game was sub-par for both passing attacks as both Eli Manning of the Giants and Cam Newton of the Panthers would throw for two touchdowns and two interceptions. Heartbreaker for the Giants as they would lose yet again on a game-winning field goal.

TW: 3-5, CV: 5-3

Tennessee 12, Buffalo 13: TW: Titans, CV: Titans
In another game that would come down to a game-winning field goal, the Bills would get their 2nd win of the season from Steven Hauschka. The game was a snore if you enjoy offensive football but defensively the Bills would force three turnovers against the Titans. Oddly enough Josh Allen of the Bills would only throw for 85 yards in the game. He would be the only one to score on the game's only touchdown on a run play.

TW: 3-6, CV: 5-4

Oakland 10, LA Chargers 26: TW: Chargers, CV: Raiders
It would be a big day for Phillip Rivers and the Chargers, not the Raiders in this one. Rivers would have another 300+ passing yard day for two touchdowns while completing 22 of 27 passes. For the Raiders, you can finally say that their defense outplayed Khalil Mack, then you realize that the Bears are on a bye week this week. Going to have to lick their wounds again and come back better again next week.

TW: 4-6, CV: 5-5

Arizona 28, San Francisco 18: TW: 49ers, CV: 49ers
The chances of a team going 0-16 this season were dashed away as the Cardinals would get win #1 on the season. The Cardinals got a bit of a boost on offense with David Johnson as he would score two touchdowns in the game while Josh Rosen throwing for one touchdown. The 49ers I felt, let this game slip away from them as two interceptions from CJ Beathard would ultimately doom the Niners in this one. Beathard had a good game otherwise throwing for two touchdowns and passing for over 300 yards. Poor Cardinal Viking, one week he picks the Cards, they lose, he picks against them, they win. Poor fella.

TW: 4-7, CV: 5-6

LA Rams 33, Seattle 31: TW: Rams, CV: Rams
The Rams would win a tough game in a hostile environment in Seattle to remain undefeated. The Rams would lose two key offensive weapons that would put the game on the shoulders of Jared Goff, Robert Woods and Todd Gurley. Gurley would run for three touchdowns in the game while Jared Goff would throw for one. The Seahawks offense kept pace with their opposition in this game but sadly would lose in a heartbreaker.

TW: 5-7, CV: 6-6

Minnesota 23, Philadelphia 21: TW: Eagles, CV: Vikings
The Vikings would get a close win in a rematch of the NFC championship game. The game really came down to a few questionable coaching decisions by Eagles coach Doug Pederson, a challenge call that really was no point in reviewing and a chance to pin the Vikings deep in their own territory. The Eagles will have to put this game behind them as they have a short week to prepare for the Giants. The Vikings offense hung tight as Kirk Cousins would throw for 301 yards and one touchdown.

TW: 5-8, CV: 7-6

Dallas 16, Houston 19: TW: Cowboys, CV: Texans
This was probably the dullest game of football that I've seen in a while. The Texans red zone offense was awful, both coaches were awful and deserved to be fired, and this game should've ended in another tie to be honest with you. Still, someone had to win and it was probably the one that deserved to be fired the most out of the two. Ezekiel Elliot had a meager performance for the Cowboys, who had been their driving force for their offense so far this season. As Hall of Fame head coach John Madden would put it "Winning is a great deodorant." Both teams stunk. Rip to my week

TW: 5-9, CV: 8-6

Washington 19, New Orleans 43:  TW: Saints, CV: Saints
I will be very honest with you guys, I didn't watch a single second of this game. I knew Drew Brees would get the record, he had 201 passing yards to get it, and then some. The Redskins defense got torched all game long by Drew Brees who would throw for 300+ yards and three touchdowns. Back to the drawing board for the Redskins who could've taken a lead in the NFC East, but nope they lose. As for me, I get a salvaged win in an awful week for me.

TW: 6-9, CV: 9-6

2018:
Week 1: 10-5-1
Week 2: 6-9-1
Week 3: 8-8
Week 4: 12-3
Week 5: 6-9
Overall: 42-34-2

Cardinal Viking
2018:
Week 1: 8-7-1
Week 2: 9-6-1
Week 3: 5-11
Week 4: 9-6
Week 5: 9-6
Overall: 40-36-2

See you guys on Wednesday/Thursday for the Week 6 picks!
-Tom