Browns 39-38 Colts
Fun game! Back and forth, never really understood what either team was doing but there was lots of action. The Browns defense couldn't handle Gardner Minshew (for some reason), but Myles Garret was a monster, making plays all over the place. Also, worth noting that Deshaun Watson started for the first time in three weeks but exited almost immediately and left it to PJ Walker to scramble for points. The Browns D is legit (though only one guy showed up today) but what's up with Watson? I like Walker actually (I can totally see him being the prettiest girl in the free agency QB market next spring--move over, Tyrod Taylor!) but if Watson can play (and he did start) then why doesn't he play? Is there a James Harden thing going on here? Anyway, fun game, the Colts can sling, they're not a bad team but they're stealers not cementers: they'll beat a dumb team but they won't overpower a good team. The Browns should be better than this but they got the W, so not a bad day at the office.
Falcons 16-13 Bucs
I caught the 4th quarter, watching both of these uninspiring offenses duel each other in back-and-forth 2-minute drills. Felt like the Falcons were the better team but then it felt like the Bucs had secured themselves an OT chance, but then QB Ridder hit TE Pitts for a nice gainer up the left wing and that was pretty much enough to steal the victory back. I really just can't take Desmond Ridder any more, he's not good, he doesn't do the little things nor does he do the big things, what meager success he has had is 100% because of the rest of the talent on that offense--the Falcons need a new QB desperately and now is the time! As for the Bucs, well, they look good on the road, not so good at home (not a good sign for Buffalo Bills fans this week), they're still in the mix to the end because of their awful division but I don't think they are higher than mediocre in the league.
Lions 6-38 Ravens
Weird game. Everything the Ravens did in the 1st half worked to perfection while the Lions couldn't move the ball to save their lives. This was such a slaughter that I almost immediately discounted what I was seeing, just a bad day for the Lions and the Ravens game plan worked. Good for them but I still think the Lions have a hell of an offense and I still think the Ravens are an unreliable squad (in a tough division). Yeah, I see the score but I'm telling ya: the Lions are still higher in my power rankings than the Ravens.
Chargers 17-31 Chiefs
The Chiefs did Chief stuff and the Chargers just couldn't hang. Not a blow out but it was apparent pretty early that the Chiefs had this under control and the Chargers weren't going to get it done. Not a shock except that the Chargers usually don't blow it til the last few minutes.
Dolphins 17-31 Eagles
The Dolphins offense never got going here and credit that Eagles front that was really impressive here. The Eagles have been kinda up and down but the defense had been consistent, while the offense occasionally lapses. Its okay, I'm still totally in on the Eagles, not ready to hand them the championship but I fully expect them to be in the hunt late late late in the season. As for the Dolphins, well, they've torn up lesser opponents in truly scary fashion but they have yet to show up against a quality squad. I believe in their offense and I can see them being in the Super Bowl hunt, too, but it'll be because of their overpowering offense and if it isn't overpowering, then they won't go far.
The rest of the slate:
Jags 31-24 Saints
The Jags seem to be getting the groove on, while the Saints are just another up/down squad (in a garbage division, so you can't discount them just yet).
Raiders 12-30 Bears
WTF? The Bears started a rookie QB (from Division 2!) and he tooled the Raiders from beginning to end. Anomaly or the new star of the league? Let's see how next week goes.
Bills 25-29 Patriots
The Bills have been piling up injuries on defense lately, but the real problem is the lack of downfield attack, the offense is sputtering and though they've been able to wriggle their way out of L's, this week QB Mac Jones was able to move the Pats downfield and steal the W and the Bills couldn't do anything about it. So will the Bills get this offense together? Is the problem really defense? Are the Pats ready to kick ass? Well, I wouldn't think so but they are definitely past the hardest part of their schedule, so don't be shocked if they look more Pats-ish by Thanksgiving.
Commanders 7-14 Giants
Tough division game, the Giants seem to be getting their offense together. If they can hold it, they can still go on enough of a run to be spicy (not likely but not impossible). The Commanders are the Commanders: sometimes they look kinda good, other times they don't. I dunno.
Steelers 24-17 Rams
I've watched the Steelers a few times this year and--just like the last few years on balance--I am convinced they are not good. Like, not good at all on either side of the ball. And how they continue to get W's (on the road, no less!) makes no sense to me. But this is the Tomlin Steelers: shitty roster, half-hearted effort but they'll make the playoffs and then get destroyed by some better team. As for the Rams, I dunno, they're better than I thought they'd be but they seem to go as for as Stafford carries them each week.
Cards 10-20 Seahawks
Tough division game. NFC West is a weird place.
Packers 17-19 Broncos
Wow, Packers really bent over backwards to give this one away. Aren't both of these teams trying to lose?
Niners 17-22 Vikings
The Vikings are one of those teams that is always the opposite of what you think: when you're ready to go all in, they'll blow it but if you think they suck, here they come! The Niners probably should've taken this but the Vikings aren't a pushover and if you think it's an easy W, it is not.
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