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NFL
Armadillo's Write-up
Week 3
Thursday’s game
Dolphins @ Bills (–12.5)
Dolphins (0-2)
Dolphins lost their first two games,, giving up 33-33 points.
In two games, Miami has run ball only 27 times for 139 yards.
Miami is minus-4 in turnovers in two games.
Under McDaniel, Dolphins are 6-11 ATS as abroad underdog.
QB Tagovailoa is 38-27 as an NFL starter.
McDaniel is 28-27 as a head coach, 0-2 in playoffs.
Under McDaniel, Dolphins are 6-3 ATS in AFC East road games.
Under McDaniel, Miami is 10-11-1 ATS in games coming off a loss.
Bills (2-0)
Buffalo won its first two games,. Scoring 41-30 points.
Last three years, Bills are 3-6-1 ATS as a double digit favorite.
QB Allen is 85-40 as an NFL starter.
McDermott is 95-52 as an NFL head coach.
Last five years, Bills are 21-16-1 ATS as a rhyme favorite.
Last four years, Bills are 6-5-1 ATS in AFC East home games.
Buffalo is 10-5 ATS in last fifteen games coming off a win.
Bills won four in row, 12 of last 13 series games.
Dolphins covered three of last four visits to Buffalo.
Over is 8-5 in last thirteen meetings.
NFL-wide, divisional home favorites are 4-3 ATS so far this year.
Armadillo's Write-up
Week 3
Thursday’s game
Dolphins @ Bills (–12.5)
Dolphins (0-2)
Dolphins lost their first two games,, giving up 33-33 points.
In two games, Miami has run ball only 27 times for 139 yards.
Miami is minus-4 in turnovers in two games.
Under McDaniel, Dolphins are 6-11 ATS as abroad underdog.
QB Tagovailoa is 38-27 as an NFL starter.
McDaniel is 28-27 as a head coach, 0-2 in playoffs.
Under McDaniel, Dolphins are 6-3 ATS in AFC East road games.
Under McDaniel, Miami is 10-11-1 ATS in games coming off a loss.
Bills (2-0)
Buffalo won its first two games,. Scoring 41-30 points.
Last three years, Bills are 3-6-1 ATS as a double digit favorite.
QB Allen is 85-40 as an NFL starter.
McDermott is 95-52 as an NFL head coach.
Last five years, Bills are 21-16-1 ATS as a rhyme favorite.
Last four years, Bills are 6-5-1 ATS in AFC East home games.
Buffalo is 10-5 ATS in last fifteen games coming off a win.
Bills won four in row, 12 of last 13 series games.
Dolphins covered three of last four visits to Buffalo.
Over is 8-5 in last thirteen meetings.
NFL-wide, divisional home favorites are 4-3 ATS so far this year.
Joe Burrow injury: Bengals to sign veteran QBs Mike White, Sean Clifford to the practice squad, per report
The Bengals recently lost Burrow for three months following a foot injury
he Cincinnati Bengals are set to be without star quarterback Joe Burrow for at least three months after he suffered a brutal toe injury that requires surgery. In the wake of Burrow's devastating injury, the Bengals are signing veteran quarterbacks Mike White and Sean Clifford to the team's practice squad, according to NFL Media.White signed with the Buffalo Bills in January 2025 and spent training camp and the preseason with the team. However, White was released during the final roster cuts. White was originally selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has also spent time with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins during his NFL career.
White has completed 61.4% of his passes for 2,247 yards and nine touchdowns, while tossing 13 interceptions throughout his career. White has seven career starts under his belt, which all came with the Jets during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Ironically enough, White threw for a career-high 405 yards against the Bengals on Halloween during the 2021 season while playing for the Jets.
Meanwhile, Clifford was originally selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft following a stellar career at Penn State. Clifford spent the past two seasons on Green Bay's active roster and practice squad before being released by the team during final roster cuts this season. He has only completed one career NFL pass, which came in 2023 in relief of Jordan Love.
The Bengals are quite familiar with Clifford's resume. Clifford worked out for the Bengals prior to the 2023 NFL Draft and did attend nearby St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati.
In the wake of Burrow's injury, the Bengals will turn to Jake Browning to lead the offense for the foreseeable future. In relief of Burrow, Browning completed 21-of-32 passes for 241 yards to go along with two touchdowns and three interceptions in Sunday's 31-27 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Brett Rypien will serve as the primary backup signal caller to Browning. Rypien landed on the Bengals practice squad after being released by the Minnesota Vikings during final roster cuts this summer. The veteran quarterback has spent time with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams in addition to the Vikings and has logged four career starts.
Aaron Jones injury update: Vikings RB heading to injured reserve, out at least four weeks, per reports
Jordan Mason is expected to receive the bulk of the carries with Jones out
The Minnesota Vikings are placing running back Aaron Jones on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury suffered during his team's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, according to multiple reports. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that Jones was unlikely to play in Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Now the 30-year-old Jones will be sidelined for at least the next four weeks.Jones has rushed for only 46 yards on 13 carries through the first two games of the season. Jones hauled in three catches for 44 yards -- including a 27-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears in Week 1 -- that helped his team pull away for good. He ran for a career-high 1,138 yards in 2024 after signing with Minnesota last offseason following a seven-year stint with the Green Bay Packers to open his career. Jones signed a two-year, $20 million extension through the 2026 season earlier this offseason.
Jordan Mason in line for bigger role for Vikings
With Jones out, Jordan Mason will step into the lead back role in Minnesota. Mason, 26, was acquired via trade from the San Francisco 49ers in March after he ran for a career-high 789 yards during the 2024 campaign. Mason has 98 yards on 24 carries this season for the Vikings (1-1).Minnesota is also expected to sign Cam Akers as a depth piece on the heels of Jones' injury, per multiple outlets. Akers was a 2020 second-round pick of the Rams, where he played under Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, then the team's offensive coordinator. Akers was acquired by the Vikings two other times -- in a trade from the Rams early in the 2023 season and then in 2024 in a trade with the Texans. Akers, who has has 2,025 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in his career, spent this offseason with the Saints but did not make the 53-man roster.
The Vikings are three-point home favorites over the Bengals this weekend, per FanDuel Sportsbook, despite not having Jones and starting quarterback JJ McCarthy available.
McCarthy will miss multiple weeks with an ankle sprain, leaving backup Carson Wentz as the starter. The Bengals will also be playing with a backup QB as Jake Browning takes over for Joe Burrow, who went on IR with a turf toe injury.
NFL Week 2 injury panic meter: Joe Burrow, Bengals in disarray; Justin Fields status uncertain for Jets
Here's a gauge on some of the notable injuries to come out of Week 2
Injuries are a constant presence in the NFL, and through two weeks, there's already been a sizable collection of stars that have paid a visit to the blue medical tent. In Week 2, the seismic injury was found in Cincinnati, where star quarterback Joe Burrow exited the Bengals contest with the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a toe injury, which now has him sidelined indefinitely. On top of Burrow, the likes of Justin Fields, Aaron Jones, Jaylon Johnson and Patrick Surtain II were among the notable names to also come out of Week 2 dinged up.Below, we're going to roll through the key injuries that occurred during Week 2 and break out our panic meter to determine how concerned folks should be when it comes to these specific ailments.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow
Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨Burrow went down in the second quarter of Cincinnati's Week 2 matchup with the Jaguars after being sacked by Arik Armstead. The Bengals quarterback hobbled to the locker room, was eventually ruled out, and it's since been revealed that Burrow is dealing with turf toe. The injury requires surgery and is expected to sideline him for at least three months. Despite being 2-0 to start the year, this dramatically lowers the ceiling for Cincinnati in 2025, with Jake Browning set to take over as the starter.
New York Jets: Justin Fields
Panic level: Medium🚨🚨The Jets quarterback is currently in concussion protocol after being sacked by Buffalo pass rusher Joey Bosa during Sunday's 30-10 defeat. Fields suffered the injury in the fourth quarter and did not return to the game, leaving Tyrod Taylor to finish out the contest under center. Fields will need to clear protocol before New York heads down to Tampa to face the Buccaneers in Week 3 next Sunday, and that's always a tricky endeavor, particularly in terms of playing the following week.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels
Panic level: Medium🚨🚨Daniels suffered a knee injury during Washington's Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers and underwent an MRI following the contest, according to NFL Media. The second-year quarterback was diagnosed with a knee sprain and while the injury doesn't appear to be too serious, his status for Week 3 against the Raiders is in doubt. If he's sidelined, Marcus Mariota would get the nod.
Chicago Bears: Jaylon Johnson
Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨Chicago's Pro Bowl corner had missed all of training camp, the preseason, and the Bears Week 1 opener due to a groin injury, but was able to make his debut in Week 2 against Detroit. However, Johnson went down in the second quarter with another groin injury while trying to break up a pass. That injury is now reportedly set to sideline him indefinitely, and the team is still evaluating whether or not surgery is necessary, according to ESPN.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Highsmith
Panic level: Medium🚨🚨Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters postgame that outside linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered a high ankle sprain during Pittsburgh's Week 2 loss to the Seahawks.Highsmith initially appeared on the Steelers injury report with an ankle injury during last Friday's practice and seemingly aggravated it during the game. While this injury is expected to sideline him, NFL Media reports that he is not likely to land on injured reserve, meaning the team views this injury as less than a four-game absence. Still, losing a high-impact player like this isn't ideal for a Pittsburgh defense that has given up 30-plus points in each of the last two weeks.
Carolina Panthers: Robert Hunt
Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters Monday that Hunt would be heading to injured reserve after tearing his left biceps during Sunday's loss to Arizona. Hunt, who is coming off a Pro Bowl season, will be placed on injured reserve.
Carolina Panthers: Austin Corbett
Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨In conjunction with Hunt, Panthers coach Dave Canales also said that Corbett will beheading to injured reserve as well. He re-injured the MCL in his left knee, which is the same one he torn the ACL in during the 2022 season and had another MCL injury during the 203 season.
New York Jets: Jermaine Johnson II
Panic level: Medium 🚨🚨Johnson suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Buffalo and did not return. While it's still unclear as to the severity of the injury, Johnson did post on X on Monday saying, "Thank God… y'all have no idea lol." That would appear to indicate that he avoided a serious injury, but it's still worth monitoring until official word comes in.
Washington Commanders: Austin Ekeler
Panic level: High 🚨🚨🚨This injury comes in the Week 2 opener on Thursday night. Ekeler was carted off the field during the fourth quarter of Washington's loss to Green Bay, and the worst fears have been realized. The veteran back suffered a torn Achilles tendon that will end his season.
Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell
Panic level: Medium 🚨🚨Atlanta's starting corner exited Sunday night's win over the Vikings in the first half after suffering a hamstring injury. The severity of Terrell's injury remains unclear, but soft tissue injuries always seem to vary on a case-by-case basis, so there should be a medium level of concern until more information comes in.
Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Beebe
Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨The Cowboys starting center is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a high ankle sprain, according to NFL Media. That will land Beebe on injured reserve in all likelihood, and set up Brock Hoffman to take over at center for the foreseeable future.
Baltimore Ravens: Marlon Humphrey
Panic level: Low 🚨Humprhey went into the locker room in the fourth quarter due to a groin injury. While more information is needed to get a full scope of the severity of the injury, Baltimore was wrapping up a 41-17 blowout over the Browns. It's possible that Humprhey didn't push the envelope to get back into the contest because the game was already in hand, but that's purely speculation.
Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Van Noy
Panic level: High🚨🚨🚨Van Noy is bracing to potentially miss multiple games due to a hamstring injury he suffered on Sunday, according to ESPN. The veteran linebacker, who led the team with 12.5 sacks last year, went down with roughly 12 minutes to play in the second quarter. With Van Noy on the shelf, rookie linebacker Mike Green could see an uptick in snaps.
Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy
Panic level: Medium 🚨🚨Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters on Monday that second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy came in with an ankle sprain following the team's Sunday night loss to the Falcons. The team does not anticipate having him for Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Bengals, which would mean veteran Carson Wentz elevates to QB1. While McCarthy isn't expected to play this week, the injury isn't expected to be long term.
Minnesota Vikings: Aaron Jones
Panic level: Medium 🚨🚨Jones was initially listed as questionable to return after suffering a hamstring injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to Atlanta and did not return to action. Coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters Monday that Jones is still being evaluated, but is likely to be out this week. That paves the way for more touches for Jordan Mason.
Denver Broncos: Patrick Surtain II
Panic level: Low 🚨Surtain needed assistance getting off the field after suffering a lower leg injury midway through the second quarter of Sunday's loss to Indianapolis. However, the star corner was able to return to the field with his ankle heavily taped. While Surtain certainly wasn't 100% upon his return, being able to get back on the field does give a more optimistic view of his status moving forward.
NFL Week 3 picks and score predictions: Winless Giants take Chiefs to the wire, 49ers edge unbeaten Cardinals
Here's your weekly dose of John Breech's NFL picks
If you're looking for a strategy to make picks in Week 3, don't overthink it, just take all the bird teams. I'm guessing all you ornithologists out there already do that every week, but everyone else might want to get on board because the bird teams went UNDEFEATED in Week 2.The Seahawks, Cardinals, Eagles, Falcons and Ravens all won, marking the first time since 2019 that all the bird teams won in the same week. The only way the week could have been any better for the bird teams is if Big Bird had handled the coin toss for one of the games.
Although the bird teams had a solid week, it wasn't so great for starting quarterbacks around the NFL as Joe Burrow (toe), J.J. McCarthy (ankle), Jayden Daniels (knee) and Justin Fields (concussion) all suffered some sort of injury. And let's not forget that Brock Purdy didn't even play in Week 2 due to an injury. We haven't even started Week 3 and 15% of the starting quarterbacks in the league have already gone down.
At the rate things are going, there's a 40% chance we're going to get Mac Jones vs. Jake Browning in the Super Bowl.
Speaking of those two, they'll both be starting this week and Jones will be starting against a bird team. Will I actually pick a bird team to lose? Let's get to the picks and find out.
Actually, before I get to the picks, here's your weekly reminder to check out all the picks from every NFL writer here at CBSSports.com.
The reason you should click over and check out the other experts this week is because you're going to want to print out my picks from last week and put them on your fridge. In Week 2, I went 15-1 and I would have gone 16-0 if I didn't stupidly pick against one of the bird teams. In case I didn't make myself clear, NEVER PICK AGAINST BIRD TEAMS.
With that in mind, let's get to the picks.
NFL Week 3 picks
Cincinnati (2-0) at Minnesota (1-1)
1 p.m. ET (CBS, Stream on Paramount+)If you're wondering how things are going in Minnesota, let met just put it like this: The Bengals just lost their starting quarterback for at least three months and I think you could make the argument that their season is still going better than Minnesota's.
The Vikings finished with a 14-3 record last season, but instead of sticking with the quarterback who got them there (Sam Darnold), Kevin O'Connell turned the keys to the offense over to J.J. McCarthy. He has played eight quarters so far and he has looked impressive for exactly one of those quarters and I'm not even sure we can count that quarter as impressive because it came against a Bears defense that gave up 51 points to the Lions in Week 2.
McCarthy has been so bad that Vikings fans aren now wishing that Minnesota had kept Daniel Jones.
Not everyone Vikings is wishing the team had Daniel Jones. Some other fans wish the Vikings had Kirk Cousins.
And this fan is so desperate, he's willing to trade a first-round pick to the Seahawks to get Darnold back.
These fans all have one thing in common and that's the fact that they wish the Vikings had anyone besides McCarthy at quarterback. I guess the good news is that their wish is going to come true this week because it's looking like Carson Wentz is going to be starting for the Vikings (McCarthy is unlikely to play due to an ankle injury).
If Wentz somehow leads the Vikings to a win over the Bengals and then O'Connell sends him back to the bench, there might be a mutiny in the Vikings' locker room. And just for the record, I've seen every Pirates of the Caribbean movie, so I know a possible mutiny when I see one.
With Wentz getting set to play, it's going to be a battle of the backups in Minnesota this week. For the Bengals, Jake Browning will be making his first start of the year. Browning is coming off a game where he threw three interceptions, but he also led a 92-yard game-winning drive. Based on the fact that Wentz and Browning are both making their first starts of the year, we probably won't be getting a shootout on Sunday.
There are only three teams in the NFL that are averaging less than 250 yards per game through two weeks and two of those teams will be playing in this game. We might only see eight yards of offense by both teams combined during the first quarter.
The Bengals are three plays away from being 0-2, but somehow, they seem to find a way to win every week and they're playing a Vikings team that still hasn't scored a first-quarter touchdown, a second-quarter touchdown or a third-quarter touchdown this year. That's a lot of quarters without a touchdown. I think I'll take the Bengals.
PICK: Bengals 23-20 over Vikings | Bengals +3.5 | Odds via BetMGM, where you can get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first football wager loses:
Indianapolis (2-0) at Tennessee (0-2)
1 p.m. ET (CBS, Stream on Paramount+)
The Colts suddenly look like the best team in the NFL and all it took was adding Daniel Jones to the team. Sorry Vikings fans, you can't have him. Through two weeks, no one has been able to figure out how to stop the Colts offense:
- Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards
- Tyler Warren leads the NFL in receiving yards by a tight end
- Daniel Jones is second in the NFL in passing yards
If Jones leads the Colts to the Super Bowl, someone will definitely have to turn that into a movie and the good news is that we already have the title for it.
With all the hype surrounding this team heading into Week 3, a classic move by the Colts would be for them to lose this game and that's not entirely impossible. The Titans have actually played well at times this year, especially on defense. Although they're 0-2, they held a second half lead against both the Broncos and Rams before eventually losing.
The problem for the Titans is that Cam Ward always seems to be running for his life. Whenever he drops back to pass, I've noticed that one of three things seems to happen: He gets sacked, he throws an incomplete pass or the play is blown dead because the Titans get called for a penalty.
Ward has already been sacked 11 times, which is the most of any quarterback in the NFL through two weeks. That puts him on pace to take 93.5 sacks this year, which would blow by the current NFL record of 76, a mark that was set in 2002 by David Carr.
The Colts offense can move the ball and the Titans offense can't, so I think we all know where I'm going with this pick: The legend of Indiana Jones lives on for another week.
PICK: Colts 23-16 over Titans | Colts -3 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook, where you can get 20 100% profit boosts with the promo code CBS20X. Get started here:
Arizona (2-0) at San Francisco (2-0)
4:25 p.m. ET (Fox, Fubo, try for free)According to Kyle Shanahan, there's a chance that Brock Purdy could play this week, but I'm not buying it. I mean, there's also a chance that a talking hamster will show up at my house and give me a check for $1 million, but I won't be holding my breath waiting for that, just like I won't be holding my breath expecting Purdy to play.
If Purdy is out, that means we're going to be getting another week of Mac Jones, who has given us even more proof that you can put almost anyone in Kyle Shanahan's offense and it will succeed. At this point, I'm convinced that a kicker could throw for 250 yards in Shanahan's offense. During their Week 2 game against the Saints, the 49ers didn't have Purdy or George Kittle, but they still managed to put up 344 yards and that was mostly thanks to Jones, who threw for 279 yards.
Jones' passing total was more than Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen threw for in Week 2. Am I saying that Jones is better than those three? Maybe, but I'll need to see him play at least one more game in Shanahan's offense to be sure.
As good as the 49ers' offense has been, the reason they're winning games is because of the defense. The return of Robert Saleh has given the unit a huge boost: The 49ers have surrendered the sixth-fewest yards in the NFL this year.
During the preseason, I picked the 49ers to win the NFC West and preseason me would punch present day me in the face if I picked against the 49ers here, so I'm going to have to roll with San Francisco. And no, I do NOT feel good about picking against a bird team. I'm already regretting it.
PICK: 49ers 20-16 over Cardinals | 49ers -1.5 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, where new users get $300 in bonus bets after a winning $5 wager:
Kansas City (0-2) at N.Y. Giants (0-2)
8:20 p.m. ET (NBC, Fubo, try for free)
I have no idea how it happened, but the CHIEFS are playing in a Week 3 game involving two winless teams and it might be the best game on the schedule this week. Well, it might not be the best, but it should certainly be the most entertaining. For one, you have the Giants, who find a new way to lose every week. In Week 2, I can't even blame them for losing. The only reason they lost is because Brandon Aubrey went out and hit the third-longest field goal in NFL history to force overtime.
If Aubrey doesn't hit this kick, the Giants are 1-1. And then just to add insult to injury, Aubrey beat them in overtime with another field goal.
As for the Chiefs, we have already reached the point of the season where Travis Kelce is yelling at his teammates on the sideline for no reason.
Was he yelling at them because the Chiefs gave up a touchdown? No.
We he yelling at them because someone fumbled? No.
Was he yelling at them after Patrick Mahomes scored a touchdown to give Kansas City a 10-7 lead? Yes.
I think he needs to have a long talk with Taylor Swift about when it's OK to yell at your teammates.
Through two weeks, the Chiefs have struggled on both sides of the ball. With Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy out due to a shoulder, Mahomes is basically out there throwing passes to himself (and Kelce). Due to the Chiefs lack of weapons, the Giants actually match up somewhat well with them.
The only question here is what version of the Giants' offense will be showing up: Will it be the version that only scored six points against the Commanders in Week 1 or will it be the unstoppable version that put up 37 on the Cowboys in Week 2?
One crazy thing about this matchup that if I told you the NFL's leading passer was playing in this game, you'd probably assume that it was Patrick Mahomes, BUT IT'S NOT. Through two weeks, Russell Wilson is leading the NFL in passing yards with an average of 309 yards per game.
If Wilson goes off, the Giants could pull off a Giant upset here.
If the Chiefs had beaten the Eagles in Week 2, I think I would have taken the Giants, but at 0-2, the Chiefs are going to be desperate. The Giants will also be desperate, but in a situation like this, I'll take the team that has been to the Super Bowl in five of the past six years.
PICK: Chiefs 27-24 over Giants | Giants +6 | Odds via BetMGM
Detroit (1-1) at Baltimore (1-1)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, Fubo, try for free)
I know they lost in Week 1, but the Ravens might be scariest team in the NFL. They've played two games and they have hit the FORTY-POINT mark in both games. The Ravens are the fifth team over the past 20 years to open the season by scoring 40 points or more in back-to-back games and two of those five teams ended up playing in the Super Bowl (2009 Saints, 2013 Broncos).
You could argue that the Ravens' weakest link on offense this season has been Derrick Henry. In Week 1, he had a huge game with 169 yards, but he also lost a fumble late in the fourth quarter that allowed the Bills to come back and win. In Week 2, he ran for just 23 yards. Based on how the first two weeks have gone, I feel like the Lions are going to get an angry Henry and let me just say that the last person I would ever want to tackle is an angry Henry. I have never tried to tackle a steamroller, but I feel like that's what it would be like to tackle Henry when he's angry.
Although Henry struggled against the Browns in Week 2, the Ravens still managed to score 41 points. Since there is clearly no way of stopping the Ravens' offense, the only question is whether the Lions will be able to keep up. This is a Detroit team that couldn't get out of its own way during a Week 1 loss where they scored just 13 points against the Packers. However, in Week 2, they looked like the Lions of old by scoring 51 points against the Bears in a game where Jared Goff threw five touchdown passes.
If you can get pressure on Goff, you can slow down the Lions' offense, but getting pressure on him could be difficult for a Ravens team that likely won't have Kyle Van Noy. The pass-rusher, who led the team in sacks last year, is dealing with a hamstring injury and most likely won't be playing, so that could open the door for Goff to have a huge night (Goff threw for 334 yards and five touchdowns in Week 2).
Even if Goff goes off, I can't pick against the Ravens. Not only do they have an angry Henry, but they're also 18-2 straight up in their past 20 home prime-time games.
PICK: Ravens 41-31 over Lions | Ravens -6 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
NFL Week 3 picks: All the rest
Bills 30-20 over Dolphins
Packers 31-17 over Browns
Colts 23-16 over Titans
Steelers 19-16 over Patriots
Eagles 20-17 over Rams
Buccaneers 24-17 over Jets
Commanders 30-23 over Raiders
Falcons 24-13 over Panthers
Jaguars 22-19 over Texans
Chargers 27-24 over Broncos
Seahawks 27-13 over Saints
Cowboys 30-27 over Bears
Last Week
Best pick: Last week, I predicted that the Patriots would go on the road and beat the Dolphins in Miami for the first time in six years, and guess what happened? The Patriots beat the Dolphins in Miami for the first time since 2019. For me, making this pick was easy because when it comes to picking games, I only have one rule: If your team has to hold a players-only meeting after the first week of the season, then there's a 100% chance I'm going to pick against your team. I call this the JJ Watt rule because JJ once explained why those meetings are never a good sign."If you're at players-only meetings point, just go ahead and book your January vacations. It is over," Watt said.
I don't want to say the Dolphins' season is over before we even get to Week 3, but based on Watt's comment, the Dolphins' season might already be over.
Worst pick: Last week, I picked against one bird team and that came when I inexplicably took the Steelers to beat the Seahawks. I only made the pick because I assumed that Mike Tomlin had taught his rookies the basics of the NFL rule book, you know, like the fact that you can't just let a kickoff ROLL INTO THE END ZONE without fielding it.
As Kaleb Johnson found out on Sunday, if you do not field the ball on a kickoff, the other team can recover it in the end zone for a touchdown. I'm pretty sure that most teams cover this rule on the first day of practice, except for the Steelers, apparently.
This was the ONLY straight-up pick I missed in Week 2, but I deserved it, because I picked against a bird team.
Picks Record
Straight up in Week 2: 15-1SU overall: 26-6
Against the spread in Week 2: 10-6
ATS overall: 17-15
Wednesday’s 6-pack:
NFL spreads for Week 3:
— Broncos @ LA Chargers (-2.5)
— Saints @ Seattle (-7.5)
— Cardinals @ San Francisco (-1.5)
— Cowboys @ Chicago (-1.5)
— Chiefs (-6.5) @ NJ Giants
— Lions @ Baltimore (-4.5)
Quote of the Day
“I have no regrets, because I’ve done everything I could to the best of my ability.”
Robert Redford
Wednesday’s quiz
Robert Redford played Roy Hobbs in The Natural; what number did Roy Hobbs wear for the New York Knights?
Tuesday’s quiz
LA/San Diego Chargers have played in one Super Bowl; Stan Humphries was their quarterback in that game.
Monday’s quiz
Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy was catcher for three different teams; he played the most for San Diego, playing for the Padres in the 1984 World Series.
*********************************************
(thru Tuesday’s games)
— Arizona (77-75)
Arizona won five of its last seven games.
Diamondbacks are 19-27 in one-run games.
Arizona is 25-20 vs NL West foes, 52-55 vs everyone else.
Over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.
— Braves (69-83)
Braves won their last four games.
Atlanta is 36-39 at home, 33-44 on the road.
Braves are 27-21 vs NL East rivals, 42-62 vs everyone else.
Under is 12-5-1 in their last 18 games.
— Cubs (87-64)
Chicago is 6-1 in its last seven games.
Cubs are holding #1 Wild Card slot in NL
Under is 7-1-1 in their last nine road games.
Cubs are 68-44 vs righty starters, 19-20 vs lefties.
— Reds (75-76)
Cincinnati lost four of its last five games.
Reds are 56-53 vs righty starters, 19-23 vs lefties.
Under is 7-3-1 in their last 10 road games.
Reds are three games out of the NL’s last Wild Card slot.
— Rockies (41-110)
Colorado lost 13 of its last 15 games.
Over is 5-2 in Rockies’ last seven games.
Rockies are 7-33 vs lefty starters, 34-77 vs righties.
Colorado scored first inning run in only one of last 37 road games.
— Dodgers (84-67)
Dodgers won six of their last nine games.
LA leads San Diego by two games in NL West.
Dodgers are 62-44 vs righty starters, 22-23 vs lefties.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven games.
— Marlins (71-80)
Marlins are 5-1 in their last six games.
Miami is 36-42 at home, 35-38 on the road.
Over is 6-2 in Marlins’ last eight games.
Marlins are 52-55 vs righty starters, 19-25 vs lefties.
— Brewers (92-59)
Brewers are 13-14 in their last 27 games.
Milwaukee is 49-27 at home, 43-32 on the road.
Over is 20-8-2 in their last 30 home games.
Milwaukee has clinched a playoff spot; they lead NL Central. By 5 games
— Mets (78-73)
Mets are 2-8 in their last ten games.
Mets are 47-29 at home, 31-44 on the road.
Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Mets lead Arizona by 1.5 games for last NL Wild Card slot.
— Phillies (91-61)
Phillies are 15-4 in their last 19 games.
Phillies are 68-38 vs righty starters, 23-23 vs lefties.
Over is 8-0 in their last eight games.
Phillies have clinched the NL East.
— Pirates (65-87)
Pirates lost 10 of their last 11 games.
Pittsburgh is 42-35 at home, 23-52 on the road.
Under is 9-2 in their last 11 games.
Pirates are 51-68 vs righty starters, 14-19 vs lefties.
— St Louis (74-78)
St Louis is 2-6 in its last eight games.
Cardinals scored in first inning in only two of last 27 home games.
St Louis is 42-35 at home, 32-43 on the road.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.
— Padres (82-69)
San Diego is 6-8 in its last 14 games.
Padres are 47-28 at home, 35-41 on the road.
Padres are 59-46 vs righty starters, 23-23 vs lefties.
San Diego have a 4-game for the #2 Wild Card slot in NL.
— Giants (75-76)
Giants lost five of their last six games.
Giants are 59-49 vs righty pitchers, 16-27 vs lefties.
Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.
SF is three games out of the NL’s last Wild Card slot.
— Washington (62-90)
Nationals are 2-6 in their last eight games.
Washington is 46-62 vs righty starters, 16-28 vs lefties.
Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games.
Nationals are 21-16 in one-run games.
— Famous birthdays, September 17th:
Phil Jackson, 80
Junior Bridgeman, 72
John Franco, 65
Anthony Carter, 65
Kyle Chandler, 60
Rasheed Wallace, 52
Dan Haren, 45
Marcus Semien, 35
José Ramírez, 33
Patrick Mahomes, 30
Brandon Sproat, 25
James Wood, 23
— Orioles (71-80)
Baltimore won 10 of its last 14 games.
Orioles are 51-57 vs vs righty starters, 20-23 vs lefties.
Under is 11-0 in their last eleven home games.
Orioles are 19-23 vs AL East rivals, 52-57 vs everyone else.
— Red Sox (82-69)
Red Sox are 1-4 in their last five games.
Boston is 45-31 at home, 37-38 on road.
Under is 6-1 in their last seven games.
Red Sox have 2.5-game lead for last AL Wild Card slot.
— White Sox (57-95)
Chicago lost five of its last seven games.
White Sox are 32-45 at home, 25-50 on the road.
Under is 5-1 in their last six games.
Chicago is 42-74 vs righty starters, 15-21 vs lefties.
— Cleveland (79-71)
Cleveland is 10-1 in its last 11 games.
Guardians are 2.5 games out of the AL’s last Wild Card slot.
Guardians are 61-47 vs righty starters, 18-24 vs lefties.
Under is 11-2 in their last thirteen games.
— Detroit (85-66)
Detroit is 7-13 in its last 20 games.
Tigers are 29-18 vs its AL Central rivals, lead division by 5.5 games.
Over is 10-3 in their last thirteen games.
Detroit is 20-9 in one-run games.
— Houston (83-69)
Astros are 5-2 in their last seven games.
Astros are 12-19 in their last 31 home games.
Astros trail Seattle by half a game in AL West.
Over is 6-0 in their last six home games.
— Royals (75-76)
Royals are 11-15 in their last 26 games.
Kansas City is 58-64 vs righty starters, 17-12 vs lefties.
Over is 4-0 in Royals’ last four games.
Royals scored in first inning in 14 of last 24 home games.
— Angels (69-82)
Angels lost 20 of their last 30 games.
Over is 8-3 in their last eleven games.
Angels are 58-67 vs righty starters, 11-15 vs lefties.
Angels are in last place in AL West ($206M payroll)
— Twins (66-85)
Twins lost 22 of their last 33 games.
Minnesota is 37-39 at home, 29-46 on the road.
Over is 13-4 in their last 17 home games.
Twins are 2-9 in last 11 games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— New York (84-67)
New York is 8-7 in its last 15 games.
Over is 11-5 in their last 16 road games.
New York is 68-51 vs righty starters, 16-16 vs lefties.
Right now, New York has the #1 Wild Card slot in AL.
— A’s (71-80)
A’s have won their last five games.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
A’s are 53-65 vs righty starters, 18-15 vs lefties.
A’s are 9-4 in extra innings this season.
— Seattle (83-68)
Mariners won their last 10 games, scoring 78 runs.
Seattle is 33-10 in its last 43 home games.
Over is 10-4 in their last fourteen games.
Seattle leads Houston by half a game in AL West.
— Tampa Bay (73-78)
Tampa Bay lost five of its last six games.
Rays are 38-38 at home, 35-40 on the road.
Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.
Rays are 7-13 in last 20 games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— Texas (79-73)
Rangers lost their last three games.
Texas is 3.5 games out of the AL’s last Wild Card slot.
Texas is 62-51 vs righty starters, 17-22 vs lefties
Rangers are 47-28 at home, 32-45 on road.
— Toronto (89-62)
Blue Jays are 11-4 in their last 15 games.
Blue Jays won 25 of their last 34 home games.
Over is 3-1 in their last four games.
Toronto leads New York/Boston by three games in AL East.
NFL spreads for Week 3:
— Broncos @ LA Chargers (-2.5)
— Saints @ Seattle (-7.5)
— Cardinals @ San Francisco (-1.5)
— Cowboys @ Chicago (-1.5)
— Chiefs (-6.5) @ NJ Giants
— Lions @ Baltimore (-4.5)
Quote of the Day
“I have no regrets, because I’ve done everything I could to the best of my ability.”
Robert Redford
Wednesday’s quiz
Robert Redford played Roy Hobbs in The Natural; what number did Roy Hobbs wear for the New York Knights?
Tuesday’s quiz
LA/San Diego Chargers have played in one Super Bowl; Stan Humphries was their quarterback in that game.
Monday’s quiz
Rangers’ manager Bruce Bochy was catcher for three different teams; he played the most for San Diego, playing for the Padres in the 1984 World Series.
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Wednesday’s Den: Trends for every major league team…….
Trends for every major league team(thru Tuesday’s games)
— Arizona (77-75)
Arizona won five of its last seven games.
Diamondbacks are 19-27 in one-run games.
Arizona is 25-20 vs NL West foes, 52-55 vs everyone else.
Over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.
— Braves (69-83)
Braves won their last four games.
Atlanta is 36-39 at home, 33-44 on the road.
Braves are 27-21 vs NL East rivals, 42-62 vs everyone else.
Under is 12-5-1 in their last 18 games.
— Cubs (87-64)
Chicago is 6-1 in its last seven games.
Cubs are holding #1 Wild Card slot in NL
Under is 7-1-1 in their last nine road games.
Cubs are 68-44 vs righty starters, 19-20 vs lefties.
— Reds (75-76)
Cincinnati lost four of its last five games.
Reds are 56-53 vs righty starters, 19-23 vs lefties.
Under is 7-3-1 in their last 10 road games.
Reds are three games out of the NL’s last Wild Card slot.
— Rockies (41-110)
Colorado lost 13 of its last 15 games.
Over is 5-2 in Rockies’ last seven games.
Rockies are 7-33 vs lefty starters, 34-77 vs righties.
Colorado scored first inning run in only one of last 37 road games.
— Dodgers (84-67)
Dodgers won six of their last nine games.
LA leads San Diego by two games in NL West.
Dodgers are 62-44 vs righty starters, 22-23 vs lefties.
Over is 6-1 in their last seven games.
— Marlins (71-80)
Marlins are 5-1 in their last six games.
Miami is 36-42 at home, 35-38 on the road.
Over is 6-2 in Marlins’ last eight games.
Marlins are 52-55 vs righty starters, 19-25 vs lefties.
— Brewers (92-59)
Brewers are 13-14 in their last 27 games.
Milwaukee is 49-27 at home, 43-32 on the road.
Over is 20-8-2 in their last 30 home games.
Milwaukee has clinched a playoff spot; they lead NL Central. By 5 games
— Mets (78-73)
Mets are 2-8 in their last ten games.
Mets are 47-29 at home, 31-44 on the road.
Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Mets lead Arizona by 1.5 games for last NL Wild Card slot.
— Phillies (91-61)
Phillies are 15-4 in their last 19 games.
Phillies are 68-38 vs righty starters, 23-23 vs lefties.
Over is 8-0 in their last eight games.
Phillies have clinched the NL East.
— Pirates (65-87)
Pirates lost 10 of their last 11 games.
Pittsburgh is 42-35 at home, 23-52 on the road.
Under is 9-2 in their last 11 games.
Pirates are 51-68 vs righty starters, 14-19 vs lefties.
— St Louis (74-78)
St Louis is 2-6 in its last eight games.
Cardinals scored in first inning in only two of last 27 home games.
St Louis is 42-35 at home, 32-43 on the road.
Under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.
— Padres (82-69)
San Diego is 6-8 in its last 14 games.
Padres are 47-28 at home, 35-41 on the road.
Padres are 59-46 vs righty starters, 23-23 vs lefties.
San Diego have a 4-game for the #2 Wild Card slot in NL.
— Giants (75-76)
Giants lost five of their last six games.
Giants are 59-49 vs righty pitchers, 16-27 vs lefties.
Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.
SF is three games out of the NL’s last Wild Card slot.
— Washington (62-90)
Nationals are 2-6 in their last eight games.
Washington is 46-62 vs righty starters, 16-28 vs lefties.
Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games.
Nationals are 21-16 in one-run games.
— Famous birthdays, September 17th:
Phil Jackson, 80
Junior Bridgeman, 72
John Franco, 65
Anthony Carter, 65
Kyle Chandler, 60
Rasheed Wallace, 52
Dan Haren, 45
Marcus Semien, 35
José Ramírez, 33
Patrick Mahomes, 30
Brandon Sproat, 25
James Wood, 23
— Orioles (71-80)
Baltimore won 10 of its last 14 games.
Orioles are 51-57 vs vs righty starters, 20-23 vs lefties.
Under is 11-0 in their last eleven home games.
Orioles are 19-23 vs AL East rivals, 52-57 vs everyone else.
— Red Sox (82-69)
Red Sox are 1-4 in their last five games.
Boston is 45-31 at home, 37-38 on road.
Under is 6-1 in their last seven games.
Red Sox have 2.5-game lead for last AL Wild Card slot.
— White Sox (57-95)
Chicago lost five of its last seven games.
White Sox are 32-45 at home, 25-50 on the road.
Under is 5-1 in their last six games.
Chicago is 42-74 vs righty starters, 15-21 vs lefties.
— Cleveland (79-71)
Cleveland is 10-1 in its last 11 games.
Guardians are 2.5 games out of the AL’s last Wild Card slot.
Guardians are 61-47 vs righty starters, 18-24 vs lefties.
Under is 11-2 in their last thirteen games.
— Detroit (85-66)
Detroit is 7-13 in its last 20 games.
Tigers are 29-18 vs its AL Central rivals, lead division by 5.5 games.
Over is 10-3 in their last thirteen games.
Detroit is 20-9 in one-run games.
— Houston (83-69)
Astros are 5-2 in their last seven games.
Astros are 12-19 in their last 31 home games.
Astros trail Seattle by half a game in AL West.
Over is 6-0 in their last six home games.
— Royals (75-76)
Royals are 11-15 in their last 26 games.
Kansas City is 58-64 vs righty starters, 17-12 vs lefties.
Over is 4-0 in Royals’ last four games.
Royals scored in first inning in 14 of last 24 home games.
— Angels (69-82)
Angels lost 20 of their last 30 games.
Over is 8-3 in their last eleven games.
Angels are 58-67 vs righty starters, 11-15 vs lefties.
Angels are in last place in AL West ($206M payroll)
— Twins (66-85)
Twins lost 22 of their last 33 games.
Minnesota is 37-39 at home, 29-46 on the road.
Over is 13-4 in their last 17 home games.
Twins are 2-9 in last 11 games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— New York (84-67)
New York is 8-7 in its last 15 games.
Over is 11-5 in their last 16 road games.
New York is 68-51 vs righty starters, 16-16 vs lefties.
Right now, New York has the #1 Wild Card slot in AL.
— A’s (71-80)
A’s have won their last five games.
Under is 6-2 in their last eight games.
A’s are 53-65 vs righty starters, 18-15 vs lefties.
A’s are 9-4 in extra innings this season.
— Seattle (83-68)
Mariners won their last 10 games, scoring 78 runs.
Seattle is 33-10 in its last 43 home games.
Over is 10-4 in their last fourteen games.
Seattle leads Houston by half a game in AL West.
— Tampa Bay (73-78)
Tampa Bay lost five of its last six games.
Rays are 38-38 at home, 35-40 on the road.
Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.
Rays are 7-13 in last 20 games where winning run scored from 7th inning on.
— Texas (79-73)
Rangers lost their last three games.
Texas is 3.5 games out of the AL’s last Wild Card slot.
Texas is 62-51 vs righty starters, 17-22 vs lefties
Rangers are 47-28 at home, 32-45 on road.
— Toronto (89-62)
Blue Jays are 11-4 in their last 15 games.
Blue Jays won 25 of their last 34 home games.
Over is 3-1 in their last four games.
Toronto leads New York/Boston by three games in AL East.
NFL Super Bowl odds: Packers overtake Eagles as NFC favorites after red-hot start to 2025
Despite winning last year's Super Bowl, the Eagles are no longer the betting favorite in the NFC as the Packers now hold that distinction
The Green Bay Packers entered 2025 with high expectations after making the playoffs each of the last two seasons. Not only did Green Bay make the postseason in consecutive years, but those two playoff teams were the youngest based on average age in NFL history. With Matt LaFleur back as head coach and the team drafting receiver Matthew Golden for Jordan Love to throw to, the Packers were set to enter 2025 as a Super Bowl sleeper.And then the big trade happened.
After months of tension between himself and the Dallas Cowboys, All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons was dealt from Dallas to Green Bay for a package of first-round picks. Parsons also promptly got a contract extension, making him far and away the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
So far, so good for Parsons and Co. as the Packers are 2-0 after dominant wins over the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, two playoff teams from a year ago with high-powered offenses Parsons and defensive coordinator Jeff Haffley shut down.
Now, the Packers are the favorites at top sportsbooks to get out of the NFC and win the Super Bowl, leapfrogging the Philadelphia Eagles who not only won the Super Bowl last season, but beat the Packers in the first round of the playoffs.
With the Packers overtaking the Eagles as NFC favorites, just how good are they?
Packers Lambeau Leap the Eagles in NFL futures odds
The Eagles, after winning their second Super Bowl in franchise history last year, entered 2025 as the cream of the crop in the NFC. While some AFC squads had shorter Super Bowl odds than Philly ahead of Week 1, the Eagles had the shortest odds to get to the Super Bowl out of the NFC as well as the shortest odds of any NFC team to win it all. That's no longer the case.At DraftKings Sportsbook, the Packers have the shortest odds to win the NFC at +320 and the third-shortest Super Bowl futures odds in the NFL at +650, best among all NFC teams. The Eagles, meanwhile, are +750 to repeat as Super Bowl champs (fourth-shortest odds) and +360 to win the NFC (second-shortest behind Green Bay).
The SportsLine Inside the Lines team, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, has the Packers winning the NFC North in over 75% of simulations, making the postseason in nearly 97% of simulations, winning the NFC in over 22% of simulations and winning the Super Bowl in over 17% of simulations. All of those numbers are tops in the NFC.
What's interesting is this has far less to do with anything the Eagles have done and everything to do with Green Bay. Philadelphia is 2-0 with wins over Dallas and Kansas City to kick off 2025. The Eagles haven't completely blown anyone away just yet, but the Cowboys' offense appears much improved and Philadelphia beat the Chiefs in February's Super Bowl.
That's an impressive start to the year, just not as impressive as what Green Bay has done. The Packers held the high-flying Lions to 13 points in Week 1. In Week 2, Detroit scored 52 against the Chicago Bears. The Packers followed that up with a 27-18 win over the Commanders in a game where Washington just never appeared comfortable offensively. In limited snaps, Parsons has 1.5 sacks already, and Green Bay ranks third in yards allowed and fourth in points allowed through two weeks. This was a defense that was a top-five or top-10 unit in nearly every key category last year, and adding Parsons to the mix certainly doesn't hurt, regardless of whatever Jerry Jones tries to say about Parson's run defense.
The addition of Parsons has glossed over what Love and the offense have done, too, ranking 12th in yards and sixth in points. That unit should only continue to grow with Love under center and Golden developing as a rookie receiver. Tucker Kraft may be this year's breakout tight end, too, as he has 140 yards and two touchdowns already a year after he had 707 yards for seven scores.
Add that all together and combine that with a head coach who has won over 67% of his games and is just 45 years old and this Packers team may not just be a problem this year, but for the foreseeable future.
Prisco's Week 3 NFL picks: Eagles handle Rams again, Ravens knock off Lions in classic shootout
Pete Prisco reveals all of his Week 3 picks, including the Chiefs barely getting their first win
Thud.That's the sound of me crashing back to Earth after a good Week 1 picking NFL games.
Week 2 was a horror show.
I actually went into the week thinking I would continue my fast start to the season, but a lot of close games went the other way -- Texans, Cardinals and a few others -- and I finished the week in the dumps. I had a solid week straight up, going 11-5, but I was the exact opposite at 5-11 against the spread.
That brings my season records to 24-8 straight up and 16-16 ATS. From 11-5 ATS the first week to 5-11 the next.
Damn.
So somewhere in the middle this week? I'll take it after that showing in Week 2.
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills (-12)
Thursday, 8:15 p.m. on Prime VideoThis could be a pivotal game for Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel if it gets ugly. The Bills are rolling and Miami is 0-2. The Buffalo offense could be in for a big night in this one. The Dolphins have looked bad on defense. Josh Allen has a big night for the offense. The Dolphins won't keep up.
Pick: Bills 33, Dolphins 17 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Atlanta Falcons (-5.5) at Carolina Panthers
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)The Falcons are playing consecutive road games off an impressive Sunday night victory over the Vikings. The defense came up big in that one. Carolina will be playing its home opener, which is an edge, but that's the only edge. Michael Penix Jr. will get the offense going for Atlanta, but it's close.
Pick: Falcons 27, Panthers 26 | Odds via BetMGM
Cincinnati Bengals at Minnesota Vikings (-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)This will be Jake Browning against Carson Wentz rather than Joe Burrow vs. J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, not exactly what you want to see in Week 3. Browning came off the bench in the Bengals' victory over the Jaguars and led them to victory late. But I think Wentz at home will be the one who plays the better of the two to win it.
Pick: Vikings 27, Bengals 17 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Green Bay Packers (-8.5) at Cleveland Browns
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)The 2-0 Packers have been dominant in two games and take the best defense in the league to Cleveland to face a Browns offense that has struggled. Joe Flacco is coming off a bad game and this Green Bay defense can make it tough on him. Jordan Love will do enough to win it for the Packers, but the Browns defense will keep them in it.
Pick: Packers 23, Browns 20 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, where new users get $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 bet:
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-1.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)The Texans come to Jacksonville at 0-2 on a short week and haven't showed a lot of offense. That's concerning. Jacksonville is coming off a tough loss to the Bengals, but I see the Jaguars using their running game to push around the Texans front in a physical victory.
Pick: Jaguars 23, Texans 17 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) at Tennessee Titans
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)his will be the first road game for the 2-0 Colts, who have been so good on offense they have yet to punt. Daniel Jones has really played well. The Titans didn't look good on defense against the Rams last week and have generated little offense. Look for the Colts to keep rolling.
Pick: Colts 30, Titans 16 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)This is the game of the week, featuring two 2-0 teams and a rematch of the NFC divisional round playoff game won by the Eagles last January. The Rams rallied in that game, but they are playing consecutive road games here, which is a challenge. The Eagles offense hasn't been great so far, but it will be better here.
Pick: Eagles 28, Rams 21 | Odds via BetMGM
Las Vegas Raiders at Washington Commanders (-3.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is dealing with a knee injury that could keep him out of this one. That would mean Marcus Mariota would start. The Raiders are coming off a terrible showing Monday night on offense against the Chargers and this is a long trip on a short week. Commanders will win, no matter who plays quarterback, but the Raiders hang around.
Pick: Commanders 24, Raiders 22 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook, where new users get 20 100% profit boosts with the code CBS20X:
New York Jets at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)The 0-2 Jets face the undefeated Bucs in their home opener. The Jets defense has been a major issue so far and quarterback Justin Fields is in the concussion protocol. Tyrod Taylor could start. It doesn't matter. The Bucs will win this game with Baker Mayfield and the running game getting the best of the Jets defense.
Pick: Buccaneers 29, Jets 17 | Odds via BetMGM
Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5) at New England Patriots
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)The Steeles haven't looked great on defense so far, which is concerning. Aaron Rodgers has done some good things, and I think he will play well here. The problem is the Steelers defense won't slow Drake Maye either. This will be high scoring with Rodgers pulling it out late.
Pick: Steelers 31, Patriots 28 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Denver Broncos at Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
The Chargers can really take an early hold of the division with a win here. They are playing great defense and Justin Herbert is playing well on offense. The Denver defense struggled last week against the Colts and now the Broncos are on the road again. The Chargers win it.
Pick: Chargers 23, Broncos 17 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks (-7.5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)This is a long trip for the 0-2 Saints after two close losses. Seattle has played well on defense, which will challenge Spencer Rattler and the New Orleans offense. Look for that defense to show up big here and have a few turnovers that lead to points for Sam Darnold and the offense. Seattle takes it.
Pick: Seahawks 27, Saints 14 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco (-1.5)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)This is a game featuring two 2-0 teams. It's the home opener for the 49ers, who won with Mac Jones playing well at quarterback last week. This Arizona defense will present a much tougher challenge in this one. The Cardinals will stay around, but the 49ers will win a close one.
Pick: 49ers 24, Cardinals 20 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, where new users get $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 bet:
Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears (-1.5)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)The 0-2 Bears are in desperation mode for first-year coach Ben Johnson. The Cowboys won in overtime against the Giants in a wild one last week, but this will be a tough road game. The Chicago defense is a major worry right now after giving up 52 to the Lions, but I think the unit plays better here. The Bears will get their first victory.
Pick: Bears 26, Cowboys 23 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5) at New York Giants
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. on NBC (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)The Chiefs limp into this game at 0-2 with problems on offense. The Giants are 0-2, but at least they showed some life on offense against Dallas. That ends here. Look for the Chiefs defense to slow down Russell Wilson and the Giants offense as the desperate Chiefs find a way to win their first game.
Pick: Chiefs 20, Giants 17 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens (-5.5)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN (Stream: Fubo -- try for free)This will be fun as both teams can score. The Lions scored 52 last week, while the Ravens scored 41. I don't think either will come close to those numbers, but they will get into the 30s. Look for the Ravens at home to win a fun shootout.
Pick: Ravens 37, Lions 30 | Odds via BetMGM
Thursday’s 6-pack:
College football spreads for Week 3:
% of teams’ running plays that didn’t gain any yards:
37.1%— Raiders
32%— Seahawks
31.3%— Giants
31.3%— Chargers
28.6%— Dolphins
24%— 49ers
Quote of the Day
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde
Thursday’s quiz
Who was the first player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season?
Wednesday’s quiz
Robert Redford played Roy Hobbs in The Natural; Roy Hobbs wore number 9 for the New York Knights.
Tuesday’s quiz
LA/San Diego Chargers have played in one Super Bowl; Stan Humphries was their quarterback in that game.
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I’m not 100% sure of this, but I think Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was the first movie I ever saw in a movie theater. Long time ago.
Redford later created the Sundance Institute, a non-profit that supports independent film and theater and is known for its annual Sundance Film Festival.
What an epic career; he will be missed.
RIP, sir.
— My favorite Robert Redford movies:
Up Close and Personal
The Natural
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
The Candidate
Three Days of the Condor
All the President’s Men
— Well-known actors who were also in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, along with Redford and Paul Newman:
Cloris Leachman, Ted Cassidy (Lurch in the Addams Family) and Sam Elliott.
— Former big league pitcher Ron Darling is one of the best, if not the best, color analysts on major league games. He works mainly on Mets’ games.
He was talking the other night about playing in the minor leagues, why they’re important.
“You learn how to win, but you also learn how to lose, and that is important.”
— Salvador Perez had a pretty good night recently; his 300th career home run gave him his 1,000th career RBI. Perez is a future Hall of Famer.
— Arkansas Razorbacks unveiled their non-conference basketball schedule for the coming season; they’re playing all eight teams who were in last spring’s Elite 8. Playing such a tough schedule is an indication that John Calipari thinks he has a really good team.
— Over the last 55 years, only one NFL team has started a season 2-0, with both wins coming on last-minute touchdowns; the 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
— Jets’ QB Justin Fields (concussion) is out for this week’s game in Tampa; Tyrod Taylor will get the start. Taylor is 28-29-1 as an NFL starter, playing for seven different teams in 15 years.
— Famous birthdays, September 18th:
Billy Gambrell, 84
Jeff Bostic, 67
Toni Kukoč, 57
Aisha Tyler, 55
Jason Sudekis, 50
Serge Ibaka, 36
Kevin Dotson, 29
Ceddanne Rafaela, 25
The great actor Jack Warden was born on this day in 1920.
— Pretty cool scene before the Mets’ game the other night; Francisco Lindor’s wife Katia played the national anthem on her violin, with their three kids standing nearby on the field.
— Cubs 8, Pirates 4
Cubs clinch their first playoff berth since 2020.
Ian Happ homered, drove in three runs.
Cubs have won seven of their last eight games.
— Giants 5, Diamondbacks 1 (11)
Brandon Pfaadt allowed one hit in nine shutout IP for Arizona.
Giants end a 4-game skid; they’re 2 games out of the last playoff spot.
Justin Verlander allowed three hits in his 7 IP.
— Padres 7, Mets 4
Manny Machado broke a 2-2 tie with a fifth inning grand slam.
Mets lead Arizona by 1.5 games for the last playoff spot.
Juan Soto hit his 41st home run for the Mets.
— Guardians 4, Tigers 0
Cleveland creeps to within 4.5 games of the first-place Tigers.
Guardians have won 11 of their last 12 games.
Gavin Williams allowed three hits in 5 IP.
— Royals 7, Mariners 5
Royals scored four runs in the 8th, broke Seattle’s 10-game win streak.
Adam Frazier’s two-run home run was the game-winning hit.
Mariners fall a half-game behind Houston in the AL West race.
— Astros 5, Rangers 2
Jeremy Pena homered, doubled for Houston.
Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer.
Cristian Javier allowed five hits in six IP, got the win.
— If the baseball playoffs started today (they start week after next):
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Cubs, Padres, Mets
AL: Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros. Wild Cards: New York, Red Sox, Mariners
College football spreads for Week 3:
% of teams’ running plays that didn’t gain any yards:
37.1%— Raiders
32%— Seahawks
31.3%— Giants
31.3%— Chargers
28.6%— Dolphins
24%— 49ers
Quote of the Day
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Oscar Wilde
Thursday’s quiz
Who was the first player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and steal 30 bases in the same season?
Wednesday’s quiz
Robert Redford played Roy Hobbs in The Natural; Roy Hobbs wore number 9 for the New York Knights.
Tuesday’s quiz
LA/San Diego Chargers have played in one Super Bowl; Stan Humphries was their quarterback in that game.
*********************************************
Thursday’s Den: Doing some thinking out loud….
— The great actor Robert Redford passed away earlier this week at age 89; what a tremendous career he had, both as an actor and behind the scenes, as a producer/director.I’m not 100% sure of this, but I think Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was the first movie I ever saw in a movie theater. Long time ago.
Redford later created the Sundance Institute, a non-profit that supports independent film and theater and is known for its annual Sundance Film Festival.
What an epic career; he will be missed.
RIP, sir.
— My favorite Robert Redford movies:
Up Close and Personal
The Natural
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
The Candidate
Three Days of the Condor
All the President’s Men
— Well-known actors who were also in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, along with Redford and Paul Newman:
Cloris Leachman, Ted Cassidy (Lurch in the Addams Family) and Sam Elliott.
— Former big league pitcher Ron Darling is one of the best, if not the best, color analysts on major league games. He works mainly on Mets’ games.
He was talking the other night about playing in the minor leagues, why they’re important.
“You learn how to win, but you also learn how to lose, and that is important.”
— Salvador Perez had a pretty good night recently; his 300th career home run gave him his 1,000th career RBI. Perez is a future Hall of Famer.
— Arkansas Razorbacks unveiled their non-conference basketball schedule for the coming season; they’re playing all eight teams who were in last spring’s Elite 8. Playing such a tough schedule is an indication that John Calipari thinks he has a really good team.
— Over the last 55 years, only one NFL team has started a season 2-0, with both wins coming on last-minute touchdowns; the 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
— Jets’ QB Justin Fields (concussion) is out for this week’s game in Tampa; Tyrod Taylor will get the start. Taylor is 28-29-1 as an NFL starter, playing for seven different teams in 15 years.
— Famous birthdays, September 18th:
Billy Gambrell, 84
Jeff Bostic, 67
Toni Kukoč, 57
Aisha Tyler, 55
Jason Sudekis, 50
Serge Ibaka, 36
Kevin Dotson, 29
Ceddanne Rafaela, 25
The great actor Jack Warden was born on this day in 1920.
— Pretty cool scene before the Mets’ game the other night; Francisco Lindor’s wife Katia played the national anthem on her violin, with their three kids standing nearby on the field.
— Cubs 8, Pirates 4
Cubs clinch their first playoff berth since 2020.
Ian Happ homered, drove in three runs.
Cubs have won seven of their last eight games.
— Giants 5, Diamondbacks 1 (11)
Brandon Pfaadt allowed one hit in nine shutout IP for Arizona.
Giants end a 4-game skid; they’re 2 games out of the last playoff spot.
Justin Verlander allowed three hits in his 7 IP.
— Padres 7, Mets 4
Manny Machado broke a 2-2 tie with a fifth inning grand slam.
Mets lead Arizona by 1.5 games for the last playoff spot.
Juan Soto hit his 41st home run for the Mets.
— Guardians 4, Tigers 0
Cleveland creeps to within 4.5 games of the first-place Tigers.
Guardians have won 11 of their last 12 games.
Gavin Williams allowed three hits in 5 IP.
— Royals 7, Mariners 5
Royals scored four runs in the 8th, broke Seattle’s 10-game win streak.
Adam Frazier’s two-run home run was the game-winning hit.
Mariners fall a half-game behind Houston in the AL West race.
— Astros 5, Rangers 2
Jeremy Pena homered, doubled for Houston.
Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer.
Cristian Javier allowed five hits in six IP, got the win.
— If the baseball playoffs started today (they start week after next):
NL: Phillies, Brewers, Dodgers. Wild Cards: Cubs, Padres, Mets
AL: Blue Jays, Tigers, Astros. Wild Cards: New York, Red Sox, Mariners
NFL BEST BETS !
09/18/2025......................2 - 0 - 0..................100.00%..................+ 10.00
09/15/2025......................2 - 2 - 0....................50.00%..................- 1.00
09/14/2025.....................4 - 12 - 0..................25.00%...................- 40.50
09/11/2025......................0 - 2 - 0...................00.00%...................- 11.00
09/08/2025......................0 - 2 - 0...................00.00%...................- 11.00
09/07/2025......................8 - 7 - 0...................53.33%....................+ 1.50
TOTALS.........................16 -25 - 0...................39.02%....................- 52.00
09/18/2025......................2 - 0 - 0..................100.00%..................+ 10.00
09/15/2025......................2 - 2 - 0....................50.00%..................- 1.00
09/14/2025.....................4 - 12 - 0..................25.00%...................- 40.50
09/11/2025......................0 - 2 - 0...................00.00%...................- 11.00
09/08/2025......................0 - 2 - 0...................00.00%...................- 11.00
09/07/2025......................8 - 7 - 0...................53.33%....................+ 1.50
TOTALS.........................16 -25 - 0...................39.02%....................- 52.00
Friday’s 6-pack:
QB’s with most passing yards, thru Week 2:
618— Russell Wilson, NJG
588— Daniel Jones, Minn
560— Justin Herbert, LAC
559— Jared Goff, Det
549— Dak Prescott, Dal
543— Matthew Stafford, Rams
Thought of the Day
If you want people to speak kindly about you after you’re gone, then you should speak kindly while you’re alive.
Friday’s quiz
Who was the QB for the Buffalo Bills, the year before they drafted Josh Allen?
Thursday’s quiz
Henry Aaron was the first player in major league history to hit 40+ home runs and steal 30+ bases in the same season.
Wednesday’s quiz
Robert Redford played Roy Hobbs in The Natural; Roy Hobbs wore number 9 for the New York Knights.
*****************************************
Buffalo won its first three games,. scoring 41-30-31 points.
Bills ran ball 27 times for 157 yards (5.8 yards/carry)
Buffalo outgained the Dolphins, 360-277.
Bills won five in row, 13 of last 14 series games.
Game was 14-14 at halftime.
Miami converted 10 of 15 third down plays; it wasn’t enough.
Dolphins lost their first three games, giving up 33-33-31 points.
Miami is minus-5 in turnovers in its three games.
— Rice 28, Charlotte 17
Rice is 3-1 for the first time since 2001.
Owls led 14-9 at halftime.
Rice ran the ball 46 times for 255 yards (5.5 yards/carry).
Charlotte threw for 259 yards, converted 8-18 on third down.
— Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is going to retire after this season, his 18th season in the major leagues. Kershaw is 222-96, 2.54 in his career; he’s led the league in ERA five times, also won three Cy Young awards.
— Seattle 3B Eugenio Suarez went 4-for-4 for the Mariners in Kansas City Tuesday, snapping an 0-for-32 skid. This year, he is hitting .096 in 23 games in T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Kind of hard to visualize him signing with the Mariners as a free agent this winter.
— June 11-15th, Reds’ SS Elly De La Cruz homered in four straight games; since June 24th, he has hit one home run, in 297 at-bats. Is he playing hurt?
— Minnesota Twins eliminated their four-person pro scouting department this week; teams are trending towards video-based scouting.
— Tennessee Titans are the only NFL team that doesn’t have a play of 30+ yards in their first two games.
— Famous birthdays, September 19th:
David Ray, 81
Randolph Mantooth, 80
Larry Brown, 78 (Redskins’ RB)
Nat Moore, 74
Dan Hampton, 68
Phil Stephenson, 65
Jim Abbott, 58
Jimmy Fallon, 51
Nick Johnson, 47
Gio Gonzalez, 40
Ryan Succop, 39
George Springer, 36
CJ McCollum, 34
Dejounte Murray, 29
— Guardians 3, Tigers 1
Jose Ramirez hit a 2-run homer in the 7th inning.
Cleveland has won 12 of its last 13 games.
Detroit has lost six of its last seven games.
Tigers’ lead in AL Central is down to 3.5 games.
— Reds 1, Cubs 0
Hunter Greene threw a complete game one-hitter.
Reds are within two games of the Mets for the last Wild Card slot.
— Mets 6, Padres 1
Pete Alonso homered for the fourth game in a row.
Juan Soto got his 100th RBI of the season.
— Mariners 2, Royals 0
Luis Castillo allowed three hits in his six IP.
Seattle/Houston are tied for first in the AL West.
— Rays 4, Blue Jays 0
Shane Baz pitched five scoreless IP for Tampa Bay.
Chandler Simpson had three hits, for second game in a row.
Toronto’s magic number to clinch the AL East is 3.
— A’s 5, Red Sox 3
Brent Rooker hit his 30th home run for the A’s.
Red Sox have lost five of their last seven games.
Red Sox lead Cleveland by 1.5 games for the last Wild Card slot.
QB’s with most passing yards, thru Week 2:
618— Russell Wilson, NJG
588— Daniel Jones, Minn
560— Justin Herbert, LAC
559— Jared Goff, Det
549— Dak Prescott, Dal
543— Matthew Stafford, Rams
Thought of the Day
If you want people to speak kindly about you after you’re gone, then you should speak kindly while you’re alive.
Friday’s quiz
Who was the QB for the Buffalo Bills, the year before they drafted Josh Allen?
Thursday’s quiz
Henry Aaron was the first player in major league history to hit 40+ home runs and steal 30+ bases in the same season.
Wednesday’s quiz
Robert Redford played Roy Hobbs in The Natural; Roy Hobbs wore number 9 for the New York Knights.
*****************************************
Friday’s Den: Clearing out a cluttered mind…….
— Bills 31, Dolphins 21Buffalo won its first three games,. scoring 41-30-31 points.
Bills ran ball 27 times for 157 yards (5.8 yards/carry)
Buffalo outgained the Dolphins, 360-277.
Bills won five in row, 13 of last 14 series games.
Game was 14-14 at halftime.
Miami converted 10 of 15 third down plays; it wasn’t enough.
Dolphins lost their first three games, giving up 33-33-31 points.
Miami is minus-5 in turnovers in its three games.
— Rice 28, Charlotte 17
Rice is 3-1 for the first time since 2001.
Owls led 14-9 at halftime.
Rice ran the ball 46 times for 255 yards (5.5 yards/carry).
Charlotte threw for 259 yards, converted 8-18 on third down.
— Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is going to retire after this season, his 18th season in the major leagues. Kershaw is 222-96, 2.54 in his career; he’s led the league in ERA five times, also won three Cy Young awards.
— Seattle 3B Eugenio Suarez went 4-for-4 for the Mariners in Kansas City Tuesday, snapping an 0-for-32 skid. This year, he is hitting .096 in 23 games in T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Kind of hard to visualize him signing with the Mariners as a free agent this winter.
— June 11-15th, Reds’ SS Elly De La Cruz homered in four straight games; since June 24th, he has hit one home run, in 297 at-bats. Is he playing hurt?
— Minnesota Twins eliminated their four-person pro scouting department this week; teams are trending towards video-based scouting.
— Tennessee Titans are the only NFL team that doesn’t have a play of 30+ yards in their first two games.
— Famous birthdays, September 19th:
David Ray, 81
Randolph Mantooth, 80
Larry Brown, 78 (Redskins’ RB)
Nat Moore, 74
Dan Hampton, 68
Phil Stephenson, 65
Jim Abbott, 58
Jimmy Fallon, 51
Nick Johnson, 47
Gio Gonzalez, 40
Ryan Succop, 39
George Springer, 36
CJ McCollum, 34
Dejounte Murray, 29
— Guardians 3, Tigers 1
Jose Ramirez hit a 2-run homer in the 7th inning.
Cleveland has won 12 of its last 13 games.
Detroit has lost six of its last seven games.
Tigers’ lead in AL Central is down to 3.5 games.
— Reds 1, Cubs 0
Hunter Greene threw a complete game one-hitter.
Reds are within two games of the Mets for the last Wild Card slot.
— Mets 6, Padres 1
Pete Alonso homered for the fourth game in a row.
Juan Soto got his 100th RBI of the season.
— Mariners 2, Royals 0
Luis Castillo allowed three hits in his six IP.
Seattle/Houston are tied for first in the AL West.
— Rays 4, Blue Jays 0
Shane Baz pitched five scoreless IP for Tampa Bay.
Chandler Simpson had three hits, for second game in a row.
Toronto’s magic number to clinch the AL East is 3.
— A’s 5, Red Sox 3
Brent Rooker hit his 30th home run for the A’s.
Red Sox have lost five of their last seven games.
Red Sox lead Cleveland by 1.5 games for the last Wild Card slot.
Saturday’s 6-pack:
Odds on college teams to score the most points Saturday:
(From SouthPoint Casino, Las Vegas)
5-1— Florida State
7-1— Oregon, Texas
9-1— Tennessee
12-1— Vanderbilt
15-1— Georgia Tech, Louisville, Notre Dame
18-1— Ole Miss, USC, UConn, Washington
Quote of the Day
“This is a wasted year if we don’t learn what we need to do and we don’t know why we didn’t go out there and do what we wanted to do. If those things happen, then it’s a wasted year, in my opinion.”
Paul Skenes
Saturday’s quiz
Of all the current major league ballplayers, who has hit the most career home runs?
Friday’s quiz
Tyrod Taylor was the QB for the Buffalo Bills, the year before they drafted Josh Allen.
Thursday’s quiz
Henry Aaron was the first player in major league history to hit 40+ home runs and steal 30+ bases in the same season.
******************************************
Seattle hit four solo home runs, take over 1st place in AL West
Brian Woo pitched 5 innings, before leaving with an injury.
Mariners have won 11 of their last 12 games.
— Guardians 6, Twins 2
Bo Naylor knocked in four runs for Cleveland.
Guardians have won eight games in a row.
Cleveland is 1.5 games behind Boston/Houston for 2nd/3rd Wild Cards.
— Braves 10, Tigers 1
Detroit has lost seven of its last eight games.
Tigers’ lead in AL Central is down to 2.5 games over Cleveland.
Detroit has been outscored 17-2 in its last three games.
— Despite the win, Braves were eliminated from playoff contention, will miss the postseason for the first time since 2017.
— Dodgers 6, Giants 3
Clayton Kershaw pitched 4.1 IP in his last regular season start in LA.
Shohei Ohtani hit his 52nd home run.
Dodgers’ catcher in this game, Dalton Rushing, was 7 years old when Kershaw made his MLB debut.
— White Sox 4, Padres 3
Chicago’s win ends their six-game losing skid.
Miguel Vargas hit a two-run homer.
Padres fall to four games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
— Red Sox 11, Rays 7
Tampa Bay led this game 3-2 after six innings.
Jarren Duran hit a two-run homer in the 7th inning.
Red Sox broke the game open with seven runs in the 8th inning.
— Famous birthdays, September 20th:
Sophia Loren, 91
Dave Twardzik, 75
Mickey Klutts, 71
Gary Cole, 69
Dante Hall, 47
Ian Desmond, 40
Jeffrey Springs, 33
Kyle Anderson, 32
— Tulsa 19, Oklahoma State 12
Tulsa ran the ball 43 times for 205 yards.
Tulsa beat the Cowboys for the first time since 1998.
Oklahoma State has lost 11 of its last 12 games.
— Iowa 38, Rutgers 28
Iowa trailed 28-24, scored two TD’s in last 5:39 of the game.
Rutgers threw for 330 yards, but ran 30 times for only 70 yards.
Since 2019, Scarlet Knights are 5-16-1 ATS as a home underdog.
— Washington Commanders will start Marcus Mariota at QB Sunday against the Raiders; starter Jayden Daniels has a knee injury- the team is being cautious with him.
Mariota has a 35-41 record as an NFL starter, mostly with Tennessee; he hasn’t started a game since Week 13 of 2022, for the Falcons.
— Since 1992, QB’s who have played 10+ games for NFC North teams:
Vikings- 18
Bears- 17
Lions- 15
Packers- 3
— Atlanta Falcons cut K Younghoe Koo after seven years with the team, and signed K Parker Romo to a two-year contract. Koo missed the tying field goal in Atlanta’s Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers.
— Tennessee Titans are 3-16 ATS in their last 19 games, 0-9 ATS in last nine home games.
Last team to go 0-10 ATS in ten straight home games? 2012-13 Philadelphia Eagles.
— Sunday, when Carson Wentz starts for the Vikings, he’ll become the first QB in the history of the NFL to start for six different teams in consecutive seasons:
2020- 12 starts, Eagles
2021- 17 starts, Colts
2022- 7 starts, Commanders
2023- 1 start, Rams
2024- 1 start, Chiefs
2025- 1 start, Vikings
Odds on college teams to score the most points Saturday:
(From SouthPoint Casino, Las Vegas)
5-1— Florida State
7-1— Oregon, Texas
9-1— Tennessee
12-1— Vanderbilt
15-1— Georgia Tech, Louisville, Notre Dame
18-1— Ole Miss, USC, UConn, Washington
Quote of the Day
“This is a wasted year if we don’t learn what we need to do and we don’t know why we didn’t go out there and do what we wanted to do. If those things happen, then it’s a wasted year, in my opinion.”
Paul Skenes
Saturday’s quiz
Of all the current major league ballplayers, who has hit the most career home runs?
Friday’s quiz
Tyrod Taylor was the QB for the Buffalo Bills, the year before they drafted Josh Allen.
Thursday’s quiz
Henry Aaron was the first player in major league history to hit 40+ home runs and steal 30+ bases in the same season.
******************************************
Saturday’s Den: Wrapping up the last Friday of summer……
— Mariners 4, Astros 0Seattle hit four solo home runs, take over 1st place in AL West
Brian Woo pitched 5 innings, before leaving with an injury.
Mariners have won 11 of their last 12 games.
— Guardians 6, Twins 2
Bo Naylor knocked in four runs for Cleveland.
Guardians have won eight games in a row.
Cleveland is 1.5 games behind Boston/Houston for 2nd/3rd Wild Cards.
— Braves 10, Tigers 1
Detroit has lost seven of its last eight games.
Tigers’ lead in AL Central is down to 2.5 games over Cleveland.
Detroit has been outscored 17-2 in its last three games.
— Despite the win, Braves were eliminated from playoff contention, will miss the postseason for the first time since 2017.
— Dodgers 6, Giants 3
Clayton Kershaw pitched 4.1 IP in his last regular season start in LA.
Shohei Ohtani hit his 52nd home run.
Dodgers’ catcher in this game, Dalton Rushing, was 7 years old when Kershaw made his MLB debut.
— White Sox 4, Padres 3
Chicago’s win ends their six-game losing skid.
Miguel Vargas hit a two-run homer.
Padres fall to four games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.
— Red Sox 11, Rays 7
Tampa Bay led this game 3-2 after six innings.
Jarren Duran hit a two-run homer in the 7th inning.
Red Sox broke the game open with seven runs in the 8th inning.
— Famous birthdays, September 20th:
Sophia Loren, 91
Dave Twardzik, 75
Mickey Klutts, 71
Gary Cole, 69
Dante Hall, 47
Ian Desmond, 40
Jeffrey Springs, 33
Kyle Anderson, 32
— Tulsa 19, Oklahoma State 12
Tulsa ran the ball 43 times for 205 yards.
Tulsa beat the Cowboys for the first time since 1998.
Oklahoma State has lost 11 of its last 12 games.
— Iowa 38, Rutgers 28
Iowa trailed 28-24, scored two TD’s in last 5:39 of the game.
Rutgers threw for 330 yards, but ran 30 times for only 70 yards.
Since 2019, Scarlet Knights are 5-16-1 ATS as a home underdog.
— Washington Commanders will start Marcus Mariota at QB Sunday against the Raiders; starter Jayden Daniels has a knee injury- the team is being cautious with him.
Mariota has a 35-41 record as an NFL starter, mostly with Tennessee; he hasn’t started a game since Week 13 of 2022, for the Falcons.
— Since 1992, QB’s who have played 10+ games for NFC North teams:
Vikings- 18
Bears- 17
Lions- 15
Packers- 3
— Atlanta Falcons cut K Younghoe Koo after seven years with the team, and signed K Parker Romo to a two-year contract. Koo missed the tying field goal in Atlanta’s Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers.
— Tennessee Titans are 3-16 ATS in their last 19 games, 0-9 ATS in last nine home games.
Last team to go 0-10 ATS in ten straight home games? 2012-13 Philadelphia Eagles.
— Sunday, when Carson Wentz starts for the Vikings, he’ll become the first QB in the history of the NFL to start for six different teams in consecutive seasons:
2020- 12 starts, Eagles
2021- 17 starts, Colts
2022- 7 starts, Commanders
2023- 1 start, Rams
2024- 1 start, Chiefs
2025- 1 start, Vikings
