The Sports Insanity Network

NFL WEEK 11 PREVIEWS

BY SIN BLITZERS

BENGALS AT STEELERS : This is a massive game for both teams in the race for the AFC North. The Steelers are trying to fend off the Ravens, while a Bengals win would not only give them a season sweep of the Steelers, but it’d give them a real chance to get Joe Burrow back, and he was back at practice this week. The Bengals are coming off a bye week after a 47-42 loss to the Chicago Bears. Joe Flacco was 31-47 and four touchdowns. Tee Higgins went for seven receptions , 121 yards and two touchdowns. The Bengals are now taking on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a week seven rematch when the Bengals won 33-31. The Steelers are coming off a 25-10 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. Aaron Rodgers went 16/31,162 yds , one touchdown and two interceptions .

X Factors

Steelers

Offense : More Explosive plays

The Steelers have been keeping their plays short , less than 10 yards . Rodgers needs to throw the ball down the field more and take advantage of the Bengals weak defense . They also need someone not named DK Metcalf to make a play.

Defense : Contain Chase Brown

The rush defense game has to contain Chase Brown , he’s been on fire with three consecutive games of 100 yards or more. Containing Brown will be the key for the rush defense . Also CB Joey Porter needs to keep an eye on Chase and Higgins to stop them .

Bengals

Offense: Joe Flacco

Since the last game against the Steelers, the Bengals offense has improved. In the last three games, they have scored 33 or more points . Joe Flacco has scored 12 touchdowns in the last four games with the Bengals this year so far.

Defense : Defense needs to contain Aaron Rodgers

Its going to be hard without Trey Hendrickson but they have keep an eye on the oldest active qb in the league.

Prediction

Steelers 24 Bengals 14 – Bill Murphy

DET AT PHI : The Detroit Lions are coming of a trouncing of the Washington Commanders 44-22. With the Commanders completely depleted of starters were put in a tough situation. The Detroit Lions find themselves in a very unique situation for this week’s battle against the Philadelphia Eagles and that is Win and they have control of the NFC. The Lions will need to continue to dominate with this offense and that shouldn’t be a problem against an Eagles’ defense that has been banged up a little. This game falls on stopping Saquon Barkley. I believe Barkley is still hurting in that hamstring but with so much turmoil in the Eagle offense, Barkley can’t afford to miss games. Look For the Lions Defensive Line to bottle Barkley up and force Hurts out of the pocket and into the hands of the Linebacking crew. The Secondary has to play as well as they did last week if the Lions intend on winning this game. – Mark Halpern

DAL AT LV : The Dallas Cowboys return from the bye week a much healthier defense than when they left before the Trade deadline. The Cowboys Defensive Line gained a big Piece with acquiring Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams, Logan Wilson will help a banged up line backing crew but, that’s from trades. Dallas will also receive Demarion Overshawn who was drafted in 2023 and had a solid first two years but has been hampered by a torn acl that required surgery at the end of 2023 and missing the 2024 and ready to make his season debut. The Cowboys secondary will get healthier over the next few weeks. This week the long-awaited debut of Shavon Revel (Dallas 2025 draft pick), also either by next week or the Thanksgiving game the Cowboys could have Tre’von Diggs back as well. The Cowboys are by no way out of the playoff race but it is going to take the Defense to step it up

WSH AT MIA (MADRID) : The Dolphins will look to make it two wins in a row when they play the Commanders in Madrid. The Dolphins dominated the Bills last week 30-13. De’von Achane had 174 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. The Dolphin defense forced three turnovers in the win. The Commanders are coming off a 44-22 whooping from the Lions. Once again Marcus Mariota starts in place of Jayden Daniels and there will be no Terry McLaurin also for Washington. One note Dan Quinn will call the defense this week.

TB AT BUF : Both teams are coming off of tough losses. The Bucs once again will be without Bucky Irving and Chris Godwin. They’ll need Baker Mayfield to regain that early season form. For the Bills they’ll be without Dalton Kincade. Which 2018 Quarterback makes bigger plays in this one?

SEA AT LA RAMS : Arguably the two best teams in football right now meet in LA. The Rams offense led by Matthew Stafford has been lights out and the Seahawk defense, which had two touchdowns last week has been unbelievable. This should be a fun game at the top of the NFC West.

CHIEFS AT BRONCOS : The Broncos are in first place in the AFC West, and to quote Ric Flair “ To be the man you have to beat the man”. The Chiefs have been the man over the years and have been playing great as of late. The Broncos are extremely banged up right now, but Bo Nix has to play better because you know Mahomes will bring it.

WHAT DO THE CARDS HAVE IN STORE FOR KYLER?

By MARK HALPERN

Kyler Murray was the top College Quarterback over his 2 years at Oklahoma, amassing a stat line that makes NFL teams drool and possibly trade a good portion of their picks to have a shot at the kid. Murray passed for over 5,400 yards with a 67.4 completion percentage to go along with 50 touchdown and only 14 interceptions. Yes, this was at the college level but he did lead one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Murray went on to win the Heisman trophy and was ultimately selected by the Arizona Cardinals first overall. It is also worth noting that Kyler Murray was also a drafted to play Baseball, but chose to play in the NFL.

The Cardinals built around Murray, they got him a coach he was familiar with and they got him weapons notably DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins, at the time was the best receiver in Football Muray became reliant on Hopkins as a go to receiver, especially when he was flushed out of the pocket. Murray is a mobile Quarterback, and sometimes is too reliant on his mobility, and we know that’s a high risk of injury. The Cardinals decided to give Murray a big contract (imo he didn’t deserve) and was in the plans for the Cardinals direct future.

Well after the departure of Hopkins, Christian Kirk, and Hollywood Brown things weren’t the same. There have been reports of Kyler being immature which led to him being fined and seemed to be disconnected from his team. It was soon discovered he had become a major Call of Duty junkie. There were claims Murray spent more time playing the video game then preparing for NFL games as At one point it seemed clear that Murray would possibly be dealt in a trade (even though he had signed extension) because it was obvious he didn’t want to be there.

However, Murray this season has been hampered by injuries. After the Cardinals blew out the Cowboys led by backup Jacoby Brissette, Murray was put on the IR for four more weeks leading to speculation his time is done in Arizona. With a contract like Murray’s it is easier to deal in the offseason, than during the season.

If Murray is traded there are quite a few landing spots. The first two that come to mind are the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Jets. There are other teams where Kyler fits in such as the Saints and Dolphins, who both could be looking to change the position. Kyler has a lot of talent, there are flaws to his game, but the talent is there. If he can mature it could help someone in the long run.

STEARNS AGENDA (HOW TO FIX THE METS)

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The case of the 2025 New York Mets is plain and simple they choked. With one of the highest payrolls in the sport the Mets missed the playoffs, one season after being two wins away from competing in the World Series. The results were unacceptable and outside of Carlos Mendoza the entire coaching staff is out. Now with his manager and possibly his own job on the line how should David Stearns operate this offseason? This will be how I would operate this offseason.

RE-SIGN Edwin Diaz – One and two are going to be similar for me. Diaz is arguably the best closer in the sport and all the Mets really need to do is tack on a few years to an existing deal that should get it done. But Diaz is top priority because even if they don’t know who is starting, they’ll know who is finishing games.

RE-SIGN Pete Alonso – Alonso tested the market last season and nothing came his way, the Mets were able to get him on their terms. But after the season Pete had, the deal is on his terms. Yeah, you can complain about his defense, but what he does offensively cannot be replaced. What he and Juan Soto did in the second half of the season was beautiful, neither one has as good of a season if the other isn’t there. Making Pete a Met for life should be on the agenda.

TRADE FOR TARIK SKUBAL : Here comes the Mets biggest need starting pitching. The reason the Mets missed the playoffs was their starting pitching wasn’t good enough and put too much pressure on the bullpen. Skubal is the best pitcher in the sport and is on the verge of winning his second consecutive CY Young. Why the Tigers don’t want to pay him is beyond me, but with the farm system the Mets have, they need to use it to their advantage and then use Steve Cohen’s checkbook to make Skubal a Met long term. Something along the lines of Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams, and Mark Vientos could get this done.

TRADE JEFF MCNEIL : We’ve added some salary and now we have to dump some. McNeil has been a good Met, he’s one of two Mets to ever win a batting title and his versatility is unmatched, but now the Mets have younger players who are ready and someone needs to be a fall guy and McNeil is the easiest option. Trade him for a reliever or starting pitcher who could help.

TRADE FOR NOLAN ARENADO – I know what you’re thinking how is trading for a 34 year old third baseman going to help? Well, David Stearns talked about run prevention in his end of season press conference, what’s better than a 10 time Gold Glove winner and six time Platinum Glove winner. With two years and 31 million dollars left on his deal, the Mets won’t have to dip into prospects, this should be a contract for contract. So either Kodai Senga or Sean Manea could go.

SIGN ZAC GALLEN – Again the top of the Mets rotation is a big need. Gallen is not coming off a great season, but remember how good he was in 2023 in the D-Backs run to the World Series. Also since 2021 he has started at least 23 games.

SIGN DUSTIN MAY OR ALEK MANOAH – Yeah David Stearns has other needs, but I also know he likes reclamation projects. Here are two really good talents, who whether by injury or other circumstances haven’t panned out. Either one could also be a long man in the bullpen.

TRADE FOR LUIS ROBERT – The Mets need a Center Fielder, and unless Carson Benge is ready trading for Robert could be very beneficial. He is only making 20 million dollars, and is under team control for one more season. Robert is also two years removed from a 38 homer season, so maybe the change of scenery will help get his stroke back. The Mets could center this deal over Mark Vientos.

SIGN LUIS ARRAEZ – The Mets have a lot of power, especially if Alonso returns, but they don’t have a lot of contact guys. Arraez fills that need and if you combine him and Starling Marte returning (on a cheap deal) that could solve the DH position. Arraez can also spell Pete at first base or if Arenado could use a day off, kick Brett Baty over to third and play Arraez at second.

10. SIGN PETE FAIRBANKS – Yeah, this is news Fairbanks’ option with the Rays was declined. The Mets could use Fairbanks like they hoped Ryan Helsley would’ve helped at the trade deadline. Fairbanks and Edwin Diaz at the backend could be a very formidable duo. I also wouldn’t mind looking at Luke Weaver or Devin Williams if they can’t get Fairbanks.

NFL WEEK 10 PREVIEWS

BY SIN BLITZERS

The Dallas Cowboys are on a bye this week and it couldn’t have come at a better time. After a poor showing in Arizona, the Defense picked up two big Acquisitions in Quinnien Williams and Logan Wilson and will have time to get them acclimated in time for their week 11 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Dallas will also look to get healthier on Defense with the returns of a few players that are desperately needed. – Mark

The Detroit Lions will face depleted Washington Commanders this weekend. Not gonna sugar coat it but, this is Detroit’s game to lose. With the loss of Jayden Daniels and a good portion of the offense. The Commanders might be in for a good old fashion Pride beatdown. Look for the Lions offense to control this game from the get go. With arguably a top 3 Offense the Commanders will be commanded back into the tunnel where they emerged. Look for the Lions defense to get a morale boost this Sunday as they have an opportunity to make some big plays. – Mark

BUF AT MIA : The Bills and Dolphins will play for the second time this season, the Bills won 31-21 in week 3. Josh Allen, who has owned the Dolphins in his career threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns, while James Cook rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 146 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Tyreek Hill had five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown. Hill will miss this game as he is out for the season. Buffalo’s defense is coming off it’s best game of the season against the Chiefs and now get a struggling Dolphins team.

NE AT TB : “The Brady Bow”l is what some are calling this, some might think this is a Super Bowl Preview. The Patriots are one of the biggest surprises in the league and have won six straight. The Bucs at 6-2 will be playing a lot of home games in the second half of the season. The Bucs are still very much banged up, especially on offense. Both Baker Mayfield and Drake Maye look like MVP candidates right now, we’ll see who gets the edge on Sunday.

LAR AT SF : Two division rivals meet for the second time this season, and if you remember the first time it took a Niner goalline stand to win. Mac Jones, who threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns will start again for the Niners. CMC went for 139 total yards and a receiving touchdown, and the biggest shock Kendrick Bourne had 10 catches for 142 yards. Matthew Stafford threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to Kyren Williams. What will the next chapter of this great rivalry have in store for us?

PIT AT LAC : Two playoff hopefuls meet in LA on Sunday night when the Chargers host the Steelers. The Steelers are coming off a great win over the Colts, where there defense showed up and forced five turnovers. The Charger offensive line is banged up at the moment, so the defense should throw a ton of pressure towards Justin Herbert. The Steeler secondary has been suspect most of the season, so if Herbert has time to get the ball out his playmakers could do damage. One thing to watch out of curiosity is how many terrible towels will be waved in LA.

BIG WINS FOR THE KNICKS

BY : MARK HALPERN

Over the last week the New York Knicks played four games and won three of them. The Knicks took the only loss in this stretch to the (at the time) undefeated Chicago Bulls. The Knicks had impressive games from the usual suspects (Brunson, Karl Anthony Towns and Miles Bridges) but the bench has played an important role with players like Hart, McBride and newly acquired Jordan Clarkson all performing well. In this game the Bulls played very well especially on defense. Rebounding is something the Bulls do well with Nickola Vucevic and Josh Giddy almost averaging double digit rebounds per game, second chance points come often for the Bulls.

However, the Knicks had back-to-back games against the Bulls and this time they would not be denied a victory. The difference in this game was that the Bench players played an important role in this win. Well, this season that is what it truly is as almost everyone on the Knicks roster has contributed in some way, shape or form. This would be the difference in this win.

Beating the Wizards by 17, as they are arguably one of the worst teams in the NBA. The Knicks got 33 points and 13 rebounds from Karl -Anthony Towns. OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson had 16 points each. Offensively the Knicks scored 76 points in the second and third quarters combined.

Wednesday Night the Knicks tipped off against the Minnesota Timberwolves Former Knick Juluis Randle and Rudy Gobert have become part of one of the NBA’s top frontcourts in the game today. This game was an important win for the Knicks as they won 137-114 with game high from OG Anunoby with 25 points. Jalen Brunson did it all, as he had 23 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists falling three rebounds shy of a triple double. Josh Hart is quietly proving to be in the same position as he was last year and that’s the NBA’s sixth man. Hart brings exuberance to this Knicks team and chipped in 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

This New York Knicks team has a special feel to it. Under Mike Brown they’re getting more comfortable each game and it’s showing. Now, they have a few days off before playing the Nets on Sunday.

DALLAS GRABS DEFENSIVE HELP

BY MARK HALPERN

This has been the most productive trade deadline for the Dallas Cowboys in recent years. The Cowboys are the second worst Defensive team in football and needed to bolster this defense if they want to make a run for the playoffs.

The Cowboys traded the BEST defensive player this offseason to the Green Bay Packers and received two first round draft picks and Kenny Clark. Kenny Clark has 21 tackles and 2.5 sacks in nine games, but this defense just can’t stop anyone.The Cowboys two weeks ago grabbed Defensive End Jadeveon Clowney, who has two sacks in six games. Even with their impact this defense needed some reinforcements and they got them. Jerry went and pulled the trigger to get another solid piece. Dallas traded a 2026 second round pick, a 2027 first round pick and former first round pick Mazi Smith for Star Defensive Tackle Quinnen Williams from the Jets. Williams has been an all-pro for the last 3 years and a 5-time pro bowl selection. Statistically his play has fallen over the last couple years but, he was with a franchise that is really going nowhere now. Williams will make it hard for opposing offensive lines in doubling down on one player going forward.

The Cowboys also needed a boost at Linebacker. The Cowboys sent a seventh round pick to the Bengals for Logan Willson. This is not a season saving trade by any means but with the Dallas linebacking group banged up(thank God for the bye week) this is a small trade that can have big rewards. Wilson is not known for his pass rushing abilities, but as a solid tackler. Wilson has had over 100 tackles each of the last four seasons. The Cowboys have been looking for the “Mic” linebacker and they may have just found him.

By no means does this say the Cowboys are making a playoff push (A nice thought though) but, what Jerry is doing is building a defense to contend over the next few years. Yes, they gave away draft picks but, it’s next free agency to watch for big moves for the Secondary for 2026 season.

Floor, No Cap

By Mike Rifkin

The 2025 Major League Baseball season ended the same way the 2024 season did with the Los Angeles Dodgers hoisting the World Series Trophy. Now while teams can start thinking about what their 2026 rosters can look like, let’s look after the 2026 season where there might be a work stoppage. Why might there be a work stoppage, because the small market teams are upset about how much the big market teams spend.

While this is true and two of the top five payrolls in Baseball played in the World Series, of the final four teams the Dodgers and Blue Jays were the only two in the top 10 of payroll. The Mariners and Brewers ranked 16th and 21st respectively. So, it is possible to have a lower payroll and win. Are the Dodgers bad for baseball? No, honestly if you want to be mad at something they did look at how some of the deals are structured, not the deals themselves. Were the Yankees bad for baseball when they spent money? No, baseball doesn’t need a salary cap.

What Baseball needs is a salary floor. A salary floor would institute that every team spends up to a certain number. And if you look at 2025 payrolls five teams spent under 100 million dollars. Those teams being the Pirates, White Sox, Rays, Athletics, and Marlins. The team I’m going to leave out for a moment is the Rays, mainly because they just got sold and hopefully the new owner steps in and spends some money. Before last season MLB made the Athletics spend money before they got their cut from the luxury taxes, as for the Pirates it wasn’t long ago where they were benching players who were due bonuses, and the Marlins are the Marlins.

The problem isn’t big market teams spending a lot of money, it’s the small markets not even trying and then complaining about how they’re out on deals before they happened. There are also major market teams that don’t want to spend, look at the current rumors around the Tigers and Tarik Skubal. One of the best pitchers in the game and the reigning CY Young award winner was offered 78 million dollars over four years. Detroit is not a small market, and big market teams acting like a small market is not good for the game.

A lot of people want to talk about competitive balance, but to set that up these teams need to spend money. Or when you have a superstar being able to keep them, because there’s no reason for teams to be talking about a Paul Skenes trade right now.

THEY STRIKE AGAIN

BY MIKE RIFKIN

On Sunday the Chiefs and Bills played another chapter in their fantastic rivalry. The Bills beat the Chiefs by a score of 28-21. In what was a fantastic game played by two outstanding teams, there’s one play in the game that stands out.

In the third quarter down eight points the Chiefs had the ball at their own 44 yard line. Patrick Mahomes threw a pass that wound up near nobody, which led to an intentional grounding penalty, which was 10 yards and a loss of down, meaning instead of 3rd and 6 it would be 3rd and 16. But should the penalty have been called? No, the ball was deflected by a Bills’ lineman, which should’ve negated the penalty. Chiefs coach Andy Reid threw the challenge flag to get the play reviewed, and the refs said “there’s no reviewable aspect to the play”.

How can there be no reviewable aspect to the play? Coaches can challenge if a ball was deflected on a pass interference penalty, but not intentional grounding. That doesn’t make sense, how can you allow it for one but not the other. There are other factors of why the Chiefs lost this game, but this is a massive call because the Bills go down the field and score a touchdown putting them up 28-13. So, the refs didn’t see the ball get tipped and it’s not challengeable, how can replay assist miss it as well? While fans can be critical of the refs and sometimes rightfully and sometimes not there is no reason why they missed this call. But on top of this, how is it not reviewable? If you have the technology use it, but here’s the even dumber thing YOU CAN CHALLENGE A TIPPED BALL FOR PASS INTERFERENCE. So if you can challenge it based on one penalty, how come you can’t do it for another. What if this was a playoff game and the game was decided on a play similar to that? It can’t happen, the NFL seriously needs to change the rule here, or replay assist should’ve stepped in otherwise what is the point of having it.

WEEK 9 PREVIEW CONT

BY SIN BLITZERS

The Dallas Cowboys have one last chance before the bye to make a statement. The Cowboys are 3-4-1 on the first part of the season sitting second in the NFC East. The will play the Cardinals on Monday night football and Dallas needs to blow this game out. We know what the offense can do and against a mid-range defense. We know the offense will score but this defense is so bad, it’s infuriating to watch. The Cardinals are expected to have Kyler Murray back and Dallas has had trouble with mobile QB’s. I would love to see a LB or two rush at him every down. Not always feasible but with a weakened Cardinals running game Kyler could be forced into more than he can handle.

The Detroit Lions will face off against their division rival the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The Lions Defense is going to have to be a brick wall. J.J McCarthy returns and will try to get the ball into a top ten group of receivers. The Lions can Stop the run it’s not the run that makes this Vikings team dangerous anymore. Look for Jefferson to be double covered for a good portion of this game. As for the Offense, they will have a field day against this Vikings defense. Look for a possible double 100 yard rushing game from Gibbs and Montgomery and I have a gut feeling we will be seeing a lot of Jameson Williams after the OC said “I have failed him, I need to make him what he is supposed to be and that’s a top receiver in the league.”

WEEK 9 PREVIEW

BY SIN BLITZERS

Bengals vs Bears: Bill Murphy

The Bengals are coming off of a 39-38 loss to the New York Jets , giving gang green their first win of the season. Flacco went 21/34 , 223 yards and two touchdowns, Samaje Perine had nine carries for 94 yards and one touchdown. The Bengals are now facing the Chicago Bears who are coming off of a 30-16 loss against the Baltimore Ravens .Caleb Williams went 25- 38 for 285 yards and an interception.Deandre Swift had 11 carries for 45 yards and one touchdown.

Keys To The Game

Bears

Offense

Caleb Williams

Though Williams has been inconsistent recently, I think he can rediscover his play from earlier in the season. The Bengals defense is giving up 31.6 points per game. With D’andre Swift out, Williams will have to be a big part of the run game, but hitting Rome Odunze and DJ Moore could keep the Bengals on their heels, like the Jets did last week.

Defense :

Pass rush

The Bears pass rush led by Montez Sweat need to get to Joe Flacco, because that banged up secondary will have issues with Chase and Higgins.

Offense :

Ja’Marr Chase

Last week Chase had 12 receptions and 91 yards and it felt like most of that was in the first half. On the season he has 70 receptions and 720 yards and five touchdowns. Hitting Chase will take advantage of this banged up.Bears secondary .

Defense

Contain Caleb Williams

Without Trey Hendrickson he Bengals will really struggle to contain Williams. Linebacker Logan Wilson is also doubtful in this game, so now we’ll have to see if anyone on the Bengal defense can step up.

Prediction

Chi 24 Cin 20

COLTS AT STEELERS : The Colts have been one of the best stories in football. Daniel Jones has been superb so far as has Jonathon Taylor, who leads the league in rushing Last week against the Titans, Taylor had 12 carries for 153 yards and two touchdowns, he also added a receiving touchdown. This explosive Colts offense will play a Steeler defense that has struggled this season. The Steeler defense is 30th in yards allowed, only the Bengals and Cowboys have given up more. The Steeler defense gave up 35 points last week to the Packers in a 35-25 defeat. Will this be the week the Steeler defense steps up, or will the Colts run all over another opponent.

CHIEFS AT BILLS – Another chapter in this rivalry will be written on Sunday in Buffalo. The Chiefs have won three in a row, making the 0-2 start a stat in the rearview mirror. Patrick Mahomes has been fantastic over the past few weeks, but it doesn’t hurt that he has all of his weapons at his disposal. On the other side the Bills had lost two in a row prior to their bye week, but last week they put a beatdown on the Panthers 40-9. The Chiefs’ defense has given up 24 points in their last three games, but two of those were started by Geno Smith and Marcus Mariota. Question for the Bills is who will step up on the outside, but this should be another classic in what has been a phenomenal rivalry.

SEAHAWKS AT COMMANDERS : A game of a couple NFC playoff hopefuls will meet in DC on Sunday night. The Seahawks are coming off the bye week, but beat the Texans in their last game. One of the big things for Dan Quinn is how will he handle Jaxson Smith- Njigba? JSN has gone for over 100 yards in five of seven games this season. For Washington Jayden Daniels will return after missing Monday night’s game. But the Commanders will be without Terry Mclaurin. Can Washington right the ship, or will Seattle get another big win. Both teams have the ability to get to the Quarterback, so this game might come down to the trenches.