Thanksgiving Showdown

By : Mike Rifkin

In recent years, there has been a third Thanksgiving game added to the slate, and 2022 is no different. Two teams with their eyes on the playoffs will meet as the New England Patriots take on the Minnesota Vikings in Minnesota. 

The Patriots are coming off a 10-3 win over the New York Jets. They won the game with five seconds left in the fourth quarter, when Marcus Jones returned a punt 84 yards to break the 3-3 tie. The Patriot defense held the Jets to six first downs, 103 total yards (2 in the second half) and three points. They sacked Zach Wilson four times, 1.5 of them came from Matthew Judon who leads the NFL with 13 on the season. 

In the win Mac Jones was 23-27 for 246 yards and was sacked six times. The Patriots ran the ball for 99 yards and averaged 3.8 yards per carry including Damien Harris averaging 8.1 yards per carry. New England now sits with a record of 6-4 on the season. 

The Vikings on the other hand got absolutely smoked by the Cowboys 40-3. The loss snapped the Vikings seven game winning streak. Kirk Cousins threw for 105 yards and was sacked seven times. Justin Jefferson was held to three catches and 33 yards. The Cowboys averaged 6.5 yards per play totaling 458 yards for the game. Tony Pollard had 189 total yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys win. The Vikings were due for one of these games, but their saving grace is that nobody in the NFC North is close to them right now. 

Two playoff hopefuls meet in a very important game on Thanksgiving night. Will the Patriots push their win streak to three or will the Vikings right the ship after getting blasted on Sunday.

Back To Detroit

By Lawrence Lang

As the city of Buffalo was getting hammered with the length of one Devin Singletary 5’5ft of snow. The Bills had their game relocated to Detroit Michigan at Ford’s Field where the Detroit Lions play for their Sunday matchup against Cleveland Browns. The Bills would end their two game skid with a 31-23 win. Josh Allen went 18/27 197 Yards and one Touchdown, Singletary would have 18 carries for 86 yards and one Touchdown and Stefon Diggs would have four receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. All of Diggs’s numbers came after he had a conversation with coach Sean McDermott on the sidelines. Overall this was a nice bounce back win for the Bills that they needed this win because of how the AFC East is starting to shape up to be one of the better divisions in the league Miami Dolphins are in first with a 7-3 record Bills are 7-3 and with the New England Patriots win over the New York Jets, both are  6-4 The Bills will look to start a new streak as we enter the last seven weeks of the season. 

The Bills will return to Detroit again as they will take on the Lions in a Thursday afternoon Thanksgiving game. The Lions come off a 31-18 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium Jared Goff was 17/26 165 yards 0 Touchdowns – 0 INTS. Running Back Jamaal Williams had himself a game as well with 17 carries for 64 yards and three touchdowns His long being 15 yards. Lions Defense also got two sacks and two Interceptions on New York Giants Quarterback Daniel Jones. The Lions are now on a three game winning streak and find themselves at 4-6 and are sitting 2nd in the NFC North only behind the 8-2 Minnesota Vikings. 

Thursday’s game should be good as both teams are looking to continue their winning ways. A win for the Bills would keep them still one game head of the Jets and Patriots and with the Dolphins on a bye would but them back at the top of the AFC East. For the Lions it would show the team still have a shot at a Wild Card even though it looks like its outside looking in but could match their total games they won from the 2020 season where they went 5-11. There is hope for this Lions team and with a win on Thursday against a Bills Team that’s been struggling to hold games and win don’t be surprised if the Lions play Thanksgiving Spoiler and feast on some Buffalo. 

Three Key Factors for the Bills.

  1. Josh Allen: Allen needs to start limiting his turnovers. Two weeks ago we saw it against the Vikings where in OT he threw a game ending Interception where he had no play. If Allen can get back to playing his brand of Football. He just has to limit his turnovers.
  2. Bills Run Game: For the Bills Run game its plain and simple if Devin Singletary and James Cook can get rolling as the one two combo as they are the Bills offense should easily roll against the Lions. Josh Allen can also use his legs.
  3. Bills Defense: The Bills Defense has been 50/50 this year they will play two good games then have a bad game then will have a sub par game. The Defense needs to find consistency and repeat good games after good games Von Miller, Ed Oliver and Jordan Poyer should bring The Defense to get everyone on the same page because with the playoffs on the horizon your defense needs to be inline cause that’s when business picks up.   Last week the Bills had one sack and forced only one turnover. 

For prediction I have the Bills winning 27-13 but do seeing the game being close until the second half when the Bills wake up and smell the roses and it will be a much needed back to back win for the Bills. If the Lions find a way to win this game they might become a real factor in the Wild Card but it will also give this young team a ton of confidence.

49ers at Cardinals Preview

By : Mike Rifkin

A NFC West clash will take place Monday night in Mexico City, as the 49ers take on the Cardinals for the first time this season. Last season the Cardinals swept the season series, the Cardinals have swept the 49ers three times since 2017 and head coach Kyle Shannahan is 3-7 against Arizona as the 49ers head coach. In last seasons sweep both teams had a different quarterback start both games. 

The 49ers are coming off a win against 22-16 win over the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Jimmy Garoppolo and Christain McCaffrey both had a rushing touchdown. In five games against the Cardinals Garoppolo has a 70.7 completion percentage averages 318.0 yards per game, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. In his only start against Arizona last year Garoppolo was 28-40 for 326 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, but was sacked five times. 

The Cardinals are coming off a 27-17 win over the Rams last week. Colt Mccoy, who played in place of an injured Kyler Murray was 26-37 for 238 yards and a touchdown. Running Back James Conner also ran for two touchdowns. Conner had three rushing touchdowns in the two meetings against the 49ers last season. DeAndre Hopkins has been a pain for the 49ers since arriving in Arizona, Hopkins has 28 catches for 286 yards and a touchdown. Kyler Murray has eight total touchdowns in five games in his career against San Francisco. 

Can San Francisco make it three consecutive wins by beating a team that has really haunted them? Or can Arizona hold onto their slim playoff hopes by continuing their dominance against a divisional foe.

Week 11: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers

By Ross Mazin

The Kansas City Chiefs face off Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. This is a highly anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the AFC West. 

The Chiefs are coming off a  27-17 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Patrick Mahomes was 26 for 35 for 331 yards, 4 touchdowns and 1 interception. Isaiah Pachecho had 16 Carries. He also rushed for 82 yards. Kadarius Toney six touches for 90 yards and a touchdown in his Chiefs debut. He will have to have a bigger role as the Chiefs will enter this game without JuJu Smith – Schuster and Mecole Hardman. 

The Chargers are coming off a 22-16  loss against the 49ers last week. Justin Herbert was 21 for 35 for 196 yards. He had one touchdown and one interception. Austin Ekeler had 6 carries for 24 yards. He also had seven catches for 39 yards. The Chargers offense might get receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams back from injury as both have practiced this week.

The two teams played in week two, a 27-24 Chiefs victory. Justin Herbert went 33-48 for 334 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. He also took a brutal shot to the ribs and hasn’t really looked the same since. Patrick Mahomes was 24-35 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. The key play was in the fourth quarter with the Chargers at the Chiefs 1 yard line, in a tied game and Justin Herbert was intercepted by rookie Jaylen Watson who returned it all the way for a touchdown to give the Chiefs the lead for good. 

I expect relatively high scoring game. My prediction is Chiefs 30- Chargers 28

METS OFF SEASON MOVES

By Mark Halpern

    Well, Mets fans, here we are again in the offseason with no World Series trophy.  However, I am not disappointed they didn’t win the trophy; I was more upset that they didn’t win the division.  The Mets have a lot to do in the offseason to try to have a repeat performance of last year. 

    The Mets have many star players who all just turned Free Agents.  Notably Jacob DeGrom, Bandon Nimmo, Edwin Diaz, Chris Bassitt, Trevor May, Seth Lugo, and Taijuan Walker.  These players were critical pieces of why the Mets had 20 more wins than last year, and Mets fans have to be happy about that.  However, if they lose too much of the team from last year to Free Agency, the Mets will have to find Relief in Free Agency themselves.

 All the Mets free agents deserve a contract, but the question is who will be first.  We must get Brandon Nimmo locked up now.  He is generating the most interest around the league so far.  The Blue Jays, Rockies, and Reds are just a few teams that have started making goo-goo eyes and talking with his agent.  My prediction is that the moment he is offered a contract Cohen (will) should go and make sure he is in center field next year.  Jacob Degrom is the biggest name of Mets free agents to test the market.  Only a handful of teams could even make an offer, and it will have to be around 42-45 million AAV in no more than 4 years.  I understand what Degrom is doing, and it’s only fitting that he gets what he wants.  Edwin Diaz was the best closer in baseball last season and had unique walk-out music that blew Mariano Rivera’s entrance out of the water.  When you hear  Narco played by Timmy Trumpet, the volume in the stadium can be heard in Westchester county, NY.  That being said, Diaz got a five year deal worth 102 million dollars, which is the richest deal for a reliever. 

 Taijuan Walker had a great first half and was all over in the second half.  He deserves another deal with the Mets but will be a casualty because someone will pay big for him.  As for Lugo and May, you should try to bring both back. 

 What do the Mets need the question?  The Mets need pitching (starting and relief.) Obviously, the fans want DeGrom back, but I want Carlos Rodon from the Giants. He has been a dominant pitcher in the league over the last 5 years, and he is not getting younger and has said he wants to go to a true contender.  The Mets are a perfect fit for him as he can be #3 pitcher for them if DeGrom stays; if DeGrom leaves, then #2 or #3.  Bassitt should be given an offer and look like Rodon, either #3 or #4, if DeGrom leaves.  The Mets have also talked to Kodai Senga, who pitched in Japan last year. The Mets also need Relief Pitching, and there needs to be a more significant sample of who is out there to get an idea of whom the Mets will go after.  I know I’ll take the flak for this but make a play for Aroldis Chapman as the eighth inning man and I would try and pry Taylor Rodgers away from the Brewers.

The Mets desperately need a Designated Hitter.  Almost anyone can be a DH, but you want someone reliable.  I wish for the Mets to bring back Conforto to be the DH, and he could still play right.  After his injury and missing last season, he isn’t going to get a 5 figure contract.  I would offer 3 years at a 17 million per year with an option for 4th.  Another name to try and explore would be J.D. Martinez. I would give him a two year contract worth 32 million dollars with an option for a third year. 

I know we are early into the process, and if it were up to us Mets fans, our payroll would be 500 million.  Steve Cohen will spend to get this team to greatness, but a 500mil payroll won’t happen this decade. But we know that Steve Cohen is willing to spend to make the Mets a World Series contender.

Trying To Right The Ship

By : Mike Rifkin

The New Orleans Saints host the defending Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. When the schedule came out most people would think that this is a game between two contenders in the NFC, instead this is a game between two teams who are barely hanging on to playoff contention.

The defending Super Bowl champs are 3-6 and coming off a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. A game in which Quarterback Matthew Stafford missed with a concussion In his place John Wolford was 24-36 for 212 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Last season the Rams offense averaged 27.1 points per game, this season they are averaging 16.4 points per game.  The Rams offense is last in the league in rushing averaging 68.1 yards per game. The Rams offense took a major blow on Sunday when star receiver Cooper Kupp injured his ankle, earlier this week the Rams put him on IR meaning he will miss a minimum of four games. Now the question who will step up in Kupp’s absence? Last season the Rams defense was third in the NFL in sacks, then their pass rush helped them win the Super Bowl. This year they are 25th in sacks so far. 

The Saints are 3-7 and coming off a 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Andy Dalton was 17-27 for 174 yards a touchdown and two interceptions. Alvin Kamara has three touchdowns on the season ( 1 rushing, 2 receiving) and only has ONE 100 yard rushing game on the season. Rookie receiver Chris Olave has been a bright spot for the offense with 46 catches for 658 yards and two touchdowns. Last year the Saints defense had a +7 turnover differential, this year they are -12 which is last in the NFL, the Rams are 30th with a -7 differential. 

Two teams that were playoff hopefuls to start the season, are now searching to find their game. Both teams are looking to right the ship, but it might be too late.

Opening A Can Of Heinicke 

By : Mike Rifkin

Monday night, the Washington Commanders ended the Philadelphia Eagles undefeated season hopes with a 32-21 win. Washington is now back to.500 and have now won four of their last five games, and their only loss was by a field goal to the Minnesota Vikings. 

This run has coincided since Taylor Heinicke took over for Carson Wentz, who underwent surgery on his finger. Heinicke isn’t flashy as the quarterback, but he gets the job done. This season Heinicke has a 62.0 completion percentage, 840 yards, five touchdowns, four interceptions and a Quarterback Rating of 82.7.

 In 2020 Heinicke started the NFC Wild Card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and went toe to toe with Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl Champs. Heinicke in the game was 26-44 for 306 yards, one touchdown and an interception, he added 46 yards and a touchdown rushing. That performance earned Heinicke the starting job last year where he posted a 65.0 completion percentage, 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, and had a 85.9 Quarterback Rating. Washington went 7-10 last season last season and the front office felt the biggest change needed was at quarterback. But was it really all on Taylor Heinicke? In 2020 Washington was second in yards allowed, last year they fell to 22nd. But the front office felt the biggest change needed was at quarterback. 

Heinicke Isn’t the best quarterback in the NFL, but his teammates have his back and he has played well. Heinicke has played too well to have the Commanders go back to Carson Wentz. Heinicke has earned the opportunity to continue to start. If he starts to struggle, then Ron Rivera can go back to Wentz. Neither one is the long term answer, but Heinicke deserves this opportunity. 

Swimming Into First Place

By : Mike Rifkin

On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins defeated the Cleveland Browns 39-17. The win moves the Dolphins to 7-3 and with the win and the Bills loss the Dolphins now sit in first place in the AFC East. 

In the win Tua Tagovailoa continued his fantastic play by going 25-32 for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Tua is the first player in Dolphins history by completing 70 percent of his passes, at least three touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Dolphins offensive line had their best game of the season as the Browns didn’t have a sack and the team ran for 195 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. The trade deadline addition Jeff Wilson had 119 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry. Raheem Mostert also had 65 yards, a touchdown and averaged 8.1 yards per carry. The Dolphins defense played well also. They sacked Jacoby Brissett three times and hitting him 14, Bradley Chubb had 0.5 sacks and three qb hits. They held Nick Chubb to 63 yards, 33 of which came on one run. 

The Dolphins enter their bye week at 7-3 and in first place in the AFC East. After the bye week the Dolphins will play the Houston Texans at home, before embarking on a three game road trip against the 49ers, Chargers, and Bills. 

Statement Win

By: Mike Rifkin

On Sunday the Vikings overcame a 17 point deficit and defeated the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in Overtime. The win moves the Vikings to 8-1 on the season and was the biggest win in the Kirk Cousins era. 

Cousins was 30-50 for 357 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Dalvin Cook had 119 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. 81 of those yards came on his touchdown run in the third quarter. Justin Jefferson had 10 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown. On Fourth and 18, trailing 27-23 Jefferson made arguably the greatest catch of all time, when he jumped in the air and snatched it with one hand away from the defender. That drive ended with Kirk Cousins getting stopped on fourth and goal. The next play the Bills had a bad exchange on a snap and Eric Kendricks recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchdown. 

The Vikings defense forced four Bills turnovers including two interceptions by Patrick Peterson. The Vikings have a +8 turnover differential which is second in the NFL. 

This Viking team has a different feel than the ones in years past, because they are winning the close games. Last season the Vikings lost eight games by one possession. This season Vikings have won seven games by one possession. Their only loss so far is against the undefeated Eagles. Kevin O’Connell has his team as one of the best in the NFL.

HALF WAY AND THE COWBOYS ARE RIGHT IN THE THICK OF THINGS.

By Mark Halpern

     So as, all of us Dallas Cowboys fans are still sore to walk into Lambeau Field on Sunday because of the long history between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers. When you look at the best rival teams that dig deep into the trenches, you think of matchups of New York Giants/ Washington Commanders (Formerly, the team’s real name should be the Redskins.) New England Patriots, the New York Jets, and the Buffalo Bills vs. anyone in the NFC EAST, there’s a rivalry that goes back to the mid-1960s, and Dallas vs. Green Bay feud has been an exciting matchup, whether it’s a spot for the playoffs to just a win in the win column these games get fierce. From Staubach vs. Starr to Aikman vs. Farve and now Prescott vs. Rodgers. Even though the Cowboys are 6-2 and the Packers are 3-6, this weekend’s match isn’t going to be a walk into Lambeau and expect a win.

     The Cowboys have had two weeks to get rested, and they sure needed it, as they have been banged up all over the board. Zeke Eliot and Micah Parsons were the two who needed it. Parsons’s job is extremely safe, but what’s not safe is Elliot’s spot as the #1 running back in Dallas after Tony Pollard’s explosive year so far. If he can’t prove why he deserves to be #1 in the next two weeks, he will become the change of pace player that Tony Pollard has been for the last three seasons.

     This is a vital game for the Cowboys because of the position they are in, in the NFC EAST. The Eagles have yet to lose a game and are currently sitting atop the pyramid and looking down at the #2 Cowboys, #3 New York Giants, and then Commanders. Predictions were high for the Eagles this season. Dallas was another prominent team, but you heard of problems from the Giants and Commanders clubs right from the start of training camp. The Giants have squashed everyone’s prediction by playing exceptional football on both offensive and defensive fronts. The Giants’ two losses came from beyond a sub-par team being the Seahawks and the other is the Cowboys. It will be a tricky second part of the season for the Giants as they play much more formidable teams in the weeks ahead.

     The NFC EAST has been the surprising division through the first half of the season, and this division will push one another to the final whistle of the regular season blows, and that’s how the old man sees it.