The Shenoa Report Week 3 '20 #theshenoareport

 The Shenoa Report

September 24, 2020
Regular Season Week 3

Week two was devastating for many teams as injuries wreaked havoc across the league. There were so many injuries I’m not going to list them all but here are the most notable, in my opinion:

 

NY Giants- Saquon Barkley, torn ACL, out for the season. Sterling Shepard, turf toe, out indefinitely. 

Panthers-  Christian McCaffrey, high ankle sprain, out 4-6 wks. 

49ers- Nick Bosa, torn ACL, out for the season. Raheem Mostert, MCL sprain, out 2-4 wks. Jimmy Garoppolo, high ankle sprain, wk to wk.  Tevin Coleman, knee, out multiple wks. 

Rams- Cam Akers, ribs, TBD. 

Broncos- Courtland Sutton, torn ACL & MCL, out for the season. Drew Lock, severe rotator cuff sprain, out 4-6 wks. 

Colts- Parris Campbell, PCL & sprained MCL, out indefinitely. Malik Hooker, achilles tendon, out for the season. 

Jets- Breshad Perriman, sprained ankle, wk to wk. 

Packers- Davante Adams, hamstring, wk to wk.

Ravens- Tavon Young, knee, out for the season.

Washington- Brandon Scherff, knee, TBD.

Chargers- Tyrod Taylor, team doctor PUNCTURED his lung while trying to administer pain-killing injection, out indefinitely . 

Seahawks- Bruce Irvin & Marquise Blair, ACL, out for season.

I take back what I said last week, “I was surprised at how well the first week went considering there wasn’t a preseason. The penalties were not overwhelming nor were there injuries.” 

Am I to blame for saying that? In any other season there are two reasons for regular season injuries in the first few weeks; too much high-intensity practice and not enough high intensity practice. Welp, welcome to 2020. Meanwhile, the annual argument about whether the preseason is helpful or harmful will wage on until sports medicine discovers optimal practice procedures that get players fully ready to play without subjecting them to undue strain. NFL coaches will then reject those procedures because they sound too scientific and not enough like “real football.”- Mike Tanier

I went 13-3 in my picks and won in fantasy. Here’s the recap of week 2. 

Bengals @ Browns 30-35
The Browns looked so much better in week two. I was shocked but happy to have Nick Chubb, who had 124 yards and 2 touchdowns, and OBJ, 74 yards and a td, on my fantasy team! I hope the Browns continue to improve. Meanwhile, Joe Burrow fun fact: the kid has never lost back to back football games… until now. Welcome to the NFL Joe.

NY Giants @ Bears 13-17
Not gonna lie, I cried a bit during this game. The final score does not reflect how the game actually went. It felt like the final score was more like 3 to 79.  For the first time in 14 starts Danny Jones was finally able to have Saquon Barkley, Evan Engram, Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate on the field as targets all at the same time. The Giants were supposed to be on the up-and-up. Then Barkley went down with a shoulder injury, returned a couple of plays later only to f-up his knee, and will be out for the rest of the season. Sterling Shepard was the next to go, leaving the game with turf toe. The Giants tried to hobble back after being down 17-0 at the half. They shut out the Bears in the second half of the game, picking off Trubisky in the fourth, but settled for a field goal. Had they made the touchdown there could’ve been a chance to send the game into overtime. Who knows. It’s going to be a long season yet again, for the Giants and Giants fans.

Falcons @ Cowboys  39-40
Dallas had four fumbles and were down by 20 at one point and still managed to pull out a win. I had hoped the Falcons would ruin the Cowboys home opener but instead Dallas ruined Atlanta’s day. You would think that the Falcons would have learned from a certain Super Bowl that you don’t take your foot off the gas when you are winning… 

Lions @ Packers 21-42
Detroit had a sizable lead, for Detroit, in the first quarter but then the Aaron’s came alive. Aaron Jones had a career-high rushing day with 168 yards and three touchdowns, while Aaron Rodgers had 240 passing yards and two touchdowns. 

Vikings @ Colts 11-28
The Colts had their way with the Vikings with fans in the stands to cheer them on. I was surprised, I really thought the Vikings would be good this season and the Colts bad, I guess I’ll just have to reverse that thought.

Jaguars @ Titans 30-33

The Titans are 2-0 now but the Jags didn’t make this win easy. Ryan Tannehill had four touchdowns on the day for Tennessee. I think one of the reasons the Jags didn’t win were costly turnovers. Gardner Minshew had three touchdowns but two interceptions. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski was the one that saved the day with a game winning field goal from 49 yards out. 

49ers @ Jets 31-13
The 49ers may have won this game but it was very, very costly for them. If you read the intro to this report you already knew that they lost 4 players, some with season ending injuries. Even with all the injuries they still beat the Jets soundly. After the game, players and coaches were blaming all the injuries on the turf at Metlife. More on that later.

Bills @ Dolphins 31-28
The Dolphins put up a good fight and after the lightning delay, and the Bills 3rd quarter collapse, I thought they might even pull off the win. They of course, did not and the Bills are 2-0, on top of their division. Weird.

Rams @ Eagles 37-19
I get a little depressed when I think that the Giants are 0-2, but then I remember that the Eagles also are 0-2 and it makes me feel a little better. The Rams had their way with the dirty birds in a wonderful Sunday romping. Jared Goff’s favorite target was Tyler Higbee who had 3 touchdowns on the day. Wentz, on the other hand, had no touchdowns and two interceptions.

Broncos @ Steelers  21-26

The Broncos were another team that had some pretty costly losses in the first two weeks of the season. Jeff Driskel, backup qb, tried to lead the Broncos to an improbable win, but needed just one more drive that just didn’t happen. The Steelers scoring a defensive safety with Derek Watt didn’t help. 

Panthers @ Buccaneers 17-31

Here’s a hypothetical: you play fantasy football. The commissioner of your league changes the rules so that RBs get a point every time they touch the ball, then manually sets the draft order. Coincidentally, they get the first pick of the draft?! Of course they draft Christian McCaffrey… Is it karma for the commish that McCaffrey is now out with an injury for about 4 to 6 wks?  Seriously though, I feel bad for all the injuries, I hope everyone has super fast recoveries. 

Teddy Bridgwater didn’t do well for Carolina with no touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Tom Brady and the Bucs got their first win, Brady had 1 touchdown and 1 interception, but it was Leonard Fournette who was the star of the show with 103 yards and two touchdowns! Woot!

Washington @ Cardinals 15-30
The Cardinals are looking good! I know it’s too early in the season to know for sure, but these guys are really clicking together. Kyler Murray threw for 286 yards, a passing touchdown and two rushing tds. He did have an interception, but looked really good otherwise. Dwayne Haskins also did well for Washington with 223 passing yards and a touchdown as well, it just wasn’t enough to keep up with the Cardinals. 

Chiefs @ Chargers 23-20 OT
The Chargers were all set to start Tyrod Taylor until a freak accident happened before the game so rookie, Justin Herbert, suddenly had his first start in the NFL. He definitely held his own with a rushing touchdown in the first quarter and a passing touchdown in the second quarter. He had an interception too, but all in all Tyrod Taylor might not make it back on the field this season, even after he has recovered from injury. The climax of the game came in overtime where Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker, attempted a 53 yard field goal to win the game. The first attempt was good but there was a penalty on KC for a false start. The second attempt was from 58 yards and was good but the Chargers called a time out. The third time's the charm because the ball split the uprights and the Chiefs won the game.

Ravens @ Texans 33-16
The Texans really blew it when they traded away DeAndre Hopkins. Deshawn Watson looks lost on the field without him. The Ravens showed no mercy on offense and defense, dominating this game. Lamar Jackson had a passing touchdown to Patrick Ricard, the defense picked up a fumble and scored, Mark Ingram had a rushing touchdown, and Justin Tucker had 4 field goals. I’m glad Tucker is my kicker. 

Patriots @ Seahawks 30-35
This was a great game, evenly matched. Cam Newton was on a roll with a passing touchdown and 2 rushing tds, but it also was his demise at the end of the game. The Patriots were on the one yard line with 3 seconds to go in regulation. I said to Eric, “Cam is going to run it and the Seahawks are going to stop him”. And  sure enough, Cam tried a quarterback sneak and got STUFFED.

Saints @ Raiders 24-34
The Raiders won their first game at their new home stadium in Las Vegas. Another team, after just two games that looks pretty gosh darn good. Drew Brees, on the other hand, is kinda starting to show his age a little bit, having only one touchdown and one interception. Should he have retired in the offseason? Derek Carr had 3 touchdown passes with no interceptions and RB Josh Jacobs was unstoppable on the ground. The game was tied going into the half and it was the Raiders that dominated for the rest of the game. 

WEEK 3

Thursday, September 24th

Dolphins (0-2) @ Jaguars (1-1) (8:20pm NFL Network)
The Jags are allowing spectators at about 25% capacity at home all season. The fans should help put the Jags on top. I’m picking the Jags to win this game.


Sunday, September 27th

Bears (2-0) @ Falcons (0-2)  (1pm FOX)

The Bears have gotten lucky through the first two weeks. I think that the Falcons hand them their first loss. I’m picking the Falcons for the win.

Rams (2-0) @ Bills (2-0) (1pm FOX)
I think that the Bills win streak comes to an end. I’m picking the Rams to win this game. Sorry Bills fans. 

Washington (1-1) @ Browns (1-1) (1pm FOX)
The Browns seem to do better at home and will have fans again. I’m going to pick the Browns to win and I hope that Nick Chubb and OBJ do even better this week. 

Titans (2-0) @ Vikings (0-2) (1pm CBS)
The Vikings will be without fans this week and I think they will also be without a win. I’m picking the Titans to win this game. The Vikings just don’t look that good so far. Like Houston is missing Hopkins, Minnesota is missing Stefon Diggs.

Raiders (2-0) @ Patriots (1-1) (1pm CBS)

Looking back at the previous 2 games these guys played, this should be a pretty good matchup. I think that the Patriots get their second win.  

49ers (1-1) @ NY Giants (0-2) (1pm FOX)
After four 49ers players were injured last week at Metlife, some blaming turf conditions, there has been talk of George Kittle sitting out. If Kittle does sit out the Giants actually have a chance at winning. The Giants and the Steelers didn’t seem to have any problem on the field on week one so we’ll see. All that said, I’m picking the 49ers to win this game. I’m hoping I’m wrong. Go GMEN!

Bengals (0-2) @ Eagles (0-2) (1pm CBS)
Looking at both team’s records, one should get the W this week, though I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended in a tie. I’m going to pick the Eagles to win this game but would not be at all disappointed if the Bengals spoiled Philly’s day. 

Texans (0-2) @ Steelers (2-0) (1pm CBS)
The Texans are having a tough season so far and it doesn’t look like there is an easy game in sight. I’m picking the Steelers to win this game.

Jets (0-2) @ Colts (1-1) (4:05pm CBS) 

The Colts will have fans in the stands for this home game and I think it will help them win. That, and the Jets are terrible, that will also help. I’m picking the Colts for the win.

Panthers (0-2) @ Chargers (1-1) (4:05pm CBS)

I'm going with the Chargers for this game. I don’t know how the Panthers will fare without McCaffrey. 

Buccaneers (1-1) @ Broncos (0-2) (4:25pm FOX)
The Broncos will have fans at this game but they have had some pretty major injuries in 2020. I don’t think they will be able to pull off a win against the Bucs. I’m picking Tampa Bay for the win.

Lions (0-2) @ Cardinals (2-0) (4:25pm FOX)
The Cardinals are on a roll and I think it will continue through this game. I’m picking the Cardinals for the win.

Cowboys (1-1) @ Seahawks (2-0) (4:25pm FOX)

I’m going with the Seahawks for this game. I don’t think the Cowboys are as good as everyone is saying they are, that and I don’t really like the Cowboys and I don’t like picking them to win. Go Seattle!

Packers (2-0) @ Saints (1-1) (8:20pm NBC)
I think the Packers have a better team this year, therefore I am picking them to win this game against the Saints. 

Monday September 28th

Ravens (2-0) @ Chiefs (2-0) (8:15pm ESPN)

Oooooh! This should be another great game. My heart and fantasy team want to pick the Chiefs. My head is picking the Ravens. I’m going with my head this week and picking Baltimore for the win, but I do hope my head is wrong and my heart is right. 

GO GMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the edit Eric!

The Shenoa Report Week 2 '20 #theshenoareport

The Shenoa Report

September 17, 2020

Regular Season Week 2

Week One is in the books. Man am I glad football is back! The NFL season kicked off with fans in the stands for the Chiefs home opener. There was a short ceremony before the game for the Super Bowl Champs. 

There were protests across the board, at every game. For example in Kansas City when the anthem was over the Texans came onto the field and met the Chiefs, while a series of social justice messages were displayed on the big screen. It was really wonderful in my opinion. What a tactful, classy way to continue the conversation and awareness. The two teams locked arms and there was a moment of silence, a show of unity, dedicated to the fight for equality. You could hear boos from the stands during the moment of silence, it was very disappointing. It showed that America has a long way to go for equality, even after all of these years of fighting for it. I hope the NFL continues to make these demonstrations and educate those who disagree with equality.

I was surprised at how well the first week went considering there wasn’t a preseason. The penalties were not overwhelming nor were the injuries. 

I went 11-5 in my picks and won in fantasy. Here’s the recap of week 1. 

Texans @ Chiefs 20-34

The start of this game was a little rocky. The Chiefs had 2 touchdowns called back, which killed me in fantasy, but after that the team hit its stride.  Patrick Mahomes threw 3 touchdown passes and Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 138 yards and another score. The Chiefs were unstoppable while Texans fans, as well as Deshaun Watson, really missed DeAndre Hopkins in the passing game. Houston never should have let him go. Hindsight is always 20/20.

Jets @ Bills 17-27

The Bills won their home opener while looking like their opponent was a JV team. They did, however self implode in the third quarter, but had enough of a lead that it didn’t hurt them in the end. Josh Allen had moments of brilliance but is still making stupid mistakes, he’ll learn, Bills fans hope. In other news the Jets are still terrible. Is that really news?

Seahawks @ Falcons 38-25

Both teams had a moment of unity, protesting racial injustice, on the first play of the game. As the ball sailed through the endzone on the opening kickoff all 22 players remained in place and took a knee. After a few seconds, they stood back up, and trotted off the field. The game continued as usual with the Seahawks taking an early lead and the Falcons were never able to catch up. 

Bears @ Lions 27-23

The Lions dominated the first three quarters and it looked like they were going to easily win this game until Mitch Trubisky threw 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter, taking the lead and the game. I was stunned but I’m sure Lions fans are pretty used to it.

Packers @ Vikings  43-34

The final score made the game look a lot closer than it actually was.  Aaron Rodgers was on fire with 364 yards and 4 touchdowns while Kirk Cousins didn’t really start clicking with his team until the fourth quarter so it was a little too late. 

Dolphins @ Patriots 11-21

Cam Newton felt right at home in New England as he helped his team take the first win of the season with 2 rushing touchdowns. Belicheck was all like, “Brady who? Cam’s my favorite QB ever.” The Patriots defense was stellar picking off Fitzpatrick 3 times and not allowing any passing touchdowns. So, the Patriots are still winning without TB, I’m not surprised at all. 

Eagles @ Washington 17-27

The Washington Football Team let the Eagles get a comfortable 17-0 lead and then unleashed the beast. I think this win was shocking on all fronts. I know I got this pick wrong, but who didn’t? The Football Team’s defense picked off Wentz twice and sacked him a bunch of times. After the first quarter jitters, Dwayne Haskins led his team down the field repeatedly and The Team scored 27 unanswered points. What’s in a name anyway? 

Raiders @ Panthers 34-30

I know that games don’t come down to one play to determine the outcome, but when it’s late in the fourth and you need to convert on a 4th and inches to keep the ball to give you the go-ahead score you give the ball to Christian McCaffery… The Panthers new offensive coordinator Joe Brady did not make that call and instead called a handoff to fullback Alex Armah who got stuffed. Thereafter, the Las Vegas Raiders got their first win of the season, and their first win representing Sin City. Yeah, I got this pick wrong too. 

Colts @ Jaguars 20-27

Got this pick wrong as well… uugh. Even though Philip Rivers is a veteran quarterback playing on a new team, he was the same ol’ guy, throwing 2 interceptions to one touchdown. The Colts need more help than once thought, meanwhile the Jags surprised me and didn’t seem to miss Leonard Fournette one little bit. Gardner Minshew had 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. 

Browns @ Ravens 6-38

Yikes! The Browns are terrible. I mean, this game was hard to watch, especially when you need Nick Chubb and OBJ to put up some points in fantasy. The best thing for the team would be to trade Odell, because he seems to be bringing down the whole team with his tantrums and drama. Send him to the Patriots, Bill Belicheck could straighten him out.  Yes, they did play the Ravens who are a force to be reckoned with on both offense and defense, but still… Lamar Jackson, Ravens quarterback, who clearly worked on his passing in the off season, had 275 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns and 45 rushing yards. That kid is a beast. 

Chargers @ Bengals 16-13

Chargers kicker, Michael Badgley, was the star of the show making the majority of the points for the win, as well as ruining Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s NFL debut. Joe did run for 23 yards untouched for a touchdown but also had an interception on the day. 

Buccaneers @ Saints 23-34

Tom Brady has a new, new name after this game.. Tom Terrible. He was intercepted twice in his Tampa Bay debut and was full of pouts. It was a glorious sight. The Saints didn’t need fans in the stands to win this game, which they did pretty easily. Alvin Kamara scored touchdowns both rushing and receiving, Drew Brees was in his element as well, and the defense, well, as I said before, had a pick six and another interception on Brady.

Cardinals @ 49ers 24-20

DeAndre Hopkins seems to like his new team as a Cardinal. He had a career-high game with 14 catches and 151 yards. Big mistake, big huge mistake Houston.  His play-making led to scores which won the game for Arizona. Yeah, I got this pick wrong for sure. 49ers Super Bowl hangover starts now. 

Cowboys @ Rams 17-20

The Rams were able to christen their new stadium with a win over the Cowboys. Malcolm Brown had a career-high 79 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams. The Cowboys were in the game the entire time but the Rams came out on top.  

Steelers @ NY Giants 26-16

Well, the Giants looked good in the first quarter and the Steelers looked terrible, and then everything switched. Danny Jones had two touchdowns and two costly interceptions.

The Giants defense did really well on the first and second downs most of the time while failing to stop the Steelers on 3rd down 97% of the time (I made up that number but you get the point).  The Giants have a long road ahead… As for the Steelers, talking heads think they are the best thing since sliced bread with their dominance in this game. A little advice, slow your roll, they were playing the Giants… 

Titans @ Broncos 16-14

I didn’t stay up for this game but I heard it was a doozy. Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski had 3 missed field goals and one missed extra point before drilling the game winner with 25 seconds left in regulation. Talk about redemption. 

WEEK 2

Thursday, September 17th

Bengals (0-1) @ Browns (0-1) (8:20pm NFL Network)

The Browns will allow up to 6,000 fans to be at their game tonight. I’d really like to see the Browns get their stuff together and pull out a win over the Bengals but I don’t think it's going to happen. Joe Burrow looked good last week and I think he’ll bring the Bengals to their first victory of the season. I’m picking the Bengals for the win. 

Sunday, September 20th

NY Giants (0-1) @ Bears (1-0) (1pm CBS)

I’ll be rooting for the Giants and want them to win but I won’t pick them. I’m picking the Bears for the win. This will be the first time in a few years that we will not be watching this game with our Bears friends. Thanks Covid-19, better to be safe than sorry. If the trend continues this year the Giants should win. We’ll see. 

Falcons (0-1) @ Cowboys (0-1) (1pm FOX) 

Dallas is expected to allow 25% capacity for their home opener. I think that the Cowboys will bounce back and win this game but I won’t be sad if I’m wrong. I love it when another team spoils their home opener. Go Todd Gurley!!!

Lions (0-1) @ Packers (1-0) (1pm FOX)

I’m picking the Packers to win this divisional matchup. 

Vikings (0-1) @ Colts (0-1)  (1pm FOX)

The Colts will allow a maximum of 2,500 fans at their game, but I don’t think it will help them win. I’m picking the Vikings to win this game. 

Jaguars (1-0) @ Titans (1-0) (1pm CBS)

The Titans are pretty beat up after week one but I’m still going to pick them to win this game. 

49ers (0-1) @ Jets (0-1) (1pm FOX)

I think that the 49ers will bounce back and get their first win of the season. It should be an easy win, though I thought last week would be an easy win for them too. 

Bills (1-0) @ Dolphins (0-1) (1pm CBS)

The Dolphins will allow a maximum of 13,000 spectators at this game, I wonder how many of them will be Bills fans. It may be one of the only games Bills fans will be able to see in person. I’m sure it’ll be totally worth it to break the travel ban in NY. This is a divisional matchup in which I think that the Bills will win. 

Rams (1-0) @ Eagles (0-1) (1pm FOX)

I am going to pick the Rams for the win. The Eagles looked horrible last week and I’m hoping the trend continues. 

Broncos (0-1) @ Steelers (1-0) (1pm CBS) 

I’d like to see the Broncos win with Noah Fant putting up big numbers due to Philip Lindsay not playing, but I think that the Steelers are going to win their home opener. 

Panthers (0-1) @ Buccaneers (0-1) (1pm FOX)

I think that the Bucs are going to bounce back and beat the Panthers. 

Washington (1-0) @ Cardinals (1-0) (4:05pm FOX)

Two unlikely wins last week, someone is going to lose this week. I’m picking the Cardinals for the win. 

Chiefs (1-0) @ Chargers (1-0) (4:25pm CBS)

I am picking the Chiefs for the win and am thinking about playing the Chiefs defense in fantasy. Thoughts? 

Ravens (1-0) @ Texans (0-1) (4:25pm CBS)

I think that the Texans are going to be 0-2 after this game is over. I’m picking the Ravens for the win. 

Patriots (1-0) @ Seahawks (1-0) (8:20pm NBC)

My opponent has Cam Newton as his QB so I’m hoping that the Seahawks pick him off 5 times and sack him another 10 times. I’m picking the Seahawks for the win. 

Monday September 21st 

Saints (1-0) @ Raiders (1-0) (8:15pm ESPN)

This will be the Raiders first game at their new home and stadium in Las Vegas. I don’t think it’s going to go well. I think the Saints are going to get the win. 

GO GMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the edit Eric!

The Shenoa Report Week 1 '20 #theshenoareport

 
The Shenoa Report
September 10, 2020
Regular Season Week 1

After the longest time between seasons, figuratively and literally, football is finally back... for now. I don’t feel like I need to give you a recap of 2020 to know that it felt like an episode, nay season, of the Twilight Zone. 

BUT, IT’S HERE! IT’S FINALLY HERE! THE FOOTBALL SEASON STARTS TODAY! And that means the Shenoa Report is also back!!! Are you ready for some football?!?! I know I am. I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t until last week that I even let myself think about, let alone get excited about football. I really didn’t think it was going to happen. I had made up my mind that I wasn’t going to play fantasy and I kept putting off this little blog. I had taken facebook off my phone months ago and it was an out of sight out of mind kind of thing. I’m a procrastinator, but the putting off of writing this report seemed different this season. I guess all of 2020 seems to be that way? 
 
Anyway, I digress.  If you’re a first-time reader, welcome! And if you’re a loyal follower welcome back, I’ve missed you. This will be my 11th season writing this blog. I started it after a number of people asked me for my opinion on football and what teams they should root for. Please know that I am very biased, and this report is just my opinion!

The last time I wrote, the Chiefs and the 49ers were headed to the Super Bowl. Super Bowl LIV was a fun time with friends squished into our living room, eating, drinking, and watching the game. It seems like an eternity ago. The Chiefs won the game, so I finally got a Super Bowl pick correct, which also felt like an eternity. The game was fun to watch, especially because the Patriots weren’t a part of it. I bought a KC shirt just for the occasion and wore it proudly. My uncle is a lifelong Chiefs fan and I wanted to show support. After the confetti fell the offseason swept in for a long stay. 
 
Joe Burrow went #1 in the draft going to the Bengals. The draft was supposed to be live from Las Vegas, with part of it being filmed in the fountains, but if you watched it you know that it was the first virtual draft, thanks corona, and Roger Goodell looked drunk and confused the entire time. Because it was a virtual draft there were little videos and facts with graphics that went along with the picks to make it look less like a Zoom session. For example, when the 13th overall pick, Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, was announced a video of him jumping out of the shallow end of a swimming pool and landing on his feet was played.  It was quite impressive. But when the New York Giants first pick, Andrew Thomas OT from Georgia was announced they said of him… “Now what’s really interesting about him is not only did he play high school football, as you can see he was what we call a percussionist at Pace Academy, which is a fancy way of saying, he played the drums…” I still have no words… 
 
Some, but not all, notable moves in the off season include the rebuilding of the Bucs with Tom Brady, Leonard Fournette, and LeSean McCoy moving to Tampa Bay as well as Gronk coming out of retirement to join Brady.  Todd Gurley went to the Falcons, Eric Ebron to the Steelers, Emmanuel Sanders to the Saints, Philip Rivers to the Colts, Stephon Diggs to the Bills, and DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals. The Raiders moved to Las Vegas and D.C.’s team has a new name, “The Washington Football Team” along with new management. 
 
The Rams and Chargers were the stars of HBO’s Hard Knocks this season which was a little confusing because they have similar colors of blue and yellow and were all wearing masks. Welcome to 2020. 
 
This season, the 101st season of football, will be unique. It’s already different with a missed preseason. The “regular” season may not have 16 games. It also might not have a postseason, so let’s enjoy it while it's here. Keep that in mind as you will also absolutely see protests. There will be kneeling during the anthem. I wrote about this back in week 4 of 2017, you can revisit the post if you need to, my stance has not changed. These protests are still NOT ABOUT DISRESPECTING THE MILITARY OR OUR FLAG, they are because there is STILL SYSTEMIC RACISM IN THIS COUNTRY AND IT HAS GONE ON FOR TOO LONG. ENOUGH. “If my spouse comes to me in obvious pain and asks, “Do you love me?”, an answer of “I love everyone” would be truthful, but also hurtful and cruel in the moment. If a co-worker comes to me upset and says, “My father just died,” a response of “Everyone’s parents die,” would be truthful, but hurtful and cruel in the moment. So when a friend speaks up in a time of obvious pain and hurt and says, “Black lives matter,” a response of “All lives matter,” is truthful. But it’s hurtful and cruel in the moment.”  #blacklivesmatter VOTE! 
 
On a lighter note, there will be a new guest in every stadium this season, piped in crowd noise. Right now, there are only five teams that will begin the season with fans in their stadiums, Chiefs (20% capacity), Cowboys (unofficially 50% capacity), Colts (15% capacity), Dolphins (20% capacity), Jaguars (20% capacity). 
 
Now...
 
WEEK 1

Thursday September 10th

Texans @ Chiefs (8:20pm NBC)
I think that the Super Bowl Champs will continue their winning streak by beating the Texans. I drafted Patrick Mahomes in fantasy so I’m hoping he throws 7+ touchdowns and 0 interceptions.


Sunday September 13th

Jets @ Bills (1pm CBS)
The Bills are supposed to have a stellar defense this season so I’ll pick them to win their home opener.

Seahawks @ Falcons (1pm FOX)
I think that the Seahawks will win this game, but I won’t be too upset if they don’t. I have Gurley on my fantasy team and really just need him to touch the ball basically every play.

Thursday September 10th

Texans @ Chiefs (8:20pm NBC)
I think that the Super Bowl Champs will continue their winning streak by beating the Texans. I drafted Patrick Mahomes in fantasy so I’m hoping he throws 7+ touchdowns and 0 interceptions.


Sunday September 13th

Jets @ Bills (1pm CBS)
The Bills are supposed to have a stellar defense this season so I’ll pick them to win their home opener.

Seahawks @ Falcons (1pm FOX)
I think that the Seahawks will win this game, but I won’t be too upset if they don’t. I have Gurley on my fantasy team and really just need him to touch the ball basically every play.

Bears @ Lions (1pm FOX)
I think the Lions just might actually win their home opener. I have no facts or good information to back up this pick, I’m just going to pick the Lions for no good reason. 
Packers @ Vikings  (1pm FOX)
I think that maybe if there were fans in the stands the Vikings would win this game, but they are playing in an empty stadium so I’m going to pick the Packers for the win.

Dolphins @ Patriots (1pm CBS)
Cam Newton was named the starting quarterback for the Patriots and Ryan Fitzpatrick for the Dolphins. It will all depend on which quarterback actually shows up because it seems that both have alternate personalities. Will Ryan be Fitzmagic? Will Cam be superman? I really think it’s going to come down to the defense, and because I am starting the Patriot’s defense in fantasy I’m also going to pick New England to win their home opener. 
 
Eagles @ Washington (1pm FOX)
I’m picking the Eagles to win this game. Hopefully the Giants won’t be the worst team in the NFC East.

Raiders @ Panthers (1pm CBS)
Christian McCaffrey was the #1 pick in most, if not all,  fantasy drafts this season. Therefore I think that the Panthers should win this game. I could be completely wrong but I think both teams are in a building season.

Colts @ Jaguars (1pm CBS)
The Colts now have Philip Rivers and the Jags no longer have Leonard Fournette. Even though there will be fans at this game I’m picking the Colts to win.

Browns @ Ravens (1pm CBS)
I don’t think the Browns will win this game, I just need Nick Chubb and OBJ to put up a lot of fantasy points. I’m picking the Ravens for the win and hoping Justin Tucker has 10 field goals. 
 
Chargers @ Bengals (4:05pm CBS)
Joe Burrow, the #1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, will get his first start in the NFL as the Bengals QB. With that being said I’m picking the Chargers to win this game. Go Keenan Allen! (he’s also on my fantasy team)

Buccaneers @ Saints (4:25pm FOX)
Newly named “Tompa Bay” or “Tampa Brady” the Bucs have a new starting quarterback in Tom Brady. As you read above he comes with some other additions to the team. This should be a fun game to watch. I’m going to pick the Saints to win this game though.

Cardinals @ 49ers (4:25pm FOX)
The 49ers may have lost the Super Bowl but I don’t think that they will lose this game. I’m picking the 49ers to win. This game may look like it's out of the apocalypse as the sky is red because of all the fires in California. 

Cowboys @ Rams (8:20pm NBC)
I want the Rams to win. I just don’t like the Cowboys. Therefore, I’m picking the Rams to win this game.


Monday September 14th

NY Giants @ Steelers (7:15pm ESPN)
Same rules apply as years past. I’m not going to pick the Giants to win until they actually get a win under their belt. Now, I want them to win and obviously I’ll be rooting for them, but I’m picking the Steelers to win this game, hoping I’m wrong.

Titans @ Broncos (10:10pm ESPN)
The Broncos just lost Von Miller to a season ending injury. I’m picking the Titans to win this game, though I need Noah Fant to put up a lot of points.


Happy Week One!!!!!
If you’ve read carefully you can list my starters in fantasy for bonus points!

GO GMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the edit Eric!