The Shenoa Report Week 3 '24 #theshenoareport

The Shenoa Report
September 19, 2024
Regular Season Week 3

There are only 9 undefeated teams left as we go into week 3. There are also 9 teams that haven’t won a game yet this season. Both lists may surprise you. The Chargers, Steelers, Texans, Vikings, Saints, Buccaneers, Seahawks, Chiefs, and Bills are still perfect. The Bengals, Jaguars, Rams, Ravens, Panthers, Colts, Giants, Titans, and Broncos have yet to win a game. As a Giants fan, it’s going to be a looooooooooooooong season. My fantasy teams are in the same categories.  I won in one league and lost in the other, thanks again Christian McCaffery! I’ve decided to change one team name to “CMC Ya Next Season” (0-2), but I’m keeping the other “Won’t You Be My Nabers” (2-0).  Also, I went 7-10 in my picks, not my best work, but totally ok to see both Dallas and Philly lose. 

Let’s jump into the recap! 

Bills @ Dolphins 31-10

Damar Hamlin most likely ended Tua’s NFL career. Tua suffered another scary concussion in this loss to Buffalo. He’s been placed on IR. The Bills looked really good though. A tough game to report. Happy for the Bills but sad for Tua and the Dolphins. 

Raiders @ Ravens 26-23

The Raiders stunned the Ravens and Davante Adams helped, a lot. Look up a picture of his catch. It was a toe tap while his body was almost horizontal to the ground. Seriously, google it. 

Browns @ Jaguars 18-13

This is yet another pick I got incorrect. Both teams looked really bad. It’s surprising that either team scored at all. The clever name change of the EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville to TrEverBank did not help Trevor Lawrence or the rest of the Jags one bit. 

Jets @ Titans 24-17

The Jets got 17 points off the Titans' mistakes. So did the Jets really win or did the Titans just lose? The Titans led the entire first quarter but then the mistakes came, like penalties, interceptions, and just dumb plays.  They couldn’t get the lead back in the second half and the Jets capitalized on it. 

49ers @ Vikings 17-23

Yup, got this pick wrong too. I bet you did as well! Sam Darnold isn’t good, right? This was a fluke. What in the world? I guess when you have Justin Jefferson you are expected to win, no matter who your quarterback is. It also helps when your defense picks off Brock Purdy and forces a fumble. The 49ers were sloppy and clearly missing CMC. Me too guys, me too. 

Chargers @ Panthers 26-3

Hey hey! I got this pick correct! Thanks Panthers! Sorry Panther fans. Justin Herbert doesn’t seem to miss Keenan Allen at all now that he has rookie Quentin Johnston, who caught two touchdown passes in this win over Carolina. Bryce Young continues to struggle as the starting quarterback for the Panthers and his fans are letting him know it. Before they left the stadium there were boos a plenty. The Panthers have now been outscored 73-13 this season and they’ve only played 2 games. Ouch. 
 

Seahawks @ Patriots 23-20 OT

Seattle kicker Jason Myers spoiled the Patriots home opener. Myers hit a 31 yard field goal in overtime to give the Seahawks the win. Myers also hit a 38 yard field goal to send the game into overtime and had another 44 yard field goal in the second quarter. I feel like I need to talk about kickers this week because my stupid team wasn’t prepared for kickers. More on that later. 

Saints @ Cowboys 44-19

This game. Dude. I mean. I got this pick wrong and I am completely ok with it. I asked the Saints to prove me wrong and they sure did! The Saints ended a Cowboys 16 game home win streak in the regular season (they did lose a playoff game last season ending their run at the Super Bowl). Alvin Kamara scored 4 touchdowns against the Cowboys “stingy” defense and Derek Carr threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns along with a 1 yard touchdown run.  It was a lovely sight to see. Fun fact: the New Orleans Saints have scored on EVERY DRIVE so far this season. 

NY Giants @ Commanders 18-21

The Giants made history again. They became the first team in NFL history to score 3+ touchdowns, allow zero touchdowns, and lose. I can’t. 
But do you want to know why we lost? I’ll tell you why. We didn’t have a healthy kicker, or a backup kicker, and it’s not the first time this has happened. Do you know who scored alllllllll the Commanders points? Their f-ing kicker!!!!! Austin Seibert had 7 field goals on the day. The Giants kicker, Graham Gano, was injured on the first play of the game as he tried to tackle Austin Ekler during a runback. Gano was put on the injury report Saturday with a groin injury. He expressed discomfort during warmup before the game and then was injured even worse on the first play of the game. The Giants had plenty of time on SATURDAY to elevate kicker Jude McAtamey from the practice squad but didn’t. They also could have had punter Jamie Gillan fill in on kickoffs to preserve a fragile Gano for field goal and extra point attempts but didn’t. This is Daboll’s fault. Shame on him for not having a backup plan. So, in a game that was decided by three points, let me remind you that the Giants failed on 3 extra point attempts because of Gano’s injury. ALSO, Daboll bypassed a potential go-ahead field goal late in the fourth because he didn’t trust Gillan to at least try. 
Daniel Jones, I apologize. You did not lose the game for us this time. Brian Dabol did. I know that Malik Nabers is also beating himself up for not catching a pass late in the 4th. This loss isn’t your fault either, Malik, it’s Brian Daboll’s. This loss hurt more than last week. Brian Daboll failed his team and his fans. Cool. Good news, we started 0-2 the year we beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl for the first time, so we can do it again. BAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA. This girl’s got jokes. 

Buccaneers @ Lions 20-16

It’s like the Lions just looked past this game. Jared Goff had a not so great game with zero touchdowns and two interceptions (there should have been two more but thankfully for Goff they were dropped). Baker Mayfield had a more efficient game completing 12 of 19 passes for 185 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.  The Bucs are looking decent early this season and the Lions still have a chance to turn things around. One thing that could definitely help the Lions is getting the ball to Sam LaPorta waaaaaaay more often! Please?!

Colts @ Packers 10-16

Both starting quarterbacks had one touchdown each but Colts QB Anthony Richardson had three interceptions. You tend not to win many games if your interceptions are 3:1 to touchdowns. Malik Willis made his first start at quarterback for the Packers. He’s had to come up to speed rather quickly and get through some really bizarre experiences. One of which happened in the second quarter. The Packers were facing a third and ten and a pass play was called. Well, Willis scrambled and ran 3 yards. When head coach Matt LaFleur asked Willis why he didn’t throw the ball, he wasn’t expecting the answer he received. You see, Green Bay’s center Josh Myers had vomited on the ball before snapping it. Ewwwww. Grossssssss. I’m personally glad I didn’t catch that play live and I will not be watching the replay. Puke rule alone, Willis deserves this win. I’m sure Colts fans felt like puking after this loss. 
 

Rams @ Cardinals 10-41

As it turns out, it IS Kylar Murray’s job to pass the ball to Marvin Harrison Jr.! Harrison had 4 receptions, for 130 yards and two touchdowns. After the game the first thing Harrison said to the press was, “I’m not going to lie to you. I think I saw Kylar’s stat line and he had 4 incompletions, all were to me so I’m not very happy about that, we’ve gotta get that fixed.” I like this kid’s energy and drive and I am so glad I drafted him in one of my leagues! 

Steelers @ Broncos 13-6

Justin Fields said he wanted to get this win for his fellow quarterback Russell Wilson. He knew how horribly Denver was to Wilson and made sure to beat them. Fields had one touchdown pass and zero interceptions, it was just enough to win the game. Bo Nix, Denver’s rookie quarterback, didn’t fare as well. He had zero touchdowns and two interceptions. Peyton Manning often jokes about hoping someone comes along and breaks his NFL record of 28 interceptions as a rookie. And with four passes picked off so far, Nix is on pace to do just that. Karma, Broncos. Head coach Mike Tomlin made sure to give the game ball to Russell Wilson. It was sweet. 

Bengals @ Chiefs 25-26

The Chiefs did not look good in this game, nor did the Bengals, but in the end one team had to win I suppose.  It’s really frustrating starting Patrick Mahomes in fantasy. He had two touchdown passes and two interceptions. He’s killing me. The game was pretty back and forth. Harrison Butker kicked the game winning field goal as time expired. As much as I wanted him to miss it, I was glad to get this pick correct. 

Bears  @ Texans 13-19

I’m not impressed with Caleb Williams.  He needs to connect with DJ Moore way more often! Please? I can say the same thing about CJ Stroud and Tank Dell. After I drafted CJ I thought it would be smart to get Dell too to double dip in points. This was not the right decision, and probably the reason I’m 0-2 in that league. Anyway, this was an underwhelming game in which I don’t have much to talk about. 

Falcons @ Eagles 22-21

This game was so good I watched it twice. True story. I watched the MNF broadcast Monday night and then I watched the Manning Cast after the fact. The Manning Cast has added Bill Belichick as a regular and he’s GREAT! He’s actually funny, very engaging, and knowledgeable, go figure. This game was even more fun to watch knowing that my partner’s fantasy teams depended on the outcome of this game (my games had already been decided even though I still had Saquon to play). In one league he had Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Saquon Barkley and his opponent, a huge Eagles fan, had Jalen Hurts and Dallas Goedert. In his other league he had Kyle Pitts and Bijon Robinson and his opponent (my mom) had Devonta Smith. It was stressful. I kept refreshing the scores. The projection seemed to go back and forth after every play in the last 5 minutes of the game.  I knew the assignment, root for the Falcons + Saquon, but only rushing plays, no passing plays. It wasn’t hard for me as a Giants fan. I hate the Eagles. I don’t really like Kirk Cousins or the Falcons either but I like them much more than Philly. Duh. In the final minutes my partner was down a couple of points and the Eagles had the ball. Not a good combination. Every time Hurts rushed or threw the ball we both flinched and I watched his opponent’s points climb. So when Barkley dropped a short pass that stopped the clock with 1:46 left and forced the Eagles to settle for a field goal instead of a game-sealing first down I knew there was a chance for my partner to beat his opponent and maybe, just maybe, for the Falcons to beat the Eagles. Cousins led an amazing drive down the field and found Drake London in the endzone for a touchdown!
The only problem was Atlanta left time on the clock. I just kept saying, it's time for Hurts to throw an interception.  And guess what? That’s just what he did, ending the game!
The Eagles lost and my partner got a win in both leagues! Woot!!!

 

WEEK 3

Thursday, September 19th

Patriots (1-1) @ NY Jets (1-1) (8:15pm PRIME VIDEO)

When you’ve watched this matchup for the past 20 years you know that the Patriots have DOMINATED the Jets. But Bill Belichick is no longer coaching and Tom Brady is a commentator. Your mind might need to shift. That said, I’m going to pick the Jets to win this game, but I’ll be rooting for the Patriots. I’ve got Rhamondre Stevenson on one of my fantasy teams and I don’t like A-Aron. 

Sunday, September 22nd

Chargers (2-0) @ Steelers (2-0) (1pm CBS)

Two unlikely 2-0 teams. This game will probably end in a tie, but I am going to pick the Steelers to win this one. The Chargers are already dealing with a lot of injuries. 

Texans (2-0) @ Vikings (2-0) (1pm CBS)

Another two unlikely 2-0 teams. I’ll be pulling for the Texans for fantasy reasons and I am picking them to upset the Vikings at home. Let’s go C.J. Stroud! I’d like to win in both leagues this week (and moving forward, duh).

Eagles (1-1) @ Saints (2-0) (1pm FOX)

I am all in on the Saints especially since they are playing the Eagles. I am picking the Saints to win this game! 

Broncos (0-2) @ Buccaneers (2-0)  (1pm FOX)

Sorry, not sorry, to harp on this. I hope the Broncos don’t win another game this season because of the way they treated Russell Wilson. And I’m not even a big Wilson fan, I just think people should be treated with respect. I’m picking the Bucs to win this game. Go Baker Mayfield! Throw it to Chris Godwin alllllllllll day. Please and thank you. 

Packers (1-1) @ Titans (0-2) (1pm FOX)

Jordan Love might actually play this Sunday. It’s a gamble, but even if he doesn’t, I think I am still leaning toward picking the Packers to win this game. I just made up my mind. I’m picking Green Bay for the win. 
 

NY Giants  (0-2) @ Browns (1-1)  (1pm FOX)

It’ll be the duel of the worst quarterback contracts going head to head. The Browns, even though they owe more money to a mediocre QB, still have a better defense. As long as Danny is the Giants quarterback we won’t be winning any games. I predict we’ll go at least 0-8. Fun times to be a Browns fan or a Giants fan. I’m picking the Browns to win. Go Giants. 

Bears (1-1) @ Colts (0-2)  (1pm CBS)

The narrative right now is that these young quarterbacks, who were lights out in college, maybe shouldn’t be thrown into the starting quarterback position their rookie year. All the greats, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and even Aaron Rodgers had time to develop and learn from their predecessors. It’s like the NFL forgot what works and what doesn’t work. Caleb Williams and Anthony Richardson, the two starting quarterbacks for the Bears and Colts respectively are struggling. It’s Williams’ first year in the NFL and Richardson’s second. Neither person had anyone to learn from and it shows. I’m picking the Colts to win this game, but only because they are home. 

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

Remember what I just said about rookie quarterbacks not being mentored? Monday it was announced that former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young was benched. Andy Dalton was named the starter. Young didn’t stand a chance. He was drafted by a terrible team and didn’t have anyone to learn from and now, in his second season, he’s being benched because he didn’t have time to develop. With that said, I am picking the Raiders to win this game. Good luck to all the rookies out there. One thing’s for sure, this isn’t college football anymore. 

Dolphins (1-1)  @ Seahawks (2-0) (4:05pm CBS)

I don’t think that the Dolphins are going to win many games without Tua. I’m picking the Seahawks to win this game. 

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

Will the Ravens go 0-3? They’d have the same record as the Giants! That's insanity. I mean, I’d like them to turn it around and beat the Cowboys and I’ll be rooting for them too. But the Cowboys are also embarrassed that they lost their home opener last week and want to bounce back. Fun fact: Dallas has given up the most points in consecutive home games — 92 — since they were a winless expansion team in 1960 and allowed 93 in back-to-back contests at the Cotton Bowl. So, who’s going to win this game? The Ravens blew a lead in week one and lost by a last minute field goal last week. The Cowboys got annihilated by the Saints last week. I’m going to pick the Ravens to win this game, mostly because, well, how many reasons do you want? I don’t like the Cowboys. 
 

Lions (1-1) @ Cardinals (1-1) (4:25pm FOX)

The Lions are a much better team than their record, and I am surprised that the Cardinals actually have a win. I am picking the Lions to bounce back and win this game, but I do need Kylar to continue to throw completions to Marvin Harrison Jr. for fantasy purposes. I’d also like Jared Goff to connect with Sam LaPorta again. That’d be super helpful. 

49ers (1-1) @ Rams (0-2) (4:25pm FOX)

Both teams are riding the struggle bus early this season. The Rams have already lost two of their wide receivers to injuries (Cooper Kupp and Niko Collins) and the 49ers have lost their top playmakers to injuries as well (Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel). Guess who has the latter two players on their fantasy teams? This girl. Are the Rams going to go 0-3? I think so. I am picking the 49ers to win this game.  

Chiefs (2-0) @ Falcons (1-1)  (8:20pm NBC/Peacock)

The Falcons are riding a super high after knocking off the Eagles on Monday night. It’s a shorter turnaround for them. They could give the Chiefs their first loss of the season. Kansas City has been super lucky in their first two games. Now, I hope that the Chiefs don’t look past this game because I need Patrick Mahomes to play like he did two seasons ago. These 15 points a game he’s been putting up for me is not going to cut it this week. I am projected to lose to my MOM! This is not ok. Now that she’s retired she is paying much closer attention and making changes. I’m proud of her but I don’t want her to beat me! I’m picking the Chiefs to win this game. 

Monday, September 23rd

Jaguars (0-2) @ Bills (2-0) (7:30pm ESPN)

I’ve got to pick my side piece team to win this game! LET’S GO BILLS! 

Commanders (1-1) @ Bengals (0-2) (8:15pm ABC ESPN+)

I'm picking the Bengals to win this game, but only because they are playing the Commanders and Washington beat my Giants last week. I hold grudges. 
GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the edit Eric!