The Shenoa Report
October 2 2025
Regular Season Week 5
Week four was the week of lost wide receivers. My fantasy team lost two to season ending injuries just this week. Cool. Malik Nabers tore his ACL at MetLife on Sunday. Tyreek Hill tore everything in his left knee Monday night at Hard Rock in Miami.
Now, let's talk about the best turf for football stadiums. The best rated surface for player safety in NFL stadiums is overwhelmingly considered to be natural grass. The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has consistently advocated for all fields to be converted to natural grass, citing data that shows a significantly lower rate of non-contact lower-extremity injuries on natural grass fields compared to artificial turf. After the Nabers injury, former NFL WR Odell Beckham Jr. took to the socials. OBJ, who sustained a season ending injury on the same damn field in 2017 tweeted, "Dear [NFL], I mean this with the upmost love and respect, We (The NFL) take all The precautions in the world with EVERYthing else when it comes to players 'health' and 'safety'. PLZ. PLZ. PLZ. GET RID OF THE TURF. Thank You in advance. LUV" Odell Beckham Jr. played for the Giants from 2014 through 2018. He suffered a torn ACL in 2020 with the Browns, and another in the February 2022 Super Bowl with the Rams. Both injuries happened on artificial turf.
MetLife is at the center of the artificial turf conversation. Due to the stadium being shared by the Jets and Giants, it has twice as many home games and more opportunity for injuries to occur, and they have.
Not So Fun Fact: Since 2020 there have been over 19 players who suffered season ending injuries like ACL or Achilles tears at MetLife. NINETEEN!!!!! Notable season-ending injuries include but are not limited to: In 2020 Nick Bosa (49ers, Torn ACL), Solomon Thomas (49ers, Torn ACL). In 2021 Blake Martinez (Giants, Torn ACL), Jabrill Peppers (Giants, Torn ACL), Rodarius Williams (Giants, Torn ACL), Matt Peart (Giants, Torn ACL), T.J. Brunson (Giants, Torn ACL), Levine Toilolo (Giants, Torn Achilles). Jonnothan Harrison (Giants, Achilles) Shane Lemieux (Giants Partial Patellar Tendon Tear). In 2022 Kyle Fuller (Ravens, Torn ACL), Sterling Shepard (Giants, Torn ACL), Wan'Dale Robinson (Giants, Torn ACL), Aaron Robinson (Giants, Torn ACL), Darrian Beavers (Giants, Torn ACL), Marcus McKethan (Giants, Torn ACL). In 2023 Aaron Rodgers (Jets, Torn Achilles), Jaelan Phillips (Dolphins, Torn Achilles). And so far this year, Malik Nabers (Giants, Torn ACL). Hey Metlife! It’s time to go to natural grass!!!
Here’s another “fun fact” MetLife is going to host the World Cup in 2026. FIFA mandates that all World Cup matches must be played on natural grass. This is a non-negotiable rule for the tournament. Since MetLife Stadium is hosting several matches, including the World Cup Final, it must convert its surface. The natural grass will be a temporary, specialized surface installed directly over the stadium's permanent FieldTurf artificial surface. After the World Cup concludes, the natural grass will be removed, and the stadium will revert to its permanent artificial turf surface (FieldTurf Core HD) for the NFL season. This is because the stadium owners and operators find it more practical and cost-effective to maintain the durable turf for year-round use by two NFL teams (the Giants and Jets) and other major events like concerts. OR, if you ask me, the owners are cheap and don’t actually care for their players. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk about turf.
The Bills and Eagles are the only teams still undefeated heading into week 5. On the other side of the coin, the Titans, Jets, and Saints have yet to win a game this season. I hope at the end of week 5 the Saints will still be on this list. No hate for the Saints, they just play the Giants in week 5.
I lost in both leagues, I lost two of my starting wide receivers to season ending injuries, and insult to injury, my partner, who I played this past week, won in both leagues handily. The Giants did get their first win of the season but we lost Nabers so I count it as more of a loss than a win. CMC Ya Next Season 2-2, Won’t You Be My Nabers 2-2. Also, I went 9-6-1 in my picks, because the Cowboys had to tie the Packers!
Let’s jump into the recap!
Seahawks @ Cardinals 23-20
The Cardinals could have won this game had they actually started being competitive in the first half rather than the fourth quarter. The Seahawks had a 20-6 lead midway through the fourth quarter when the Cardinals scored two touchdowns tying the game with 33 seconds left. That was just enough time for Sam Darnold to get his team into field goal range. Jason Myers kicked the 52 yard field goal as time expired giving the Seahawks the win. Fun fact: The Seahawks have won 8 straight games against the Cardinals.
Vikings @ Steelers 21-24
The Vikings were pretty much the same as the Cardinals from Thursday. They didn’t decide to show up until midway through the 4th quarter. Vikings QB Carson Wentz, despite being under heavy pressure and sacked six times, threw two fourth-quarter touchdowns and a two-point conversion to narrow the deficit to 24-21 with just over two minutes left in the game. Unfortunately for the Vikings, their final drive was derailed by an intentional grounding penalty that resulted in a 10 second run-off and a loss of downs, snuffing their chance of a last second field goal to send the game into overtime. The good news for the Vikings is that even though they lost this game they’ll get another chance to win a game in Europe as they are playing in London in week 5.
Fun fact: his matchup was historic as it was the first ever regular season NFL game played in Ireland. For the Minnesota Vikings, it also marked their first ever loss on international soil, falling to 4-1 all-time in regular season games played abroad.
Chargers @ NY Giants 18-21
Ok. Full disclosure, I didn’t watch this entire game. We had to do some errands and we had a family reunion of sorts so I missed most of the game. (Thank god for cell phones, YouTubeTV and RedZone.) I’m still in disbelief. We won?
I live in NY. I should get the Giants game on local tv. But, no. I got the Bills game and the Eagles game. Getting the Eagles game is a big F you to all Giants fans. It’s not cool and it always seems to happen.
Anyway, back to being in disbelief. We weren’t supposed to win this game. I’m super glad we did. BUT. I’m super sad we lost Malik Nabers to a torn ACL. I listened to most of the first half on the radio as we were doing errands. I was glad I had lane assist in my car when Dexter Lawrence intercepted Justin Herbert and returned the ball to about the 3 yard line. I was screaming “Let’s go sexyyyyyyyy!!!!!” As I drove down the road trying to keep my excitement contained. I was then the passenger in the vehicle when the Nabers injury happened. Ugh. We got to the reunion around half time and a lot of family had the games on their phones too. I like my family. We love football. So, through good conversation we kept up with the Giants game as well as all the others. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart got his first NFL start. He managed the game efficiently, contributing a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown. He definitely helped change the tone of the game. He just needs so much more protection moving forward. He was sacked 5 times during the game and even had to come out and go into the blue tent after injuring his hamstring. Dart had zero interceptions and went 13 out of 20 completions. Chargers QB Justin Herbert did not have a good day (nor did I as I started him in fantasy), with 23 out of 41 completions, just one touchdown, and two interceptions. Another Giant I am excited about, Cam Skattebo, I just love watching him play. We refer to him lovingly as a feral child in pads. Fun Fact: Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo not only led the team in rushing yards in the game, but he also punctuated a successful two-point conversion with a backflip into the end zone!
Titans @ Texans 0-26
The Texans defense dominated the entire game, holding the Titans struggling offense to zero points and only 175 total yards. The score was a tight 6-0 at halftime, but the Texans broke the game open in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Titans 20-0. The Titans offense, led by rookie QB Cam Ward, struggled immensely, managing only 10 first downs and going 2-for-11 on third down conversions. Kicker Joey Slye also missed two field goals in the first half. The loss dropped the Titans to 0-4 for the season. Fun fact: This was Houston’s first shutout win since 2010, a feat that even the defenses led by J.J. Watt during his tenure with the team was unable to accomplish. It was only the third shutout in the franchise's history.
Commanders @ Falcons 27-34
I got this pick wrong and I’m pretty sure everyone else did too. The Falcons, who were shut out last week, stunned the Commanders in their first home win of the season! The Falcons took an early lead and, despite a late comeback attempt by the Commanders, secured the victory. A long, time-consuming drive by the Falcons in the fourth quarter, ending in a field goal, gave them the win. Fun fact: Falcons wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson both eclipsed 100 receiving yards in the game (110 and 106, respectively). This made them the first wide receiver and running back duo in Falcons franchise history to each have at least 100 receiving yards in the same game since 1981!
Saints @ Bills 19-31
I think the Bills looked past this game as an easy win. They did win, but it wasn’t pretty. Also I need the Saints to continue playing horribly for at least one more week after this game. They play the Giants in week 5. But back to this game. Josh Allen combined for three touchdowns, two passing and one rushing. James Cook had 117 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Saints running game wasn’t terrible. Kendre Miller had 65 rushing yards and a touchdown and Alvin Kamara had 70 rushing yards. Even QB Spencer Rattler had 49 rushing yards on the day. The Bills let their guards down and allowed the Saints back into the game. Thankfully the Bills got their act together and stopped the Saints late, when it mattered most. Fun Fact: Bills RB James Cook extended his impressive streak to 8 consecutive games with a rushing touchdown, breaking the Bills' franchise record previously held by legends like O.J. Simpson and Cookie Gilchrist.
Eagles @ Buccaneers 31-25
Welp. Both teams came into this game undefeated and now the Bucs have their first loss of the season. Bummer. The Bucs were so extremely beat up it’s amazing they made it a competitive game at all! The Eagles jumped out to a comfortable 24-3 lead with the Bucs making it 24-6 as they went into half time. Baker Mayfield led an amazing comeback in the second half making it a one score game but then he threw an interception in the endzone and that was that. Fun Fact: Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin kicked a 65-yard field goal at the end of the first half, which tied the record for the longest field goal ever made in an outdoor NFL stadium (not in a dome or with a retractable roof closed).
Browns @ Lions 10-34
The Browns actually scored first. They had a 13 play, 88 yard touchdown drive. Unfortunately for Cleveland that’s when the Lions took over. Detroit's defense was the star of the game, forcing three turnovers (two interceptions and a forced fumble), which the offense converted into 17 points. Quarterback Jared Goff threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Fun Fact: Amon-Ra St. Brown is having an incredibly fast start to the season. His two touchdown receptions against the Browns gave him six touchdown catches through the first four games, making him just the second player in Lions franchise history to achieve that mark (joining Calvin Johnson in 2011).
Panthers @ Patriots 13-42
The Panthers scored first but it was basically all Patriots after the opening drive. The Pats had 28 points in the first half alone. QB Drake Maye was highly efficient, throwing two touchdown passes and running for another score, while the defense and special teams shut down the Panthers for most of the contest. Fun Fact: Patriots return specialist Marcus Jones had a historic day, setting a franchise single-game record with 167 punt return yards against the Panthers. This incredible yardage total came on just three returns and included an electrifying 87-yard punt return touchdown.
Jaguars @ 49ers 26-21
Yeah, I got this pick wrong too. The Jaguars handed the 49ers their first loss of the season by winning the turnover and special teams battle. The Jacksonville defense forced four total turnovers and the special teams unit scored a pivotal touchdown. While the 49ers offense managed to move the ball thanks to RB Christian McCaffrey who had a big day with over 140 scrimmage yards (Woot!), their turnovers proved too costly, with two interceptions and a game-sealing strip-sack in the final minutes. The Jaguars offense was boosted by a 124-yard rushing performance from Travis Etienne Jr. including a touchdown run following one of San Fran's turnovers. Fun Fact: The Jaguars victory was a rare feat for the franchise. It was their first ever road win against the 49ers in franchise history. Jacksonville improved to 1-2 on the road against the 49ers all-time.
Colts @ Rams 20-27
So, last week I said, “I know the Colts have been playing well this season. I mean the team has only punted once. I even picked up Danny Jones in fantasy for the injured Joe Burrow, and I think I am going to start him this weekend. That said, I’m picking the Rams to win this game because I feel like I’m jinxing the entire Colts org by starting DJ. Sorry Colts fans, and you’re welcome Rams fans.”
Do I know Danny Jones, or do I know Danny Jones? I’m sorry Colts fans. I truly am. It’s my fault. I started DJ in fantasy. I lost in fantasy too.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Colts took a 20-13 lead in the fourth. However, Rams QB Matthew Stafford, tied the game with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Puka Nacua with just over three minutes left. Then the Rams defense forced a key punt, and on the very next play, Stafford connected with WR Tutu Atwell for a stunning 88-yard game-winning touchdown with under two minutes to play. The Rams defense sealed the victory with a late interception—their third takeaway of the day. The Colts were hurt by costly penalties and turnovers throughout the game. Fun Fact: Tutu Atwell's 88-yard game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes was the longest go-ahead scrimmage touchdown in the final two minutes of a game in the NFL since at least the start of the 21st century (2000). The play was a remarkable, one-play drive to steal the victory. It’s too bad he’s not on my fantasy team.
Ravens @ Chiefs 20-37
Yup, got this pick wrong. I really don’t know what to think about some teams this season. I mean, the Giants made the Chiefs look good, but then so did the Ravens? What in the world? Are the Ravens bad? I don’t even know anymore. The Ravens scored a touchdown on their opening drive and the Chiefs answered with a field goal. Lamar Jackson then threw an interception to linebacker Leo Chenal, giving the ball back to KC. After that the Chiefs scored 20 unanswered points in the first half and never gave up the lead. The Chiefs scored on 7 of their 8 first possessions. The game was further complicated for the Ravens by a rash of injuries, including one to quarterback Lamar Jackson, who left the game in the third quarter with a hamstring issue. Sorry Baltimore, I really thought you’d win this one. Fun Fact: Patrick Mahomes became the youngest player in NFL history to reach the career milestone of 250 passing touchdowns. He accomplished the feat at 30 years and 11 days old.
Bears @ Raiders 25-24
This game was back and forth. This game was sloppy. The Raiders had 4 turnovers. QB Geno Smith threw 3 interceptions and RB Ashton Jeanty lost a fumble. The Bears only had one turnover, an interception thrown by Caleb Williams. Though Jeanty had a fumble, he also had the best day of his NFL career, with 138 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown and two receiving touchdowns. Even though the Raiders lost, Jeanty had a good day. Fun Fact: With their 25-24 victory, the Chicago Bears officially became the second franchise in NFL history to reach 800 regular-season wins, joining the Green Bay Packers.
Packers @ Cowboys 40-40 OT
This game was all offense and no defense. Had either team tried to play defense the game wouldn't have ended in a tie. Both teams' quarterbacks, Packers Jordan Love (337 passing yards, 3 TDs) and Cowboys Dak Prescott (319 passing yards, 3 TDs), threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns each with no interceptions. See, no defense. The second half was a relentless exchange of touchdowns and field goals, with the lead changing hands repeatedly. I didn’t stay up for overtime. I went to bed. Glad I did. The Cowboys took a 40-37 lead with a field goal on their first drive in overtime. The Packers then marched down the field, and after a scramble and a pass to the 1-yard line as time nearly expired, Brandon McManus kicked a 34-yard field goal on the final play of overtime to end the game in a tie. Fun Fact: This 40-40 final score marks the highest-scoring tie in Green Bay Packers franchise history, and the first game where both teams scored 40 points since 2011. For the Cowboys, it was their first tie since the 1969 season.
NY Jets @ Dolphins 21-27
The game was largely defined by New York's mistakes. The Jets committed three costly fumbles, including one at the Dolphins 1-yard line which immediately led to a 96-yard Tua to Darren Waller touchdown drive for Miami, giving the Dolphins a 10-0 lead.
Then Tyreek Hill went out of the game. It was bad. Like watching it in real time my brain couldn’t calculate that his leg was in the wrong direction from the knee. Hill suffered a dislocated knee with multiple torn ligaments, including a torn ACL. He underwent successful surgery on Tuesday to repair the damage. The good news is that his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, reported that all damage was repaired in one procedure, and there were no issues with blood flow or nerve damage. The bad news is he’ll be out for the rest of the season and may never play football again.
So, the Dolphins got their first win of the season but, like the Giants who also got their first win, they lost their star wide receiver for the year. Big Fat Bummer.
Even though the Jets lost I’ve got a fun fact for you. Jets quarterback Justin Fields' 43-yard rushing touchdown in the game tied him with Lamar Jackson and Kordell Stewart for the most 40-plus-yard touchdown runs by any quarterback in NFL history.
Bengals @ Broncos 3-28
Denver QB Bo Nix had one of his best games yet, throwing for 326 yards and two touchdowns (to Courtland Sutton and RJ Harvey) and also adding a rushing touchdown. The Broncos offense racked up over 500 total yards. The Bengals, without Joe Burrow, struggled mightily on offense. Backup QB Jake Browning was held to only 125 passing yards, and the entire offense was limited to just 159 total yards and only nine first downs for the entire game. Their only points came from a field goal on their opening drive. Guess who played the Denver defense against me in fantasy… Fun Fact: The Denver Broncos defense held the Cincinnati Bengals to zero offensive touchdowns and just 159 total yards while the Broncos offense posted 512 total yards. This marked the first time the Broncos had a yardage advantage of over 350 yards in a victory since 2011.
WEEK 5
Thursday, October 2nd
49ers (3-1) @ Rams (3-1) (8:15pm PRIME VIDEO)
The Rams are heavy favorites to win this game at home. Honestly, I don’t care who wins as long as my fantasy players score all the points and my opponents players have a lousy day. I’m picking the Rams to win this one but I need CMC to continue to be excellent as well as Davante Adams for the Rams.
Sunday, October 5th
Vikings (2-2) @ Browns (1-3) (9:30am NFLN, NFL+)
Check the time folks. We’ve got our first London game of the season. The Vikings, who played in Dublin last Sunday, stayed across the pond so they are totally going to be ready for this game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Which makes me question the “fairness” that the NFL imposed last week when the Steelers wanted to get to Dublin a few days before the Vikings to acclimate to the time change. They were NOT allowed, but the Vikings have a HUGE advantage now. They are all sorts of acclimated. The game is expected to be low-scoring, given both teams have strong defenses but are dealing with offensive struggles and quarterback situations (Carson Wentz is expected to start for the Vikings, while Dillon Gabriel starts for the Browns). Do you know who Gabriel is? He was the QB drafted by the Browns in the 3rd round before Shedeur Sanders in the 5th round in this year's draft class. All that said, I’m picking the Vikings to win this game.
Texans (1-3) @ Ravens (1-3) (1pm CBS)
Lamar Jackson is doubtful going into this game with a hamstring injury. If Jackson does not play, veteran quarterback Cooper Rush will get the start. Contrary to their record, the Texans have a good defense. The Ravens defense is also banged up. The odds are saying the Texans are favored. My opponent is starting CJ Stroud in one league. Ugh. I’m picking the Ravens to prove people wrong and get the win at home.
NY Giants (1-3) @ Saints (0-4) (1pm CBS)
The Saints are currently 2-point home favorites over the Giants. Cool. That’s fine. We are better at being the underdog. My rule has come into play. The Giants have actually, surprisingly, won a game so I can pick them to win if I feel like they could. Looking at the schedule before the season started I picked this game and maybe one other as a W. Therefore, I’m sticking to this pick. I am picking the Giants to upset the Saints at home. LET’S GO BIG BLUE!!!!!! G-MEN!!!!!!!!
Broncos (2-2) @ Eagles (4-0) (1pm CBS)
None of the Eagles wins have been pretty this season. Actually they are down right ugly if you ask me. I would love, love, LOVE the Eagles to be upset at home. The Broncos could totally do it. The only problem is I am still starting both Hurts and Barkley in fantasy so I need points too. I’m picking the Eagles to win, hoping I’m wrong, as long as I get enough points to win in fantasy!
Cowboys (1-2-1) @ NY Jets (0-4) (1pm FOX)
Alright Jets, it’s time to win a game. You can do it! You are due! Let’s go! F it. I’m picking the Jets to win this game.
Raiders (1-3) @ Colts (3-1) (1pm FOX)
I think that the Colts will bounce back and get this win at home. I also hope that Daniel Jones has a much better game than last week, cause guess what, I’m starting him again in fantasy.
Dolphins (1-3) @ Panthers (1-3) (1pm FOX)
Both teams are abysmal. I guess I’m picking the Panthers to win another home game. It seems to be the only place they can win this season. Also the Dolphins have not won on the road this year.
Buccaneers (3-1) @ Seahawks (3-1) (4:05pm CBS)
I’ll be rooting for the Bucs but I have to pick the Seahawks to win at home.
Titans (0-4) @ Cardinals (2-2) (4:05pm CBS)
Sorry Abby. I think the Titans are going to be 0-5 after this game. I am picking the Cardinals to win this one.
Commanders (2-2) @ Chargers (3-1) (4:25pm FOX)
I will be rooting for and picking the Chargers to bounce back and win this game at home!
Lions (3-1) @ Bengals (2-2) (4:25pm FOX)
Sorry Bengals fans. Buckle up for a long season. I’m picking the Lions to win this game.
Patriots (2-2) @ Bills (4-0) (8:20pm NBC)
This will be a divisional game. Hopefully the Bills don’t look past this matchup and take it seriously. Obviously I’ll be rooting for and picking the Bills to win this game. GO BILLS!
Monday, October 6th
Chiefs (2-2) @ Jaguars (3-1) (8:15pm ABC,ESPN)
Patrick Mahomes has never lost to the Jags. I think it’s time. The Chiefs are favored in this game. Which is no surprise. I’m really tired of picking the Chiefs to win so I am going to pick the Jags to win. I’ll probably be wrong but, I said what I said!
BYE WEEK: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Steelers
GO G-MEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the edit Eric!
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