NFL Power Rankings: Week 6

What a wild week in the NFL. Four of the top five teams in the rankings lost. New Orleans and Tennessee both got their first wins of the season. There are no undefeated teams and only one winless team. We have a new number one:

#1 DETROIT LIONS (4-1) +2

Last Week: #3, won at #29 Cincinnati, 37-24

The Lions are showing that week one was an aberration. They’ve been in total control since.

This Week: at #11 Kansas City

#2 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-1) -1

Last Week: #1, lost vs #14 Denver, 21-17

Philly blew a double digit lead and the offense is completely out of sorts, but I have to believe they’ll figure it out and that defense is elite.

This Week: at #27 NY Giants

#3 BUFFALO BILLS (4-1) -1

Last Week: #2, lost vs #21 New England, 23-20

Not only did Buffalo lose for the first time, they may have gotten a serious challenger for division supremacy.

This Week: at #20 Atlanta

#4 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-1) +2

Last Week: #6, won at Seattle, 38-35

All four of their wins have been fourth quarter comebacks. The Buccaneers just have a will to win.

This Week: vs #13 San Francisco

#5 GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1-1) +3

Last Week: #8, BYE

Packers benefit from the attrition in front of them on their bye week.

This Week: vs #30 Cincinnati

#6 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (4-1) +6

Last Week: #12, won vs #27 Las Vegas, 40-6

I still don’t wholly believe in Daniel Jones, but I do believe in Jonathan Taylor and the Colts.

This Week: vs #24 Arizona

#7 LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-2) -3

Last Week: #4, lost vs #16 San Francisco, 26-23

Rams fell to division rival and into second place in their division, but I ultimately believe they’ll win said division.

This Week: at #19 Baltimore

#8 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1) +2

Last Week: #10, BYE

Pittsburgh has a clear path to the division title and another post season berth.

This Week: vs #25 Cleveland

#9 DENVER BRONCOS (3-2) +5

Last Week: #14, won at #1 Philadelphia, 21-17

Denver came back from 14 down in the fourth quarter against the defending champions in what may be Bo Nix’s signature win.

This Week: vs #32 NY Jets in London

#10 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-2) +1

Last Week: #11, won at #7 LA Chargers, 27-10

The Commanders were dominant on the road in Jayden Daniels’ return from injury.

This Week: vs #17 Chicago

#11 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-3) -6

Last Week: #5, lost at #15 Jacksonville, 31-28

The Chiefs don’t seem to have the same aura around them anymore and the schedule doesn’t get easier.

This Week: vs #1 Detroit

#12 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-1) +3

Last Week: #15, won vs #5 Kansas City, 31-28

It might be time to start believing in Jacksonville as legit contenders.

This Week: vs #14 Seattle

#13 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (4-1) +3

Last Week: #16, won at #4 LA Rams, 26-23

The Niners injury list keeps me from elevating them into the top ten, but I may have to soon.

This Week: at #4 Tampa Bay

#14 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-2) -5

Last Week: #9, lost vs #6 Tampa Bay, 38-35

Seattle stood toe to toe with Tampa, but they need to find a way to win those games if they want a shot at the NFC West crown.

This Week: at #12 Jacksonville

#15 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3-2) -8

Last Week: #7, lost vs #11 Washington, 27-10

The Chargers have looked nothing like the team they were in the first 3 weeks, and now the injuries are mounting.

This Week: vs #29 Miami

#16 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (3-2) +2

Last Week: #18, won vs #24 Cleveland in London, 21-17

The Vikings need to find some offensive consistency if they’re to contend in the tough NFC North.

This Week: BYE

#17 CHICAGO BEARS (2-2)

Last Week: #17, BYE

The Bears get a shot a redemption coming out of the break, and they should get some key defenders back.

This Week: at #10 Washington

#18 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-2) +3

Last Week: #21, won at #2 Buffalo, 23-20

The Patriots look like they may be ready to surge up the rankings.

This Week: at #26 New Orleans

#19 BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-4) -6

Last Week: #13, lost vs #22 Houston, 44-10

Lamar Jackson’s return will help, but it won’t fix the Baltimore defense.

This Week: vs #7 LA Rams

#20 ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2)

Last Week: #20, BYE

Did the Falcons figure out a fix to their inconsistency over the break?

This Week: vs #3 Buffalo

#21 HOUSTON TEXANS (2-3) +1

Last Week: #22, won at #13 Baltimore, 44-10

Too soon to tell if Houston has righted the ship, but they’ve won two in a row heading into a break.

This Week: BYE

#22 DALLAS COWBOYS (2-3) +1

Last Week: #23, won at #30 NY Jets, 37-22

Dallas had their most dominating victory of the season, albeit against the lowly Jets.

This Week: at #23 Carolina

#23 CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-3) +2

Last Week: #25, won vs #28 Miami, 27-24

The Panthers are one of the more inconsistent teams in the NFL.

This Week: vs #22 Dallas

#24 ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-3) -5

Last Week: #19, lost vs #32 Tennessee, 22-21

Simply an inexcusable loss to Tennessee. Arizona is far removed from their 2-0 start.

This Week: at #6 Indianapolis

#25 CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-4) -1

Last Week: #24, lost vs #18 Minnesota in London, 21-17

No bye after a London game, on the road vs Pittsburgh. The NFL hates Cleveland.

This Week: at #8 Pittsburgh

#26 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-4) +5

Last Week: #31, won vs #26 NY Giants, 26-14

The Saints came from behind to get their first victory of the season.

This Week: vs #18 New England

#27 NEW YORK GIANTS (1-4) -1

Last Week: #26, lost at #31 New Orleans, 26-14

The Giants fell back to earth after the first win of the Jaxson Dart era with a turnover fest in the Big Easy.

This Week: vs #2 Philadelphia

#28 TENNESSEE TITANS (1-4) +4

Last Week: #32, won at #19 Arizona, 22-21

The first win in the Cam Ward era was a wild one, Tennessee should fall back to earth now.

This Week: at #31 Las Vegas

#29 MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-4) -1

Last Week: #28, lost at #25 Carolina, 27-24

Miami did what bad teams do, squandered a game they could have won on the road.

This Week: vs #15 LA Chargers

#30 CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-3) -1

Last Week: #29, lost vs #3 Detroit, 37-24

Cincy flashed some offense with the game well out of hand, but they might not win a single game without Joe Burrow.

This Week: at #5 Green Bay

#31 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-4) -4

Last Week: #27, lost at #12 Indianapolis, 40-6

Vegas has no identity right now, and little fight.

This Week: vs #28 Tennessee

#32 NEW YORK JETS (0-5) -2

Last Week: #30, lost vs #23 Dallas, 37-22

The Jets are the least disciplined and poorly coached team in the NFL.

This Week: vs #9 Denver

Week 5 NFL Picks

Last Week: 8-8 / 5-11

Season: 41-23 / 32-32

San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams (-6.5)

I expect the Rams to start taking control of the NFC West with this game.

Rams 27-20

Minnesota Vikings @ Cleveland Browns (+3.5)

This game is in London. Because they stayed overseas this week, I think the Vikings have the advantage.

MIN 17-16

Houston Texans (-2.5) @ Baltimore Ravens

The Texans benefit from Baltimore’s nightmare season. If Lamar Jackson could play this pick would be different.

HOU 23-13

New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints (-1.5)

Saints have fought hard all season, they’ll be rewarded with their first victory against an overconfident New York.

NO 24-20

Denver Broncos @ Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)

Denver is no match for Philly on the road.

PHI 23-17

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets (+2.5)

Dallas is a different team on the road. The Jets will take advantage of a porous defense to get their first win.

NYJ 34-31

Las Vegas Raiders (+6.5) @ Indianapolis Colts

Indy should bounce back from their first loss, but Vegas will keep it close.

IND 24-20

Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers (-1.5)

Miami is coming off their first win, Carolina is coming off an ugly loss. Still I like the Panthers.

CAR 20-17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3.5) @ Seattle Seahawks

Seattle has a chance to establish themselves as legitimate contenders and they will.

SEA 24-23

Tennessee Titans (+7.5) @ Arizona Cardinals

Getting the lowly Titans at home is exactly what Arizona needs to end their 2 game skid.

ARZ 17-13

Washington Commanders @ Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5)

The Chargers will bounce back from a terrible loss.

Chargers 27-20

Detroit Lions (-10.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals

This one will get ugly, fast. Detroit rolls.

DET 42-10

New England Patriots (+7.5) @ Buffalo Bills

Patriots aren’t quite ready to slay the dragon, but they’ll put up a decent fight versus Buffalo.

BUF 30-24

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

It certainly appears as if the Chiefs are back. I cannot pick against them.

KC 27-20

BYES

Chicago Bears
Atlanta Falcons
Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers

BJ & Da’Bears: Week 4 Recap & Week 5 Preview

Week 4 Recap

BJ & Da’Bears vs Hung Like Hernandez

I said, in my preview of this matchup, that this was going to be a tough one and it played out that way. My team did some good things, my opponent was just better.

I listed Caleb Williams as my #1 key. I said he didn’t need to be Superman, he wasn’t, he just needed to keep it close, he didn’t. Williams had his worst fantasy output of the season, while Josh Allen was Josh Allen.

Trey McBride wasn’t great, but he did outscore Brock Bowers by two points.

TreVeyon Henderson finally found the end zone, unfortunately Ashton Jeanty found it three times.

Brian Thomas Jr continues to disappoint and I’m not sure he’s going to reverse that any time soon.

One positive is that my managerial decisions were better this week. I opted, at the last minute, to ride with the Seahawks defense for another week and it paid off. I was actually able to win the defense matchup, albeit by only 1 point.

Also, keeping David Montgomery on my bench vs Cleveland was a wise decision, too bad it didn’t pay off better.

Quentin Johnston gets my MVP for the week. His 17 points helped me win the WR battle. Unfortunately, I got crushed at QB & RB.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers Photo Credit- Kyusung Gong/ Associated Press

Well, this one went about how I expected, unfortunately. It got off to a decent start with Seattle’s defense putting up 20 on Thursday night, but it went downhill from there, fast. Ashton Jeanty put the nail in my coffin with 3 TDs.

Week 5 Preview

BJ & Da’Bears vs Off the Post!

Projected Lineups

I’m slightly favored in this matchup against the only winless team in this league. I’m not as confident. The first bye week hits me rather hard, I lose my QB1 & WR1.

I honestly do not see any position where I have a clear advantage, though I do have some promising matchups.

This contest will come down to whether or not my players take advantage of favorable matchups.

Here are my keys to this matchup:

  1. Justin Fields: Fields gets the start due to Caleb Williams being on bye. He has a favorable matchup against Dallas’ awful defense. I need this to be one of Fields’ big weeks.
  2. Brian Thomas Jr: If Thomas is going to show that his rookie season was no fluke, this would be a good week to start. Without Odunze, I need someone to step up to help win the WR spot. How about my first round draft pick?
  3. David Montgomery: Detroit has a favorable matchup versus Cincinnati, unfortunately my opponent has Jahmyr Gibbs. I don’t need Montgomery to outscore Gibbs, but if he could garner a closer to even split of RB points, it could go a long way to pushing me to victory.
  4. Trey McBride: Still waiting on McBride to have a breakout game, this would be the ideal week to do so. Travis Kelce isn’t the dominant force at TE he once was, but he’s still a formidable foe. Winning the TE battle would be huge.

Trash Pandas: Week 4 Recap & Week 5 Preview

Week 4 Recap

Trash Pandas vs Xandar Guardians

This was a big win for the Trash Pandas, not only did it get me back to .500 after a couple tough losses, it was a division win, moving me to 2-0 in my division.

I had Brock Bowers as my #1 key this past week, saying I needed him to resemble his form from last season. It didn’t happen this week, and I have to say I’m a little concerned. The Raiders passing game is a mess right now.

I also listed TreVeyon Henderson & Marvin Harrison Jr as keys, and both came through with touchdowns. For Henderson, it was the first of his career.

My final key was team defense. I went with Philadelphia and it paid off. Philly scored a special teams touchdown & I only lost the defense matchup by 4 points.

Of course, not everything was roses this week. I cost myself 40 points by starting Daniel Carlson over Cairo Santos at kicker and Justin Herbert had his worst game of the season, thus far.

At least Herbert was able to find Quentin Johnston for a TD. Johnston continues to be one of the pleasant surprises of fantasy football this season. He’s been putting up WR1 numbers every week.

Speaking of WR1, Rome Odunze is firmly in that category now. He’s the only WR that’s scored a TD in every game so far.

Jahmyr Gibbs had 91 yards & a TD against a very tough Cleveland defense, looking like the franchise RB I drafted him to be.

Herbert was my top scorer, but my week 4 MVP goes to Quentin Johnston.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers Photo Credit- Kyusung Gong/ Associated Press

This was a solid win, and it could have been bigger, had I played Santos. I won every positional matchup except team defense, which I only lost by 4. Bye weeks are starting, but I think I’m set up okay.

Week 5 Preview

Trash Pandas vs Lanc Lanc Underdawgs

Projected Lineups & Benches

I’m heavily favored in this matchup and I can see why. I feel that I have the advantage at every position, even RB where I’m seldom comfortable.

It is never wise to be overconfident in fantasy football, but it’s a struggle this week. Even without the services of Rome Odunze, I am in a solid position to win a second straight.

My keys to the week:

  1. Justin Herbert: Herbert needs to bounce back from his worst outing of 2025 and be more like Justin Herbert.
  2. Quentin Johnston: Johnston just needs to continue his breakout season. He’s been one of the biggest wildcards in fantasy football this season.
  3. Brock Bowers: A monster week from Bowers shouldn’t be required, but it would be nice to see him get back to form.
  4. Jahmyr Gibbs: Simply put, if my players live up to expectations, I’ll easily win this week. None are more important than Gibbs. He has a very favorable matchup versus Cincinnati. Hitting his projected total would be huge.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 5

Another shakeup week in the Power Rankings. Two top five teams lost, three bottom five teams won and we had a tie. Last rankings before bye weeks start.

#1 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-0)

Last Week: #1, won at #4 Tampa Bay, 31-25

With all due respect to Buffalo, Detroit & others, it’s Philly then everyone else at this point.

This Week: vs #14 Denver

#2 BUFFALO BILLS (4-0)

Last Week: #2, won vs #31 New Orleans, 31-19

Buffalo was very much on upset alert until late in the fourth quarter this week.

#3 DETROIT LIONS (3-1) +2

Last Week: #5, won vs #21 Cleveland, 34-10

After their season opening clunker, Detroit has looked very much like the juggernaut they were last season.

#4 LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-1) +4

Last Week: #8, won vs #12 Indianapolis, 27-20

The Rams are a blocked kick, two weeks ago against Philly, from being undefeated and probably ranked first.

#5 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-2) +5

Last Week: #10, won vs #7 Baltimore, 37-20

Kansas City looked very much like the Chiefs, finally, against Baltimore.

#6 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1) -2

Last Week: #4, lost vs #1 Philadelphia, 31-25

Tampa came back strong but fell short against the defending champions.

#7 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3-1) -4

Last Week: #3, lost at #29 NY Giants, 21-18

That was a bad loss, compounded by the loss of OT Joe Alt. I have faith the Chargers will rebound, though.

#8 GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1-1) -2

Last Week: #6, tied at #27 Dallas, 40-40

Green Bay was lucky to escape Dallas with a tie, and what happened to that defense?

This Week: BYE

#9 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-1) +4

Last Week: #13, won at #17 Arizona, 23-20

Seattle looks like a legitimate contender on both sides of the ball.

This Week: vs #6 Tampa Bay

#10 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1) +4

Last Week: #14, won vs #16 Minnesota (in Dublin), 24-21

Pittsburgh is suddenly in total control in the AFC North.

This Week: BYE

#11 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-2) -2

Last Week: #9, lost at Atlanta, 34-27

Washington was never really in that game vs the Falcons. They need Jayden Daniels back.

This Week: at #7 LA Chargers

#12 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-1)

Last Week: #12, lost at #8 LA Rams, 27-20

Indy lost & Daniel Jones came back down to earth, but the Colts still proved they’re legit.

This Week: vs #27 Las Vegas

#13 BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-3) -6

Last Week: #7, lost at #10 Kansas City, 37-20

Baltimore has looked out of sorts and now the injuries are mounting, most significantly Lamar Jackson.

This Week: vs #22 Houston

#14 DENVER BRONCOS +1

Last Week: #15, won vs #24 Cincinnati, 28-3

Denver finally resembled the team most of us thought they were, but it was against Cincy, a barely competitive team.

This Week: at #1 Philadelphia

#15 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-1) +3

Last Week: #18, won vs #11 San Francisco, 26-21

Jacksonville’s passing game is still a work in progress, but their defense & running game are on point.

This Week: vs #5 Kansas City

#16 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-1) -5

Last Week: #11, lost vs #18 Jacksonville, 26-21

San Fran got Brock Purdy back, but they looked disjointed & the injuries continue to mount.

#17 CHICAGO BEARS (2-2) +2

Last Week: #19, won at #25 Las Vegas, 25-24

It was ugly, but those are the types of games Chicago always lost in the Eberflus era.

This Week: BYE

#18 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-2) -2

Last Week: #16, lost vs #14 Pittsburgh (in Dublin), 24-21

Minnesota is a Jekyll & Hyde team, it’s hard to predict which one shows up.

This Week: vs #24 Cleveland in London

#19 ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-2) -2

Last Week: #17, lost vs #13 Seattle, 23-20

Arizona is starting to settle in to what I thought they were. Competitive, but a step below the real contenders.

This Week: vs #32 Tennessee

#20 ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2) +2

Last Week: #22, won vs #9 Washington, 34-27

Atlanta rebounded from getting shutout on the road to a dominant win at home.

This Week: BYE

#21 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-2) +7

Last Week: #28, won vs #20 Carolina, 42-13

New England had their most dominant win since the Tom Brady era.

This Week: at #2 Buffalo

#22 HOUSTON TEXANS (1-3) +1

Last Week: #23, won vs #30 Tennessee, 26-0

Houston pitched a shutout against the lowly Titans to pick up their first victory.

This Week: at #13 Baltimore

#23 DALLAS COWBOYS (1-2-1) +4

Last Week: #27, tied vs #6 Green Bay, 40-40

Dallas still has no defense, but their offense is elite, at least at home.

This Week: vs #30 NY Jets

#24 CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-3) -3

Last Week: #21, lost at #5 Detroit, 34-10

Cleveland reverted to a doormat on the road against the high powered Lions.

This Week: vs #18 Minnesota in London

#25 CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-3) -5

Last Week: #20, lost at #28 New England, 42-13

Just when I start believing in Carolina they turn in a 2023 like performance.

#26 NEW YORK GIANTS (1-3) +3

Last Week: #29, won vs #3 LA Chargers, 21-18

The Jaxson Dart era starts with a victory, but the Malik Nabers injury puts a damper on the celebration.

This Week: at #31 New Orleans

#27 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-3) -2

Last Week: #25, lost vs #19 Chicago, 25-24

Vegas continues to turn the ball over way too much, but they did finally find their running game.

This Week: vs #12 Indianapolis

#28 MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-3) +4

Last Week: #32, won vs #26 NY Jets, 27-21

Miami has gotten gradually more competitive every week, culminating in their first victory, but they lost Tyreek Hill for the season.

This Week: at #25 Carolina

#29 CINCINNATI BENGALS -5

Last Week: #24, lost at #15 Denver, 28-3

Cincy is not even competitive without Joe Burrow.

This Week: vs #3 Detroit

#30 NEW YORK JETS (0-4) -4

Last Week: #26, lost at #32 Miami, 27-21

The Jets are still the same undisciplined, mistake prone team they’ve been for years.

This Week: vs #27 Dallas

#31 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-4)

Last Week: #31, lost at #2 Buffalo, 31-19

New Orleans stood toe to toe with a legit Super Bowl contender for most of the game against Buffalo.

This Week: vs #26 NY Giants

#32 TENNESSEE TITANS (0-4) -2

Last Week: #30, lost at #23 Houston, 26-0

Cam Ward summed it up best for Tennessee, “we ass”.

This Week: at #19 Arizona

Week 4 NFL Picks

Last Week: 13-3 / 11-5

Season: 33-15 / 27-21

Seattle Seahawks (-1.5) @ Arizona Cardinals

Big early season matchup in the highly competitive NFC West. I think Seattle’s defense will be the difference.

SEA 20-16

Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers

This game is in Dublin, Ireland and is nominally a Steelers home game. Even with a backup QB, I like Minnesota.

MIN 23-20

Washington Commanders (-2.5) @ Atlanta Falcons

Right now, assuming Jayden Daniels is back, I like Washington. Atlanta is who I thought they were.

WAS 24-17

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3.5)

Heavyweight battle for NFC supremacy. I’ll take the defending champs until someone beats them. I’ll hedge my bet by taking Tampa & the points.

PHI 28-27

New Orleans Saints (+15.5) @ Buffalo Bills

Buffalo should win easily, but that’s a lot of points to lay.

BUF 28-14

Cleveland Browns (+8.5) @ Detroit Lions

Cleveland’s defense will keep this close, but Detroit should prevail at home.

DET 17-13

Tennessee Titans (+6.5) @ Houston Texans

Houston should get themselves in the win column, but their offensive struggles won’t let them cover.

HOU 16-13

Carolina Panthers (+4.5) @ New England Patriots

Carolina might have turned the corner last week, I like them to pick up the road win this week.

CAR 20-13

Los Angeles Chargers (-5.5) @ New York Giants

The Chargers are playing elite football on both sides of the ball and New York is no match, even at home.

Chargers 27-10

Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)

The Daniel Jones bubble deflates and the Rams rebound from a tough loss.

Rams 17-10

Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Francisco 49ers (-3.5)

Despite being banged up, San Francisco just continues to win.

SF 20-16

Baltimore Ravens (-2.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs

If Baltimore is going to break their curse against KC, this is the time to do it.

BAL 24-20

Chicago Bears (+1.5) @ Las Vegas Raiders

Chicago looked like they’re starting to figure things out under Ben Johnson, they could go on a bit of a run here.

CHI 28-20

Green Bay Packers (-6.5) @ Dallas Cowboys

Green Bay is coming off a bad loss that raises plenty of questions, but Dallas is atrocious defensively and the Pack should roll.

GB 31-17

New York Jets (+2.5) @ Miami Dolphins

The Jets are better than 0-3. Miami is not.

NYJ 20-17

Cincinnati Bengals (+7.5) @ Denver Broncos

Cincinnati’s season will continue to spiral without Joe Burrow, but Denver has not had an impressive showing, yet.

DEN 17-13

Trash Pandas: Week 3 Recap & Week 4 Preview

Week 3 Recap

Trash Pandas vs Red Dwarf SmegHeads

Once again, I lost a game due to a kicker. This was a pretty even matchup. I had the advantage at WR & Flex and a slight advantage at TE. My opponent had the advantage at RB & Team Defense. Our QBs put up identical scores.

I got crushed 23-4 at kicker and that was the difference.

Justin Herbert was once again great. Rome Odunze & Quentin Johnston were solid again. Jahmyr Gibbs put up the numbers that made him my top draft pick.

TreVeyon Henderson continues to disappoint, and I may have to bench him. Marvin Harrison Jr is in the same boat.

Brock Bowers has been equally disappointing, but at least there’s an injury excuse there.

Herbert, once again, gets my MVP in a losing effort.

Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers.Photo Credit- Drew A Kelley/ Press-Telegram/ SCNG

This is a tough one to swallow. I faced a beatable foe, but several players I had counted on have come up short again. I can only hope that Bowers gets better as he gets healthier and Henderson and Harrison reach their potential.

Week 4 Preview

Trash Pandas vs Xander Guardians

Projected Lineups
Benches

This is another tough matchup for me, and it’s a division tilt. Xandar Guardians not only won this division last season, they were undefeated in it.

After dropping two straight, I need this one, badly.

I think we’re pretty even at QB, RB & WR. ESPN has Skattebo projected a bit too high, in my opinion, and I have to believe Henderson will get a bigger share of the touches after New England’s other running backs had serious fumble issues.

I should have a significant advantage at TE, provided Bowers is fully healthy. Meanwhile, my opponent has a pretty solid advantage at Team Defense as the Broncos face the Bengals and turnover prone Jake Browning.

I should have the advantage at Flex, as well.

Ultimately, this matchup could come down to which of our rookie RBs has the breakout game. Also, whether or not DJ Moore or Marvin Harrison Jr hits double digit fantasy points.

My keys to the week:

  1. Brock Bowers: He’s not been 100% since week one, but I need him to start being the elite TE he was last year. He could be a difference maker for me.
  2. TreVeyon Henderson: It’s taken longer than I had hoped for him to become RB1 in New England. With the ball control issues the other Patriots RBs had, I hope this is the week.
  3. Marvin Harrison Jr: I’m giving him another week, maybe, because I’m not sure how involved Jordan Addison will be in his first week back. Harrison Jr is clearly WR3 on my team, right now, and he’s in danger of becoming WR4.
  4. Team Defense: My opponent has Denver vs Cincinnati and turnover prone Jake Browning. I need whichever D I settle on, Arizona or Philadelphia, to come through.

BJ & Da’ Bears: Week 3 Recap & Week 4 Preview

Week 2 Recap

BJ & Da’Bears vs Achane in the Membrane

I continue to make managerial mistakes with this team. Thankfully, this week I was able to overcome those mistakes.

Caleb Williams had the monster week I’ve been waiting for. He’s been solid thus far, but this week he showed the elite fantasy potential that made him my only keeper from last season.

Running back continues to be an area of concern for this team. I’m anxiously waiting for the TreVeyon Henderson breakout game. I’m not sure how much longer I can afford to wait, to complicate matters I don’t have many options behind him.

It didn’t help matters that Baltimore’s defense scared me enough to keep David Montgomery on the bench. That was 25 points I squandered, luckily I didn’t need them.

I have issues at WR, too. Brian Thomas Jr continues to be a major disappointment, and trust me, I’m ready to move on from my first round pick. Keon Coleman has done little since I inserted him into my lineup. It’s time to put him back on my bench.

Rome Odunze is quickly becoming a legit WR1 in fantasy football and I can feel a breakout game coming for Tetairoa McMillan. Quentin Johnston has earned a spot in my starting lineup and I question what took me so long.

Trey McBride finally found the end zone and won the TE matchup for me handily.

While Caleb Williams wins my week 3 MVP, the real difference this week was defense. I streamed the Seattle Seahawks, who put up 27 points. Meanwhile, my opponent’s defense put up a goose egg. I won by 23 points.

Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears Photo Credit- Michael Reaves/ Getty Images

It’s always nice to get the first win. It’s especially gratifying that a big reason you won is because the QB-WR combo from your favorite team is producing like you envisioned.

Week 4 Preview

BJ & Da’Bears vs Hung Like Hernandez

Preliminary Lineups

My week 4 opponent has been one of the better teams in this league for years. It’s always a daunting task going up against him.

A quick glance at our prospective lineups makes me think I have a decent chance this week.

Josh Allen is a slight advantage over Caleb Williams, but Allen also plays the Saints and Buffalo could be in run mode for most of the second half.

We have similar running back situations, a steady if unspectacular veteran and a rookie that hasn’t quite hit his stride yet. This matchup could be decided by the running back position.

I think I have a slight advantage at WR, mainly because Ja’Marr Chase takes a hit without Joe Burrow.

TE is a battle of titans with Brock Bowers going against Trey McBride. I’d give the slight advantage to Bowers, but the Raiders haven’t been focusing their offense on him, yet,

This matchup could come down to defense, again, and that’s where my concern lies. I’m going to stream either Washington, Carolina or the NY Jets. It’s not a great week to stream defenses, hopefully I make the right choice.

I think the keys for my team this week are:

  1. Caleb Williams: I don’t need him to be Superman, again, though that would be nice. I just need him to keep it close vs Josh Allen.
  2. Trey McBride: McBride finally had that TE1 kind of week and I need him to keep it up. Brock Bowers is going to break out sooner or later, I need McBride to keep pace.
  3. Brian Thomas Jr & TreVeyon Henderson: This was my first and third draft picks, respectively, I need them to start producing like it. I have more confidence in Henderson, to be frank.
  4. I need my streamed defense to do something. My opponent has Denver going against Cincinnati and turnover prone Jake Browning. If my defense doesn’t do show up, it could cost me this game.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 4

It was a wild week 3 in the NFL. Big shakeup in the rankings as three top five times lost.

#1 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (3-0)

Last Week: #1, won vs #5 LA Rams, 33-26

Philly hasn’t played a complete game yet, but they find ways to win. Another big battle for NFC supremacy looms.

This Week: at #4 Tampa Bay

#2 BUFFALO BILLS (3-0) +2

Last Week: #4, won vs #32 Miami, 31-21

Since their opening tilt with Baltimore, Buffalo hasn’t faced an opponent with a single win this season. They get another winless opponent this week.

This Week: vs #31 New Orleans

#3 LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3-0) +3

Last Week: #6, won vs #11 Denver, 23-20

The Chargers look like a legitimate contender in the AFC. Justin Herbert is playing elite football and the defense is solid.

This Week: at #29 NY Giants

#4 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-0) +3

Last Week: #7, won vs NY Jets, 29-27

Three fourth quarter comebacks in three games for Tampa. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs never quit. Big showdown with the defending champs this week.

This Week: vs #1 Philadelphia

#5 DETROIT LIONS (2-1) +5

Last Week: #10, won at #3 Baltimore, 38-30

Detroit seems to have found themselves after a disappointing week one. That was an impressive performance in Baltimore.

This Week: vs #21 Cleveland

#6 GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1) -4

Last Week: #2, lost at #29 Cleveland, 13-10

Cleveland has an elite defense, but that was a bad loss. Green Bay’s potential is limited by Jordan Love.

This Week: at #27 Dallas

#7 BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-2) -4

Last Week: #3, lost vs #10 Detroit, 38-30

Baltimore has lost to two very good teams and there are some concerns. Derrick Henry’s fumbles & their defense has been gashed by good offenses.

This Week: at #10 Kansas City

#8 LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-1) -3

Last Week: #5, lost at #1 Philadelphia, 33-26

The Rams dominated Philly for a good portion of the game Sunday, but they collapsed in epic fashion.

This Week: vs #12 Indianapolis

#9 WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-1)

Last Week: #9, won vs #22 Las Vegas, 41-24

Washington had a pretty impressive beat down of Vegas despite playing without Jayden Daniels.

This Week: at #22 Atlanta

#10 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-2) -2

Last Week: #8, won at #28 NY Giants, 22-9

Kansas City picked up their first win of 2025, but it was considerably less than impressive. The schedule doesn’t get any easier.

This Week: vs #7 Baltimore

#11 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-0) +1

Last Week: #12, won vs #15 Arizona, 16-15

San Fran continues to win even as the injuries mount. How long can they sustain it?

This Week: vs #18 Jacksonville

#12 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-0) +1

Last Week: #13, won at Tennessee, 41-20

Daniel Jones keeps leading Indy to victory, I’m slowly starting to believe.

This Week: at #8 LA Rams

#13 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-1) +3

Last Week: #16, won vs #31 New Orleans, 44-13

Seattle’s defense is looking legit. The Seahawks are a threat in the NFC West.

This Week: at #17 Arizona

#14 PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-1)

Last Week: #14, won at #25 New England, 21-14

Pittsburgh’s defense finally looked like the Steel Curtain, albeit against the lowly Patriots.

This Week: vs #16 Minnesota in Dublin, Ireland.

#15 DENVER BRONCOS (1-2) -4

Last Week: #11, lost at #6 LA Chargers, 23-20

Denver has had a tough schedule, but they still look a little off on both sides of the ball.

This Week: vs #24 Cincinnati

#16 MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-1) +3

Last Week: #19, won vs #18 Cincinnati, 48-10

Minnesota looked better with Carson Wentz under center, of course it was against the Joe Burrow-less Bengals.

This Week: vs #14 Pittsburgh in Dublin, Ireland

#17 ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-1) -2

Last Week: #15, lost at #12 San Francisco, 16-15

Arizona is beginning to look like the odd team out in a highly competitive NFC West race.

This Week: vs #13 Seattle

#18 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (2-1) +3

Last Week: #21, won vs #20 Houston, 17-10

It hasn’t always been pretty, but Jacksonville is positioning itself as the biggest challenge to Indy in the AFC South.

This Week: at #11 San Francisco

#19 CHICAGO BEARS (1-2) +7

Last Week: #26, won vs #23 Dallas, 31-14

Did Chicago turn a corner in picking up Ben Johnson’s first victory? It kind of feels like it.

This Week: at #25 Las Vegas

#20 CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-2) +7

Last Week: #27, won vs #17 Atlanta, 30-0

Whoa! I picked Carolina to win, but I didn’t see a beat down shutout like that.

This Week: at #28 New England

#21 CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-2) +8

Last Week: #29, won vs #2 Green Bay, 13-10

Cleveland has an elite defense, if they can produce anything offensively they can make some noise in the AFC North.

This Week: at #5 Detroit

#22 ATLANTA FALCONS (1-2) -5

Last Week: #17, lost at #27 Carolina, 30-0

Damn, that was ugly. Atlanta continues to be one of the more inconsistent, disappointing teams in the NFL.

This Week: vs #9 Washington

#23 HOUSTON TEXANS (0-3) -3

Last Week: #20, lost at #21 Jacksonville, 17-10

It might be time to panic in Houston. CJ Stroud and the offense are a complete mess.

This Week: vs #30 Tennessee

#24 CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-1) -6

Last Week: #18, lost at #19 Minnesota, 48-10

Without Joe Burrow, Cincinnati looked as bad as everyone feared. How low will they fall?

This Week: at #15 Denver

#25 LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-2) -3

Last Week: #22, lost at #9 Washington, 41-24

Vegas’ offense is a mess. They need to get the running game going and get Brock Bowers more involved.

This Week: vs #19 Chicago

#26 NEW YORK JETS (0-3) -2

Last Week: #24, lost at #7 Tampa Bay, 29-27

The Jets put up a fight and nearly pulled off the upset against a legitimate contender.

This Week: at #32 Miami

#27 DALLAS COWBOYS (1-2) -4

Last Week: #23, lost at #26 Chicago, 31-14

Dallas’ defense is a mess, and now they’ll be without WR CeeDee Lamb for a couple weeks.

This Week: vs #6 Green Bay

#28 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-2) -3

Last Week: #25, lost vs #14 Pittsburgh, 21-14

New England had a chance against Pittsburgh, but five turnovers doomed them.

This Week: vs #20 Carolina

#29 NEW YORK GIANTS (0-3) -1

Last Week: #28, lost vs #8 Kansas City, 22-9

It’s Jaxson Dart time in New York. Is it enough to save the season for Big Blue?

This Week: vs #3 LA Chargers

#30 TENNESSEE TITANS (0-3)

Last Week: #30, lost vs #13 Indianapolis, 41-20

Tennessee is not a good football team, but at least they have hope with Cam Ward.

This Week: at #23 Houston

#31 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-3)

Last Week: #31, lost at #16 Seattle, 44-13

This last game was the only one where New Orleans was truly outclassed from start to finish.

This Week: at #2 Buffalo

#32 MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-3)

Last Week: #32, lost at #4 Buffalo, 31-21

Does Mike McDaniel survive if Miami loses to the Jets this week?

This Week: vs #26 NY Jets

Week 3 NFL Picks

Last Week: 11-5 / 10-6

Season: 20-12 / 16-16

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (-12.5)

This one will get ugly. Bills roll.

BUF 38-10

Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5) @ New England Patriots

I just don’t see Aaron Rodgers losing to an upstart Patriots team.

PIT 23-17

Los Angeles Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5)

Rams came as close as anyone to knocking off Philly on their run to the Lombardi last year, but I think they fall short again.

PHI 24-20

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers (+5.5)

Panthers showed enough against Arizona that I think they can pull off a mild upset at home and get their first win of 2025.

CAR 23-16

Green Bay Packers (-7.5) @ Cleveland Browns

This won’t be close. Green Bay’s defense dominates.

GB 24-3

Houston Texans (-1.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

I think the Texans will avoid an 0-3 start with a division road win.

HOU 17-14

Cincinnati Bengals @ Minnesota Vikings (-2.5)

Without Burrow, I just can’t see Cincy winning this.

MIN 20-13

New York Jets (+6.5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I like the Bucs to go to 3-0, but the Jets to cover (unless Fields is out).

TB 23-20

Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) @ Tennessee Titans

I’m not a Daniel Jones believer yet, but each Colts victory gets me closer.

IND 24-17

Las Vegas Raiders @ Washington Commanders (-3.5)

I’m a little worried about Jayden Daniels’ status, but the Raiders looked terrible on Monday.

WAS 24-17

Denver Broncos @ Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5)

The Chargers are looking like a legit threat in the AFC.

CHARGERS 20-16

New Orleans Saints (+7.5) @ Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks should win, but New Orleans will battle.

SEA 23-17

Dallas Cowboys @ Chicago Bears (-1.5)

Dallas has never fared well in Chicago. Bears get their first win under Ben Johnson.

CHI 28-24

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers (-1.5)

Battle of unbeaten NFC West teams goes to the home team Niners.

SF 20-16

Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5) @ New York Giants

No way the Chiefs will fall to 0-3.

KC 27-17

Detroit Lions (+5.5) @ Baltimore Ravens

Should be a good battle between upper echelon teams. Ravens take it at home.

BAL 24-20