Games of the Week
Green Bay Packers tie the Dallas Cowboys (40–40)
The Packers were looking for a bounce-back performance after a shocking loss to the Cleveland Browns and counted on their offense regaining rhythm against a weak Dallas defense. That did happen, but Green Bay still failed to leave with a win.
In fact, escaping Dallas with a tie was a miracle. Kicker Brandon McManus drilled field goals at the end of regulation and again at the end of overtime to salvage the result. The Packers’ defense was dreadful, while Dallas proved it can still move the ball effectively even without CeeDee Lamb.
Chicago Bears block a game-winning kick to beat the Raiders (25–24)
The Raiders entered the fourth quarter with the lead and held it for most of the frame. Caleb Williams was inconsistent, Ashton Jeanty was turning in a phenomenal rookie performance, and the defense was doing just enough to win. Until it fell apart.
In the final two minutes, Las Vegas gave up a touchdown, then drove down the field to set up a game-winning kick. The attempt was blocked, sealing a Bears victory. Chicago showed resilience under new coach Ben Johnson, while Geno Smith threw three costly interceptions and continues to prove why Seattle was willing to move on.
Eagles outlast the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31–25)
Tampa Bay was hoping for a signature win against undefeated Philadelphia but managed only two first-half field goals while the Eagles raced to 24 points before halftime.
The Buccaneers clawed back in the third quarter with a pair of 70-yard touchdown plays to make it interesting. After another field goal from Chase McLaughlin, Tampa reached the red zone with under eight minutes left. But with the pocket collapsing on first down, Baker Mayfield threw an interception in the end zone that sealed the game. The Eagles remain unbeaten, while Tampa looks to regroup.
Top Player Performances
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders
The top-five draft pick had a breakout game against Chicago, rushing for 138 yards and one touchdown while also catching two more scores. Teetering dangerously close to “bust” whispers growing louder, Jeanty showed his game-changing potential in a big way.
Puka Nacua, WR, Rams
The third-year wideout has firmly established himself as Matthew Stafford’s number one target. Nacua posted 170 yards and his first touchdown of the season on Sunday. Impressively, Nacua leads the entire NFL in receiving yards with 503 (second place is Jaxson Smith-Njigba with 402).
Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers
Another rookie back also had a big breakout day. Hampton carried 12 times for 128 yards and a touchdown, averaging an eye-popping 10.7 yards per carry. The AFC West suddenly looks stacked with young running talent.
Is This the End for Tyreek Hill and the Dolphins Core?
Tyreek Hill’s devastating knee injury in Week 4 could sadly mark the end of his career as an elite receiver. His game-changing speed and quickness will be extremely difficult to recover after a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments. At age 30, the odds of regaining that explosiveness are slim.
This comes at a time when the Dolphins’ foundation already feels shaky, and without Hill, there is a real chance this team collapses. HC Mike McDaniel will most likely be gone at season’s end, and Miami faces a long rebuild while still tied to a massive Tua Tagovailoa contract.
Betting Strategy Adjustments After Week 4
Avoid the Ravens Until Lamar Returns
With Lamar Jackson questionable due to a hamstring injury, Baltimore becomes a scary team to put your money behind. Cooper Rush leading the offense for a full game is an unknown that bettors should steer clear of.
Ride the Rams
Los Angeles is clicking on both sides of the ball. The offense is firing, and the defense is generating steady pressure. Until the market adjusts, the Rams are a smart play.
Take the Over on the Cowboys
Unless they are facing an elite defense or the total is outrageous, the Cowboys are an automatic over. The offense continues to move the ball, and the defense is arguably the league’s worst. Even in tough matchups, Dallas games trend high-scoring simply because of the sheer number of possessions.
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