Games of the Week
LA Rams at Philadelphia Eagles (26–33)
With 14 minutes left in the third quarter, the Rams looked ready to slam the door. They were rolling offensively, generating consistent pass rush, and had just pushed their lead to 26-7. At that point it seemed like Philadelphia would finally be forced into a game script they had avoided all season.
Then Jalen Hurts flipped it all on a dime. The Eagles rattled off 28 unanswered points, with Hurts throwing three second-half touchdowns and their special teams blocking a kick for a touchdown return to seal it as time expired. For weeks, the one lingering question around Philadelphia was whether Hurts could open up the passing game when absolutely necessary. That question has been answered.
Jets Rally Falls Short in Tampa Bay (27–29)
This one nearly mirrored Rams-Eagles. Tampa Bay looked in control all afternoon, building a 23-6 lead behind a balanced attack that included a pick-six, a passing touchdown, and three field goals. Tyrod Taylor looked overwhelmed for three quarters.
Then the fourth quarter arrived. Taylor lit up the Buccaneers secondary with a pair of touchdown passes, and after a blocked FG return for a stunning Jets special teams touchdown, New York had a one-point lead with less than a minute left. It set the stage for another Baker Mayfield finish. True to form, he drove Tampa Bay into field goal range and Chase McLaughlin drilled the game-winner from 36 yards as time expired. The Bucs avoided disaster, but the Jets’ late fight was impressive.
Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens (38–30)
The heavyweight matchup of the week delivered. Detroit leaned on its run game while Jared Goff worked the short-to-intermediate passing attack to perfection. Baltimore countered with Lamar Jackson at his most efficient, throwing three touchdowns and piling up over 300 total yards.
The X-factor proved to be David Montgomery. On Monday night he exploded for 151 yards on just 12 carries, averaging a staggering 12.6 yards per attempt and scoring twice. His second touchdown was the difference-maker, handing Baltimore a 1-2 start despite Jackson’s strong outing. With an easier schedule coming up, the Ravens should rebound, but this was a statement win for Detroit.
Top Player Performances
David Montgomery, RB, Lions
Montgomery reminded everyone that there is more to this backfield than Jahmyr Gibbs. His two touchdowns and explosive runs showed why Detroit’s offense is so complete and so hard to defend.
Caleb Williams, QB, Bears
Bears fans finally got the breakout game they had been waiting for. Williams threw for four touchdowns against Dallas, posting 298 yards on 19-of-28 passing and proving this offense is starting to click under Ben Johnson.
Tre Tucker, WR, Raiders
The third-year receiver erupted for 145 yards and three touchdowns in a loss to Washington. His speed continues to open up the Raiders’ passing game, and Geno Smith clearly trusts him as a go-to weapon.
Isaiah Rodgers, CB, Vikings
Rodgers authored one of the most dominant defensive halves in recent memory, forcing three turnovers and scoring twice against Cincinnati. With one interception, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery, he literally outscored the Bengals by himself.
Coaching Matters: Vikings vs. Bengals
Minnesota and Cincinnati both started backup quarterbacks in Week 3, but the results could not have been more different. Carson Wentz looked rejuvenated under Kevin O’Connell, tossing two touchdowns in a 48-10 rout. O’Connell’s ability to maximize quarterbacks others had written off continues to shine, and this performance showed his system works no matter who is under center.
On the flip side, Zac Taylor’s seat grows hotter. Without Joe Burrow, the Bengals were lifeless, and lingering doubts about Taylor’s ability to maximize this roster only grew louder. For a team with so much talent, this kind of performance is unacceptable and raises real questions.
Betting Strategy Adjustments After Week 3
Fade Dallas Moneylines
The Cowboys’ defense is suddenly a liability, and with CeeDee Lamb sidelined for a month, Dak Prescott is facing an uphill climb to keep them competitive. Giving up 31 to Chicago is a warning sign.
Play Spreads Against Atlanta
The Falcons look lost. Offensive creativity is absent, the defense wears down quickly, and Raheem Morris has yet to find answers. Until he does, expect opponents to cover with ease.
Lean Over in Raiders Games
Geno Smith has weapons in Meyers, Bowers, and Tucker, and once Ashton Jeanty gets healthy, this offense will keep putting up points. The problem is the defense, which leaks yards everywhere. Until that changes, Raiders games are prime over bets.
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