NFL Week 10 Review: By Kyle Balfour
Week 10 has come and gone, and nothing like that double digit and plummeting temperatures to remind us that winter has finally come, and with it so does the looming countdown for playoff contention. So let's see how this week fared for each team, as well as the ensuing predictions race between me and Tomlin.
Also instead of my usual setup for how well we are both doing (and usually prematurely revealing how well we both did), I'll instead just let the scores speak for themselves.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
Also instead of my usual setup for how well we are both doing (and usually prematurely revealing how well we both did), I'll instead just let the scores speak for themselves.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
University of Arizona Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Actual Result: Cardinals 16-22 Seahawks
Kyle Said: Seahawks (1-0)
Stuart Said: Seahawks (1-0)
What is it with people calling for the end of Thursday Night Football, when it's offered us some of the best games of the season thus far? For an American watching it, it's the first taste of what's to come: the weekend! I say keep it: it's a good tradition, and like I said, it's a good segue-way towards the weekend.
This game was great. The Seahawks looked back to their prime after last weeks embarrassment from the Redskins. Even the Cardinals showed a little bit of flair despite injuries riddling the team. What didn't help things was Richard Sherman announcing after the game that he had a ruptured tendon, ending his season. Your safety Kam Chancellor is also out for the season. The football gods are cruel.
This game was great. The Seahawks looked back to their prime after last weeks embarrassment from the Redskins. Even the Cardinals showed a little bit of flair despite injuries riddling the team. What didn't help things was Richard Sherman announcing after the game that he had a ruptured tendon, ending his season. Your safety Kam Chancellor is also out for the season. The football gods are cruel.
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Florida
Actual Result: Buccaneers 15-10 Jets
Kyle Said: Jets (1-1)
Stuart Said: Jets (1-1)
Stuart Said: Jets (1-1)
They win when I want them to - you get the idea...
So no Mike Evans, no Jamais Winston, and Ryan Fitzpatrick slugs it against his former team...
Meanwhile, the "it's not a tank, mom!" teenage rebellious Jets who have hit a bit of a slump recently going 1-3 in their last 4 are in desperate need of a win to stay on rebellious track. Sadly, this game was a bit of a slogfest, with only a handful of field goals to pass for scoring, then the last quarter comes around and it's a 1 apiece touchdown scenario. The Bucs defence did well to hold it down, and Fitzpatrick does just enough to set Pat Murray up to notch some points.
So no Mike Evans, no Jamais Winston, and Ryan Fitzpatrick slugs it against his former team...
Meanwhile, the "it's not a tank, mom!" teenage rebellious Jets who have hit a bit of a slump recently going 1-3 in their last 4 are in desperate need of a win to stay on rebellious track. Sadly, this game was a bit of a slogfest, with only a handful of field goals to pass for scoring, then the last quarter comes around and it's a 1 apiece touchdown scenario. The Bucs defence did well to hold it down, and Fitzpatrick does just enough to set Pat Murray up to notch some points.
Buffalo Bills vs. New Orleans Saints
New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
Actual Result: Bills 10-47 Saints
Kyle Said: Saints (2-1)
Stuart Said: Saints (2-1)
And lo! The prophecy fell to shit as the home team suffered defeat...uhh, new theory time!
That was bad. Like, really bad. Drew Brees wasn't even the star of this game. A Saints game that didn't rely entirely on Brees is a scary prospect, and it was the running game of Mark Ingram that absolutely blew the Bills the fuck out of their own field. Not that Ingram was alone on this endeavour, oh no, Alvin Kamara had himself a night too, racking up triple digit yards alongside Ingram.
The Bills just looked back to their lacklustre heritage. A stifled running game, coupled with Tyrod Taylor throwing for a measly 56 yards - the lowest of his Bills career to date. Now he's being benched for the Bills 5th round pick this past draft in Nathan Peterman for their game at the Chargers...desperate times.
They can still make a wildcard at their current pace (mostly by virtue of the rest of the AFC being incredibly mediocre...), so there's still a chance.
Meanwhile, the Saints are on an incredible run! 7-2 so far, top of a competitively revived and fierce NFC South, and currently tied with the flying high Eagles of a 7 game win streak. Unprecedented would not begin to describe the success so far. Will it continue against the Redskins next week? We shall see...
Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns
Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Actual Result: Lions 38-24 Browns
Kyle Said: Lions (3-1)
Stuart Said: Lions (3-1)
Congratulations, Cleveland Browns! You kept this game competitive for over 3 whole quarters! A personal best for the season! Keep this up, and you might finally win a game! Or you can always dare to dream and join your opponents this week in the illustrious honour of 0-16! Keep on chugging, factory of sadness!
Only the Detroit Lions could go from being undefeated by strong conference rivals to making the Cleveland Browns look competitive...had 4th quarter witchcraft not been at play here, we'd be looking at a pretty dire overtime situation. Luckily, Golden 'Boy' Tate and Eric Ebron bailed you out and all can be well until next week when you face the Bears.
And lo! The prophecy fell to shit as the home team suffered defeat...uhh, new theory time!
That was bad. Like, really bad. Drew Brees wasn't even the star of this game. A Saints game that didn't rely entirely on Brees is a scary prospect, and it was the running game of Mark Ingram that absolutely blew the Bills the fuck out of their own field. Not that Ingram was alone on this endeavour, oh no, Alvin Kamara had himself a night too, racking up triple digit yards alongside Ingram.
The Bills just looked back to their lacklustre heritage. A stifled running game, coupled with Tyrod Taylor throwing for a measly 56 yards - the lowest of his Bills career to date. Now he's being benched for the Bills 5th round pick this past draft in Nathan Peterman for their game at the Chargers...desperate times.
They can still make a wildcard at their current pace (mostly by virtue of the rest of the AFC being incredibly mediocre...), so there's still a chance.
Meanwhile, the Saints are on an incredible run! 7-2 so far, top of a competitively revived and fierce NFC South, and currently tied with the flying high Eagles of a 7 game win streak. Unprecedented would not begin to describe the success so far. Will it continue against the Redskins next week? We shall see...
Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns
Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Actual Result: Lions 38-24 Browns
Kyle Said: Lions (3-1)
Stuart Said: Lions (3-1)
Congratulations, Cleveland Browns! You kept this game competitive for over 3 whole quarters! A personal best for the season! Keep this up, and you might finally win a game! Or you can always dare to dream and join your opponents this week in the illustrious honour of 0-16! Keep on chugging, factory of sadness!
Only the Detroit Lions could go from being undefeated by strong conference rivals to making the Cleveland Browns look competitive...had 4th quarter witchcraft not been at play here, we'd be looking at a pretty dire overtime situation. Luckily, Golden 'Boy' Tate and Eric Ebron bailed you out and all can be well until next week when you face the Bears.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
Actual Result: Titans 24-20 Bengals
Kyle Said: Titans (4-1)
Stuart Said: Titans (4-1)
The underdog story gets back on track as the Titans edge out the Bengals to take the win, extending their record to 6-3, tying the Jaguars for wins. The dream is still alive! DeMarco Murray continues to demonstrate age as a mere number by single handily carrying the Titans to victory. Marriota got a little trigger happy with his throws, dragging the game out a little bit more than it should have.
Meanwhile, the offensive line woes of the Bengals continue, and Vontaze Burfict continues to be...well, Vontaze Burfict. Dude's paid over 10% of his total earnings in fines, and yet he insists that it's the referees that are provoking him to get into trouble...
It's gonna be another long season, Bengals. Pull up a chair and join me...
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Actual Result: Bears 16-23 Packers
Kyle Said: Bears (4-2)
Stuart Said: Bears (4-2)
So it seems that the mourning period is over and it wasn't as drastic as we all expected it. The Packers were still able to hold off an underwhelming Bears squad on the road.
Absolute scenes though of the Bears challenging for spot of the play on what they probably had hoped would be inches from the end zone, but upon replay was ruled a touchback due to the ball being fumbled out of bounds from lost control. The Chicago Bears - finding more and more miserable ways to screw themselves and the fans out of situations that would have just played themselves out naturally.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Chargers
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Actual Result: Jaguars 20-17 Chargers
Kyle Said: Jaguars (5-2)
Stuart Said: Jaguars (5-2)
Damnit, Jaguars, I thought we agreed that you win games when you don't rely on Blake Bortles. The dude flung balls like he was playing hot potato. Plus, a classic Bortles 'Bottling' in the 4th quarter meant had you just ran the ball, the game probably wouldn't have even needed overtime!
Both these teams just looked like former past entities of themselves - lifeless, mediocre, and downright bad. Though it was hilarious to see the Chargers lose via field goal from a guy they cut over Younghoe Koo. Soak. It. In.
Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings
FedExField, Landover, Maryland
Actual Result: Redskins 30-38 Vikings
Kyle Said: Vikings (6-2)
Stuart Said: Vikings (6-2)
It's always great to see players return after such gruesome injuries (for me, it was just great to see Victor Cruz return to the field last season after battling injuries that had seemed like forever. Regardless of his actual performance throughout, it was just nice to see him back), such as Teddy Bridgewater, who was dressed and ready if needed. However, Case Keenum is definitely out to make a, well 'case' (cringe!), for himself, and the team. Dude's been on fire for the Vikings; and this game was no exception - outshining even the hand cannoneer himself, Kirk Cousins.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Actual Result: Colts 17-20 Steelers
Kyle Said: Steelers (7-2)
Stuart Said: Steelers (7-2)
What's this? The Steelers playing down to their competition, writing them off entirely, putting their guard down for the other team to make them look even levelled? What a twist...
That's exactly what happened to them. Just like their defeat to the Bears, the Steelers took the Colts for face value and were shown to look even worse by comparison. A lucky last minute field goal saves you this time, but my god, you need more production out of your team. You've got the Titans next week. Do not underestimate.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Houston Texans
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Actual Result: Rams 33-7 Texans
Kyle Said: Rams (8-2)
Stuart Said: Rams (8-2)
So a completely demoralised Texans team was crushed by the greatest show in L.A. (who else you gonna watch? The Chargers? HA! The Lakers? HA! The Clippers? HA! The Dodgers? Lost the world series. Galaxy? Awful. The Kings? Well had they not dropped off a little recently, I'd maybe have given an argument for that...)
Jared Goff is looking back to his college self, showing why he was picked 1st overall, and had a hell of a game here. On the other side of his throws, Robert Woods had a spectacular night for himself. Even Sammy Watkins did a thing!
The Texans - ohh, boy, what slump you are in right now. A 3 loss streak, your best defensive player is out, your young and promising quaterback of the future is out. Your replacement quarterback is abhorrently mediocre, leaving players like DeAndre Hopskins and Jadeveon Clowney to rot on this half baked team. Tragic.
San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Actual Result: 49ers 31-21 Giants
Kyle Said: Giants (8-3)
Stuart Said: 49ers (9-2)
I actually thought that despite everything that has happened this season, the Giants could win at least this game. The Niners have no hope in hell this season. They made the first big step in a very long rebuild by trading for Jimmy Garoppolo and keeping him off the field till next season (a wise move in this situation), so I thought that despite dressing what was practically a practice squad, the Giants could still get a win...
What cost the Giants was the lack of depth on a very depleted team. The running game was lackluster, and despite a great game from Sterling Shepard, he was the only worthwhile receiver in the entire game. Evan Ingram continues to get it done in the red zone, but that was just it. The Niners just had better depth overall. Better aerial targets, and Carlos Hyde continues to be the best piece on the entire team.
So well done, Niners. You finally get a win, and oh boy did the team celebrate like it's the only one you'll get this season (maybe also against the broken Texans?)...
When's draft day?!
Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Georgia
Actual Result: Falcons 27-7 Cowboys
Kyle Said: Falcons (9-3)
Stuart Said: Cowboys (9-3)
> Be Ezekiel Elliot
> Launch 4th appeal against 6 game ban imposed by the NFL
> Learn that appeal cannot be heard until December
> Miss at least 4 games in the meantime waiting for the appeal
>Devour oatmeal
That's what it's currently like for Zeke. So no yards for him this Sunday as the Cowboys are on the road to face the faltering Atlanta Falcons. Should be fine, right? Well...
The great wall known as the Cowboys offensive line started to show a few cracks thanks to Tyron Smith suffering an injury, leading to Adrian Clayborn to hulk smash his way in and gorge on Dak Prescott multiple times. Clayborn secures himself not only a very handy salary bonus for at least 8 sacks on the season, but the first 6 sack game since Osi Umenyiora (god, I miss that guy!) over a decade ago!
So an exposed offensive line and no star running back meant the Cowboys and Prescott had very little options here. Everyone on the receiving core was undermined by the Falcons defence, and even with an interception by Xavier Woods (not the wrestler) in the first, after the touchdown run by Prescott, the team went nowhere as the Falcons picked them apart with their own brand of stellar running backs. Even with Devonta Freeman out on a concussion, Tevin Coleman is just as great of a replacement.
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Actual Result: Broncos 16-41 Patriots
Kyle Said: Patriots (10-3)
Stuart Said: Patriots (10-3)
It honestly feels like an era ago when the Denver Broncos could buck the Patriots. Like, this team is just looking weak.
Once again, issues at quarterback continue to plague the Broncos, as Moses figurehead Brock Osweiler returns to theprestigious starting job and reveals he has learned nothing since his exodus. The Broncos defence also feel asleep throughout the game, allowing Tom Brady to throw touchdowns towards a healthy amount of targets, with Dion Lewis not to be left out and ran one in himself.
Denver: you're tied bottom with the Chargers. The fucking Chargers! You're 3-6, on a 5 game losing streak, currently the second highest after the obvious Browns. The fuck are you doing?!
Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Actual Result: Panthers 45-21 Dolphins
Kyle Said: Panthers (11-3)
Stuart Said: Panthers (11-3)
So a faltering, internally melting, Dolphins squad geared up to face the Panthers, and as you'd expect, the Panthers mauled them.
The Panthers looked back to their old selves with just a lovely bout of offensive prowess. Cam Newton dishing out the throws to many a receiver like he was playing Tapper.
I think I've been a little too harsh on the Panthers lately. Aside from that disaster against the Bears, and the Saints giving them a challenge for the division, the Panthers have been looking fairly good. Sure, some wins have been from skin of teeth, nail biters, but a win's a win, no matter how you slice it.
So there you have it, an excellent week of predictions for both of us, and that will conclude Week 10. Let's check the scores:
Kyle: 84-62
Stuart: 88-58
Onward! To Week 11! One week closer to draft day! And the overall assessment of the season as a whole so that John Mara can fire Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo!
Go house clearance!
Kyle Said: Titans (4-1)
Stuart Said: Titans (4-1)
The underdog story gets back on track as the Titans edge out the Bengals to take the win, extending their record to 6-3, tying the Jaguars for wins. The dream is still alive! DeMarco Murray continues to demonstrate age as a mere number by single handily carrying the Titans to victory. Marriota got a little trigger happy with his throws, dragging the game out a little bit more than it should have.
Meanwhile, the offensive line woes of the Bengals continue, and Vontaze Burfict continues to be...well, Vontaze Burfict. Dude's paid over 10% of his total earnings in fines, and yet he insists that it's the referees that are provoking him to get into trouble...
It's gonna be another long season, Bengals. Pull up a chair and join me...
Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Actual Result: Bears 16-23 Packers
Kyle Said: Bears (4-2)
Stuart Said: Bears (4-2)
So it seems that the mourning period is over and it wasn't as drastic as we all expected it. The Packers were still able to hold off an underwhelming Bears squad on the road.
Absolute scenes though of the Bears challenging for spot of the play on what they probably had hoped would be inches from the end zone, but upon replay was ruled a touchback due to the ball being fumbled out of bounds from lost control. The Chicago Bears - finding more and more miserable ways to screw themselves and the fans out of situations that would have just played themselves out naturally.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Chargers
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Actual Result: Jaguars 20-17 Chargers
Kyle Said: Jaguars (5-2)
Stuart Said: Jaguars (5-2)
Damnit, Jaguars, I thought we agreed that you win games when you don't rely on Blake Bortles. The dude flung balls like he was playing hot potato. Plus, a classic Bortles 'Bottling' in the 4th quarter meant had you just ran the ball, the game probably wouldn't have even needed overtime!
Both these teams just looked like former past entities of themselves - lifeless, mediocre, and downright bad. Though it was hilarious to see the Chargers lose via field goal from a guy they cut over Younghoe Koo. Soak. It. In.
Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings
FedExField, Landover, Maryland
Actual Result: Redskins 30-38 Vikings
Kyle Said: Vikings (6-2)
Stuart Said: Vikings (6-2)
It's always great to see players return after such gruesome injuries (for me, it was just great to see Victor Cruz return to the field last season after battling injuries that had seemed like forever. Regardless of his actual performance throughout, it was just nice to see him back), such as Teddy Bridgewater, who was dressed and ready if needed. However, Case Keenum is definitely out to make a, well 'case' (cringe!), for himself, and the team. Dude's been on fire for the Vikings; and this game was no exception - outshining even the hand cannoneer himself, Kirk Cousins.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Actual Result: Colts 17-20 Steelers
Kyle Said: Steelers (7-2)
Stuart Said: Steelers (7-2)
What's this? The Steelers playing down to their competition, writing them off entirely, putting their guard down for the other team to make them look even levelled? What a twist...
That's exactly what happened to them. Just like their defeat to the Bears, the Steelers took the Colts for face value and were shown to look even worse by comparison. A lucky last minute field goal saves you this time, but my god, you need more production out of your team. You've got the Titans next week. Do not underestimate.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Houston Texans
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Actual Result: Rams 33-7 Texans
Kyle Said: Rams (8-2)
Stuart Said: Rams (8-2)
So a completely demoralised Texans team was crushed by the greatest show in L.A. (who else you gonna watch? The Chargers? HA! The Lakers? HA! The Clippers? HA! The Dodgers? Lost the world series. Galaxy? Awful. The Kings? Well had they not dropped off a little recently, I'd maybe have given an argument for that...)
Jared Goff is looking back to his college self, showing why he was picked 1st overall, and had a hell of a game here. On the other side of his throws, Robert Woods had a spectacular night for himself. Even Sammy Watkins did a thing!
The Texans - ohh, boy, what slump you are in right now. A 3 loss streak, your best defensive player is out, your young and promising quaterback of the future is out. Your replacement quarterback is abhorrently mediocre, leaving players like DeAndre Hopskins and Jadeveon Clowney to rot on this half baked team. Tragic.
San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants
Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Actual Result: 49ers 31-21 Giants
Kyle Said: Giants (8-3)
Stuart Said: 49ers (9-2)
I actually thought that despite everything that has happened this season, the Giants could win at least this game. The Niners have no hope in hell this season. They made the first big step in a very long rebuild by trading for Jimmy Garoppolo and keeping him off the field till next season (a wise move in this situation), so I thought that despite dressing what was practically a practice squad, the Giants could still get a win...
What cost the Giants was the lack of depth on a very depleted team. The running game was lackluster, and despite a great game from Sterling Shepard, he was the only worthwhile receiver in the entire game. Evan Ingram continues to get it done in the red zone, but that was just it. The Niners just had better depth overall. Better aerial targets, and Carlos Hyde continues to be the best piece on the entire team.
So well done, Niners. You finally get a win, and oh boy did the team celebrate like it's the only one you'll get this season (maybe also against the broken Texans?)...
When's draft day?!
Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Georgia
Actual Result: Falcons 27-7 Cowboys
Kyle Said: Falcons (9-3)
Stuart Said: Cowboys (9-3)
> Be Ezekiel Elliot
> Launch 4th appeal against 6 game ban imposed by the NFL
> Learn that appeal cannot be heard until December
> Miss at least 4 games in the meantime waiting for the appeal
>Devour oatmeal
That's what it's currently like for Zeke. So no yards for him this Sunday as the Cowboys are on the road to face the faltering Atlanta Falcons. Should be fine, right? Well...
The great wall known as the Cowboys offensive line started to show a few cracks thanks to Tyron Smith suffering an injury, leading to Adrian Clayborn to hulk smash his way in and gorge on Dak Prescott multiple times. Clayborn secures himself not only a very handy salary bonus for at least 8 sacks on the season, but the first 6 sack game since Osi Umenyiora (god, I miss that guy!) over a decade ago!
So an exposed offensive line and no star running back meant the Cowboys and Prescott had very little options here. Everyone on the receiving core was undermined by the Falcons defence, and even with an interception by Xavier Woods (not the wrestler) in the first, after the touchdown run by Prescott, the team went nowhere as the Falcons picked them apart with their own brand of stellar running backs. Even with Devonta Freeman out on a concussion, Tevin Coleman is just as great of a replacement.
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
Actual Result: Broncos 16-41 Patriots
Kyle Said: Patriots (10-3)
Stuart Said: Patriots (10-3)
It honestly feels like an era ago when the Denver Broncos could buck the Patriots. Like, this team is just looking weak.
Once again, issues at quarterback continue to plague the Broncos, as Moses figurehead Brock Osweiler returns to the
Denver: you're tied bottom with the Chargers. The fucking Chargers! You're 3-6, on a 5 game losing streak, currently the second highest after the obvious Browns. The fuck are you doing?!
Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Actual Result: Panthers 45-21 Dolphins
Kyle Said: Panthers (11-3)
Stuart Said: Panthers (11-3)
So a faltering, internally melting, Dolphins squad geared up to face the Panthers, and as you'd expect, the Panthers mauled them.
The Panthers looked back to their old selves with just a lovely bout of offensive prowess. Cam Newton dishing out the throws to many a receiver like he was playing Tapper.
I think I've been a little too harsh on the Panthers lately. Aside from that disaster against the Bears, and the Saints giving them a challenge for the division, the Panthers have been looking fairly good. Sure, some wins have been from skin of teeth, nail biters, but a win's a win, no matter how you slice it.
So there you have it, an excellent week of predictions for both of us, and that will conclude Week 10. Let's check the scores:
Kyle: 84-62
Stuart: 88-58
Onward! To Week 11! One week closer to draft day! And the overall assessment of the season as a whole so that John Mara can fire Jerry Reese and Ben McAdoo!
Go house clearance!
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