Games of the Week
Bears 47, Bengals 42
Stop me if you have heard this one before. The Bengals take a late lead in a back-and-forth game where they score over 35 points… and still lose in dramatic fashion.
Cincinnati’s defense is a genuine worst of all time contender after another meltdown against a below average offense. Joe Flacco and the Chase-Higgins combo were clicking all day, but a late touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to Colston Loveland, featuring several ugly missed tackles, sealed another frustrating loss. The Bengals are entertaining football for everyone except Bengals fans at this point.
Steelers 27, Colts 20
This was the most Giants-era version of Daniel Jones we have seen all season, and Colts fans can only hope it was a one week glitch.
The Steelers got to Jones early and often, forcing six turnovers with three interceptions and three fumbles, two of which were lost. The Colts still kept it within one score despite all that, but Jones and his offensive line were overwhelmed by TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. The turnovers will draw most of the blame, but Indy’s protection needs to be much better if they want to compete down the stretch.
Bills 28, Chiefs 21
Patrick Mahomes came into this one looking to reassert himself in the MVP race and show that Kansas City was back. Instead, he completed less than 50 percent of his passes for the first time in his career, and the Bills took a statement win.
Josh Allen looked sharp from start to finish, James Cook carried the load efficiently, and Buffalo now sits at 6-2 and squarely in the AFC mix. The Chiefs, at 5-4, are suddenly looking up at the playoff line. It is not true panic time yet, but we’re back to thinking the dynasty might be a little shaky.
Top Player Performances
Joe Flacco, QB, Bengals
What more can you say at this point? The 40 year old journeyman is having a genuine renaissance, torching the Bears for 470 yards and four touchdowns. Yes, he threw two picks, but this offense looks completely different with a competent veteran under center.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears
The rookie had the best game of his young career, running for 176 yards on 26 carries while adding 22 receiving yards on three catches. He did not find the end zone, but he consistently gashed a Bengals defense that looked lost all afternoon.
Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders
Tough loss for the Raiders, but Bowers reminded everyone just how special he can be when healthy. The second year tight end caught 12 passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns. With Jakobi Meyers now traded, Bowers is set up for a massive second half.
Top Player Performances
As I am writing this, the trade deadline is still active, but the two biggest moves so far have both come from the New York Jets defense. Sauce Gardner was shipped to Indianapolis, and Quinnen Williams is heading to Dallas.
The Jets haul includes three first round picks and a second, but moving young, proven talent for future assets raises eyebrows. Those Colts picks project late in the round, and the 2027 Cowboys pick could be even less valuable. The message is clear: full rebuild mode. But this one may take a while to pay off.
Betting Strategy Adjustments After Week 9
The Jets Are Grounded
After unloading most of their top talent, there is no reason to expect this team to win or even stay competitive. Keep them off your upset radar entirely, even after the nice comeback win against the Bengals two weeks ago.
Fade the Injury Riddled Commanders
Washington is back to Marcus Mariota at quarterback with Terry McLaurin sidelined again. They have struggled when healthy, and without their playmakers, they are an easy stay away for now.
Mac Jones SGPs Are a Hidden Gem
With Brock Purdy out, Mac Jones remains the starter in San Francisco, and he is quietly putting up solid numbers. If he keeps the job for another week, Jones props and SGPs could present sneaky value against the right matchup.
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