Ravens @ Bengals:
This was the most exciting game of the day, with the Ravens winning by a field goal in overtime. That said, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor really screwed up by settling for the field goal in overtime as opposed to going for a touchdown and being aggressive. Whenever you play it safe in the NFL, it always comes back to bite you. There was a fumble on the snap and McPherson had no chance to make the field goal in overtime. The good news is that Joe Burrow threw for 392 yards and five touchdowns, and Ja’marr Chase had 10 receptions for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Tee Higgins also had a great game with 9 receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Of note was that Zach Moss was injured, so expect to see Chase Brown get most of the touches next week. For the Ravens, this was a Lamar Jackson week, as he had 348 passing yards and four touchdowns to go along with 55 rushing yards. Zay Flowers had 7 receptions for 111 yards, and Rashod Bateman had four receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. I called Bateman as one of my anytime touchdowns so I was glad to see that paid off. Derrick Henry was a minor disappointment, only going for 92 rushing yards and a touchdown, but this was a game where Baltimore was trailing, and that’s not good for his game flow.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 08: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins yells while running onto the field prior to a game against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Dolphins @ Patriots:
Although Miami got the victory, the Patriots were the better team. If it wasn’t for a few miscues, they would have won the game at home. De’Von Achane left the game with a concussion, and Jaylen Wright came off the bench to rush for 86 yards and looked terrific. Raheem Mostert was back from injury, and he had 19 carries for 80 yards, so Miami’s run game looked exceptional. Tyreek Hill had 6 receptions for 69 yards, but so long as Huntley is throwing the football, no Dolphin receiver is going to be worth using. For the Patriots Rhamondre Stevenson had 89 yards rushing and a touchdown to go along with four receptions. Antonio Gibson started the game but was an afterthought. The biggest problem is that Jacoby Brissett it’s just not very accurate and he’s not helping Hunter Henry and Ja’Lynn Polk at all. I am ready for the Drake Maye experience to begin in New England.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns passes during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Titans 27-3. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Browns @ Commanders:
I know that Kevin Stefanski is sticking with Deshaun Watson as his quarterback, but I really wish he wouldn’t. Watson was wretched, throwing for 125 yards and a touchdown. He’s missing his receivers all over the place, and he has zero confidence. I know the offensive line is dealing with injuries, and I know that Nick Chubb is probably a couple of weeks from returning, but this Browns team is 1-4, and it doesn’t look like it’s getting better anytime soon. Washington played outstanding football, with Jayden Daniels throwing for 238 yards and a touchdown and running for another 82 yards. Brian Robinson only had 18 yards rushing, but he did have two touchdowns and was very difficult to take down by the goal line.
