A Rare Thursday Night Gem:
The league mandates that every team be given at least one primetime game. The premier spots are Sunday night and Monday Night Football. The red-headed stepchild is often the Thursday Night matchup. A couple of weeks ago, even the Patriots landed on Thursday. Jeff Bezos must not have been happy.
But occasionally, a matchup produces a gem and an instant classic. Who would have thought it came from a Buccaneers Falcons matchup in Atlanta? The game literally went down to one second when Kirk Cousins spiked the ball to allow a game-tying FG to take the game into OT. And then, on the first drive, Cousins threw a pass to rarely-used WR KhaDarel Hodge, who took it 45 yards for the game-winning TD. Atlanta never saw the ball in OT.
Cousins put up video game numbers with the 36-30 victory. It was the first time he surpassed the 500-yard plateau in his career. He was 42-58 and threw four TDs. Drake London and Darnell Mooney combined for 21 passes, 259yds and three TDs. After not catching a pass last week, Kyle Pitt caught seven passes for 88 yards.
Baker Mayfield put up solid and efficient numbers on the losing side, going 19 for 24, 180yds and three TDs. This game required more than an efficient performance…Tom Brady must have been smiling somewhere. Two of Mayfield’s three TDs went to Mike Evans, including his 100th career TD. Each team finds themselves atop the NFC South with a 3-2 record.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 27: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Start the Day with Crumpets and Tea:
I’m unsure if I’m in the minority, but I love football, played across the pond. I love starting the day at 9 a.m. and watching 15 hours of football. The first game in London happens on Sunday when the Jets take on the undefeated Vikings. What a way to start these games overseas. I’m sure the schedule makers who decided to put this game in London are happy, not to mention the NFL Network, where the game will be televised.
This is an interesting spot for the Jets. They are 2-2 after putting up a dud against the Broncos last week. Although 2-3 isn’t the end of the world, knocking off the undefeated Vikings would go a long way to legitimize the program. And 3-2 does look much better than 2-3, keeping them in prime position for a playoff run.
For the Vikings, not many people predicted they would be 4-0…fewer thought they’d be 5-0. Their defense isn’t as good as the Broncos, and the Jets may be able to put up some points this week. The question is, will the Jets defense be able to stop the Vikings offense? Although I think the Jets will put up a fight, ultimately, they will be able to put up enough points to stay with the Vikings for 60 minutes. This is a special game, and Justin Jefferson is a special talent who will put on a show. He’s +550 to score the first TD and +700 to score two or more TDs. He’s even money to have over 80 receiving YDs. All of these wagers should be considered.