Cardinals @ 49ers:
Speaking of shocking results, I was absolutely shocked to see the Cardinals pull off the upset and beat San Francisco at home. Kyler Murray ran for 83 yards and a touchdown, and he also threw for 195 yards and a touchdown. Michael Wilson was the leading receiver with 78 yards, but it was the Cardinals defense that held Jordan Mason to only 89 yards and forced Brock Purdy into two interceptions. The 49ers were a mess as soon as K Jake Moody got injured, forcing them to go for it on 4th downs when they normally could have kicked field goals. I was completely shocked that Deebo Samuel only had one reception for 11 yards when he was playing against a zone defense that he always feasts on. Brandon Aiyuk had eight receptions for 147 yards to lead the 49ers, and George Kittle had eight receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown, but it just wasn’t enough.
LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 09: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers gives assignments during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 9, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Packers @ Rams:
The Rams had a chance to win at the end, even though they played horribly. Matthew Stafford may have thrown for 260 yards and a touchdown, but he was not in sync with his receivers at all. Jordan Whittington had 7 receptions for 89 yards, and Colby Parkinson had 7 receptions for 52 yards, but it was Kyren Williams who once again felt like the Rams’ entire offense. It was good to see Blake Corum get some opportunities, as he had five carries. He is the backup in case of an injury to Williams. For the Packers, Jordan Love only had 224 yards passing to go along with two touchdowns, and he was pretty underwhelming for most of the game. Tucker Kraft was phenomenal, with four receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns, and Jayden Reed had four receptions for 78 yards. Josh Jacobs got the anytime touchdown that I said he would, getting 73 yards as well. Right now, the NFC North has three teams that should all make the playoffs if things keep progressing as they are.
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) carries the ball past Washington Commanders safety Terrell Burgess (32) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Cowboys @ Steelers:
This was a coming out party for the Cowboys young offensive players, Rico Dowdle and Jalen Tolbert. Dowdle showed against Pittsburgh that he is clearly the number one option in the backfield moving forward and that he deserves 18 to 20 touches a game. Tolbert was a player who I thought could easily usurp Cooks as the WR2, and he showed it, catching the game-winning touchdown. Surprisingly, the Cowboys defense played very well, especially since they were missing Lawrence and Parsons. The Steelers were not able to take advantage of Dallas’ injuries, as the running game was completely lackluster. It feels like they missed Jaylen Warren terribly, as Najee Harris just can’t seem to break off big runs. Justin Fields showed some moments, but the question moving forward with the Steelers is: Would their offense be more consistent with Russell Wilson? I think it would.