Denver @ New Orleans:
This was a contest in which Denver dominated the game from the onset. They ran for 225 yards at an incredible 6.4 Y PC. Bo Nix only threw for 164 yards, but he rushed for 75. Keep a close eye on Troy Franklin, who had six targets, and tight end Lucas Krull, who had four targets, as they may start to get a lot of playing time moving forward.
The Saints had nothing. Alvin Kamara was only able to rush for 10 yards on seven carries. Cedric Wilson led the receivers with six receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown. Spencer Rattler looked rattled by the Denver defense only throwing for 172 yards and no touchdowns. Rashid Shaheed is out for the year, which means there’ll be an opportunity for a few of these receivers to step up. The Saints desperately need Taysom Hill to return and I think there’s a good chance that might happen in Week 8.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 10: Tank Bigsby #4 of the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
New England @ Jacksonville:
New England got off to a good start, leading in this game, but then, in the second half, they looked horrible on defense. Drake Maye threw for 276 yards and two touchdowns, but most of that was done in garbage time. Demario Douglas dealt with an injury, and Polk left the game with an injury. Hunter Henry led the team with eight receptions for 92 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson was only able to get seven carries for 18 yards. His value is in the toilet at this point.
I thought that Doug Peterson might have gotten fired had Jacksonville lost this game, but he was able to save his job with the win. Tank Bigsby had 26 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his hold on at least 50% of the carries in this offense. Brian Thomas Jr. looked fantastic, with five receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown. Christian Kirk was only able to get one catch for 24 yards but he did miss a touchdown in the end zone that was a very close play. Don’t give up hope on him just yet.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 19: Khalil Shakir #10 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Tennessee @ Buffalo:
Tennessee started out well, and at halftime, there was hope that they could keep this game close, but in the second half, they got destroyed. Tony Pollard played well, getting 61 rushing yards, but no receiver had more than 50 yards. So long as they don’t have a quarterback of an NFL caliber, they will be in big trouble. I’m not even sure Calvin Ridley is startable at this point anymore, and certainly, neither is DeAndre Hopkins, who only had one catch for -2 yards.
Bills’ fans need to be excited as Josh Allen threw for 323 yards and two touchdowns, including a touchdown to new Bill Amari Cooper, who had four catches for 66 yards and looks like he’s going to be a perfect fit in this offense. Khalil Shakir had 7 catches for 65 yards, and rookie Keon Coleman had four receptions for 125 yards, including a 57-yard reception. What’s even more exciting about the Bills is that Ray Davis looks like a perfect complement to James Cook, as they both ran for touchdowns.