I’m glad this is a waiver day, because I’m sick and don’t have a lot of energy or brain cycles to devote to anything deeper than calling a few games. Not that I get this right all too often. I only called 6 games correctly this past week, further cementing the notion that I don’t entirely know what I am talking about just yet. I haven’t followed these things with the fervor of past years, and it shows. This week is being approached with the same lack of research but is informed by intuition based on two weeks of game film.
CLE over NYJ
Despite throwing picks every week and having a legit supporting cast, Darnold is sucking. Sure, he threw for 300+ and fired up a bit of a comeback, but he was playing against the Dolphins and a mediocre pass rush. Darnold is not good. He is not the ‘real deal‘ and I am tired of the media pundits trying to cover for their failed expectations by saying that he is. How much are you willing to forgive? He has a far better line than Eli Manning and is playing a lower caliber of team and still poops the bed daily. I know he’s young, but he ought to be past the need for diapers. CLE gets this one because of Sam and because Zane G. got fired.
NO over ATL
Shoot out in Georgia. I think the Saints are putting something together. I also think the Falcons are entirely overrated.
Quick Hitters
DEN over BAL
CAR over CIN
TEN over JAX
KC over SF
MIN over BUF
PHI over IND
GB over WAS
SEA over DAL
NE over DET
OAK over MIA
Let me preach for a minute: Gruden is figuring this out. While he hasn’t had (or used) the full Beast Mode, this week he has a chance to be really productive in the power game against a speed team. His game plan is taking time to come together, but week three is about the time such things start to coalesce.
TB over PIT
FitzMagick! I’m a fan of Fitz. I have long enjoyed the way the Highland High product slings the rock around and plays this game. I feel like the team is gelling around the dude and so long as he starts, they’ll keep winning against B-level competition.
Some Thoughts:
- Unusual youth football waiver call of the week: My son’s Cardinals over the Sabres. They ought to have a league legal roster (16 kids) by the weekend, which means that this one actually counts. They won last week, but with the roster issues that win was discounted. Now they need to win out for a 4-4 record and a chance to join the top 8 in the playoffs. Three or four teams have practically booked their tickets. The other four play us.