WEEK 9 IN THE NFL

By Nick Matteo

Commanders' week 8 recap --The Commanders played their best game of the season on Sunday Night Football as they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27 to 10.

The Commanders had a difficult start as place kicker Drew Stevens missed a field goal on the first possession of the game and they fell behind the Eagles 10 – 0 in the first quarter, however, the remaining 3 quarters belonged to the burgundy and gold.

PK Stevens got the Commanders on the board in the second quarter connecting on a 56 yard field goal and with an 8 yard pass from QB Jayden Daniel's to WR Stefon Diggs the game was even at 10.

Stevens put the Commanders ahead going into halftime with a 29-yard field goal giving them a 13 to 10 lead.

The Commanders lead the NFL in pressure rate and early in the third quarter, Eagles quarterbackTanner McKee was sacked and fumbled. The Commanders recovered, which led to Steven's 3rd FG of the game and increased their lead to 16 to 10.

The Eagles offense could not get untracked against the Commanders stingy defense. Eagles QB Tanner McKee was 23-34 for 212 yards, 1- int, 1-fumble, and was sacked 5 times. In the 4th Quarter, PK Drew Stevens kicked a 42yd FG (his 4th FG of the game) and the Commanders added a late touchdown to seal the deal and secure their 2nd win of this season (2-4-1). Final--Commanders - 27 Eagles - 10

upcoming game --Rams @ Commanders Sunday 1pm EST

Nick's week 9 winners--

TNF-- Jaguars (5-2) @ Ravens (4-4) The Ravens have a lack of quarterbacks. The Jaguars put the Colts down (42-7) and are a top contender in the AFC Jaguars win

Raiders (4-4) @ 49ers (6-1) The Raiders broke their four game losing streak last week at the Jets (35 -33) The 49ers had a week off and added all pro DT Deforest Buckner -- he will help smother the Silver and Black's attack 49ers win

In Spain (9:30 am EST) Bengals (5-2) vs Falcons (3-5) Falcons quarterback, Michael Penix was horrible last week in the rainy conditions vs the Buccaneers (8-24 with 4 ints‼️) QB Joe Burrow threw 3 ints in their OT victory vs the Titans (43-36)- toss up Bengals win

Browns (5-3) @ Saints (2-5) The Browns could not penetrate the steel curtain last week and fell to the Steelers (27-6) -- The Saints rested last week and are home -- they march over the Browns Saints win

Cowboys (3-5) @ Colts ( 2-6) The Cowboys came up lame late in the game vs the Cardinals and lost in OT (33-30) -- the Colts are depleted after trading their best lineman away Cowboys win

Broncos (6-2) @ Panthers (3-4) Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looks horrible for 3 quarters but continues to thrive in late in games as he did last week vs the Chiefs (28-24) scoring 15 consecutive points in the 4th quarter--The Panthers lost on TNF to the Packers (27-19)-- Broncos Defense is tough enough to keep the Panthers from scoring Broncos win

Lions (5-2) @ Dolphins (1-6) I like the Lions offense, but they're defense --not so much --the Dolphins are young and dangerous, but don't have the weapons to defeat the king of the jungle Lions win LOCK of Week

Rams (4-4) @ Commanders ( 2-4-1) I could see the Commanders upsetting the Rams after their strong performance last week-- and with Rams quarterback, Mathew Stafford, having trouble with his throwing arm they will run the ball against the Commanders depleted defensive line Rams win

Giants (4-2-1) @ Eagles (2-6) this is my upset special of the week--the Eagles have lost six in a row, and the Giants are coming off there bye week rested and ready. I like the Eagles, who have dominated the Giants at home, and claw their way to a hard fought victory Eagles win

Jets (2-6) @ Chiefs (5-2) The Jets offense was rolling last week against the Raiders scoring on their first six possessions--unfortunately their defense had gangrene and could not stop the Raiders- losing 35 to 33-- The Chiefs played like Squaws in the 4th qtr last week and squandered a big lead -- they ground the Jets with RB Kenneth Walker Chiefs win

Cardinals (3-5) @ Seahawks (4-4) I was impressed with Cardinals back up QB Gardner Minshew (the mississippi mustache) last week vs the Cowboys leading them to a comeback victory in overtime-- The Hawks need this win BAD and will be without QB Sam Darnold -- the Hawks will trim 'the Mustache' Seahawks win

Texans (2-5) @ Chargers (0-7) The Chargers Offense has just nine touchdowns in seven games this season, worst in the NFL‼️ The Texans have a strong defense. This does not bode well for a Chargers Victory-- they remain winless and suffer their 8th loss Texans win

SLOBBERKNOCKER of the week Packers (5-3) @ Patriots (5-3) Both teams need a victory to remain in contention for their division titles --this is truly a tossup Patriots win

Nick's Nugget--In 2010 , On a Sunday night game in New England, Offensive lineman Dan Connolly returned a kickoff 71-yards for a Patriots touchdown vs the Green Bay Packers — still the longest kickoff return by an offensive lineman in NFL history.

SNF--Buccaneers (3-5) @ Bears (6-2) The Bears mauled the Hawks on MNF (34-17) -- they added all--pro DT Jeffrey Simmons and now are a contender for Super Bowl 61 Champion --QB Baker Mayfield is back and his Bucs shut out the Falcons last week with out completing a pass (0-3)‼️ as they ran the ball down the Falcons throat (324 yds rushing) -- The Bears are hungry and home on prime time on Sunday night Bears win

GAME OF THE WEEK MNF-- Bills (6-1) @ Vikings (6-1) Both Division leaders that have opposite strengths -- The Bills potent offense vs the Vikings pillaging defense -- can the Vikings Offense that has just 11 Touchdowns in their first 7 games (2nd worst in the NFL) score vs Bills D? I like Josh Allen in Prime time to shine under the lights in the US Bank stadium Bills win

Bye's -- Steelers & Titans

Nick Matteo