Another week of football has come and gone, and it was a very rough one for 49ers and Cardinals fans. Let’s talk about that.
A long time coming
The 49ers managed to give us a false sense of hope for most of the season. “Best 0-6 team ever” we said. Well meet the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys exploited every weakness the 49ers have on both sides of the ball, winning by 30 on the 49ers’ “home field.” I use quotes because anybody with eyes and ears could see Cowboys fans completely took over Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. Hard to blame Niners fans. Their most loyal fans at Candlestick were outpriced by tech nerds who have no interest in football. On the field, that woman beater Ezekiel Elliot ran all over the 49ers defense and CJ Beathard looked like the furthest thing from the answer at quarterback. It doesn’t look any better going to Philadelphia this week.
Nail in the coffin
The Cardinals somehow found themselves at 3-3 in spite of looking like a train wreck most of the year. However, the Cardinals got demolished 33-0 on the other side of the pond by the Rams and lost Carson Palmer to a broken arm in the process. So now they have a banged up offensive line, no run game, and now no quarterback. Hey, at least they can’t lose this week.
Division barometer test: A+
The Rams flunked their first real division test against the Seahawks in week 5, so they needed to win this game. The Cardinals had destroyed them year in and year out, going 16-7 against them since 2006, so winning this would prove they are the real deal. Let’s just say they passed with flying colors. The Rams offense has officially found it’s mojo again and their defense stepped up big time as well in their annihilation of the Cardinals. Now, they are 5-2, which is their best start since 2003. They won 12 games that year, which was the last time they won the division.
Domination in the Meadowlands.
The Seahawks’ smothered he Giants in New Jersey, with the defense playing exceptional and the offense doing more than enough to improve to 4-2. Their offense appear to at least be okay now, after being absolutely atrocious to start the year. The Seahawks have played a road heavy schedule to start the year, so they have to be looking forward to their next two at the Clink.
NFC West Matchup Observations
- This is just the second meeting between the 49ers and Eagles since 2012. This was after meeting 8 times betwen 2002 and 2011. The 49ers have won their last two games against the Eagles, but lost 7 of 8 before that.
- The Texans and Seahawks have met just three times in their history. The Seahawks are 2-1 in these games, including a thrilling overtime win after being down 17 at halftime in their last meeting.
Key Matchup: Deshaun Watson vs Seattle’s Secondary
The Texans haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Matt Shaub was actually good. After a sluggish start, Watson has thrown 12 touchdown passes in his last three games. Meanwhile Seattle’s defense has held quarterbacks to just 5 touchdowns for the entire season and a 55.6% completion percentage, third in the NFL.
KO pool pick
The Patriots. They seem to have their mojo back.
Fantasy Enemy #1 this week
KZDickrider. He’s 2-5 and I’m 5-2. I like my chances.
Game of Thrones theory of the week
Jon Snow will never ride a dragon. He is too valuable as a soldier. I believe Tyrion will ride Rhaegal with Dany on Drogon to put two people who don’t know how to fight to good use.
TV show you should watch
The Magicians. If you liked Harry Potter, you’ll like this.
Possibly my last article of the season
The wife is due by the end of November, and I have a lot of shit to do between now and then for work and getting ready for baby #4. I’m tagging out BKOB. It’s your turn.
Picks
Ravens over Dolphins 17-13
Vikings over Browns 31-3
Raiders over Bills 27-24
Bengals over Colts 33-17
Patriots over Chargers 45-17
Saints over Bears 24-17
Jets over Falcons 26-16
Eagles over 49ers 38-14
Buccaneers over Panthers 28-25
Texans over Seahawks 17-9
Cowboys over Redskins 27-26
Steelers over Lions 26-20
Chiefs over Broncos 30-7.
Peace out!
