This was a wild Week 4 with the Toy Story NFL game (I didn’t watch because I don’t have ESPN+), the Swifties watching the Jets take off for parts of the game with Aaron Rodgers in the building, fights happening in LA while Khalil Mack’s sacking all over the place, the Chargers FAILING ON ANOTHER 4TH DOWN IN THEIR OWN BACKFIELD LATE IN THE GAME, the Lions roaring in Green Bay, a good toilet bowl game between the Broncos and Bears, CMC carving up the Cardinals for four total touchdowns, and the Seahawks capping off the weekend with 11 sacks. Week 5 could be a very odd, yet interesting one. I’m sensing upsets. Who? No idea. Where? No idea. How? Not a clue. However, these Top 5 games either involve upset specials or great matchups, especially number one. I cannot wait to have my dress gold and red on. Have a great weekend and good luck to everyone!
5) JETS AT BRONCOS
1:25PM PT/4:25PM ET [CBS]
The Broncos won their first game while the Jets may have found a solution to their offensive woes. Quarterback Russell Wilson’s playing better and the offense to an extent looks competent. The only issue is their defense, which allowed 44 points per game in the last three games. They haven’t played like a Top 5 caliber team this season and must find a solution, or the Jets will cook. Last week, the Jets played their best football on all sides for some parts of the game. Aaron Rodgers’ presence may have sparked the motivation the team desperately needed. It even led to Zach Wilson and the offensive line playing better with better play-calling. Denver may have won their first game last week, but I still can’t trust them due to inconsistency. If the Jets played that way against the Chiefs, I’m expecting a better performance this weekend in the Battle of the Wilsons.
MY PICK: JETS
4) JAGUARS VS. BILLS (LONDON)
6:30AM PT/9:30AM ET [NFL NETWORK]
The Jaguars bounced back with a win after a two-game losing streak. Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley already built a rapport together, which is great for the rest of the offense. Meanwhile, the Bills are playing like they’re setting the world on fire against any team in their path. Like the Jags, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs have so much chemistry to tear down opposing defenses in their wake. Back in 2021, the Josh Allens…collided, and Josh Allen won that battle…(I’m talking about the Jags’ linebacker Josh Allen). In the last six meetings, this matchup was decided by seven points or less and could likely happen again. Call me crazy, but I’m favoring the Jaguars for two reasons: their defense testing Josh Allen and the Jaguars technically having homefield advantage in London and playing their 11th all-time game there.
MY PICK: JAGUARS
3) BENGALS AT CARDINALS
1:05PM PT/4:05PM ET [FOX]
The battle of 1-3 teams that need wins for a playoff push. Joe Burrow and the Bengals have struggled. The calf injury is a concern which limits Burrow’s mobility. Is it healing or is it more concerning if they continue letting him play on it? Ja’Marr Chase can get open 24/7, but the offensive line can’t give Burrow anytime thus far. Defense and special teams are doing their best, but they’re not Dallas and need the offense to find a solution. The Cardinals are a tough, gritty, and efficient team that could’ve easily started 3-1 by now. Josh Dobbs played well and kept the mistakes to a minimum while extending drives efficiently with his legs. Four touchdowns to no interceptions sounds good for the offense, and it’s all well and dandy when James Conner’s punishing defenses. However, Dobbs’ fumbles are an issue, and must avoid it if the team wants to win more games. Arizona’s defense is pretty good and has proven to play hard ball against any opponent thus far. The Bengals are struggling offensively, and the Cardinals play only a great first half of football. Cincinnati could take advantage of Arizona’s blunders, but it’s hard to believe when they can’t protect their injured and often hit quarterback. They also lost to three opponents that are physical (Browns, Ravens, and Titans) and lost four of the last five meetings against Arizona. Until I see otherwise from Cincinnati, I have the physical Cardinals upsetting them.
MY PICK: CARDINALS
2) CHIEFS AT VIKINGS
1:25PM PT/4:25PM ET [CBS]
Kirk Cousins and Patrick Mahomes meet for the first time. However, Kirk is 0-3 against the Chiefs combined when he played for Washington and Minnesota. This is an intriguing matchup because the Chiefs haven’t played great football while the Vikings are inconsistent. It spells close game by a mile, and we might see plenty of back-and-forth. Or in Minnesota’s case, one half of a one-sided affair that flips the other way in the other half. The Vikings can’t finish games without turning the ball over in crucial situations. They had three chances to go undefeated and failed three time before their first win last week. The offense goes through Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson for sure. Defense finally came through last week, but it was against Carolina. They’re given a tall task to stop Pat Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s not playing up to expectations unlike seasons’ past. They look inconsistent, not on the same page, and out of sync. Pass-catchers outside of Travis Kelce must play improve to help this offense flow again. Surprisingly, their defense is better than expected despite Chris Jones not playing in the season opener and Nick Bolton being out with injury. It’s no surprise that the obvious is the Chiefs BUT WAIT JUST A MINUTE! While Minnesota hasn’t been consistent, they could carve out the defense with Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, and maybe even Cam Akers. The last time they met, Kirk Cousins didn’t have a top receiver. Dalvin Cook and Laquon Treadwell were his go-to’s while the Chiefs had Sammy Watkins, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. Also, the Chiefs haven’t won in Minnesota since 1996. Call me crazy again, but I’m taking the Vikings in a thriller.
MY PICK: VIKINGS
1) COWBOYS AT 49ERS
5:20PM PT/8:20PM ET [SUNDAY NIGHT ON NBC]
There’s nothing better than capping off Sunday with The Primetime football game between two biggest rivals in the NFL. The 49ers and Cowboys come in hot with a strong defense and a potent offense. The Cowboys defense punished woeful opponents with turnovers left and right that led to four defensive touchdowns, which is half of Dallas’s offensive touchdowns. Dak Prescott’s playing efficient while Tony Pollard’s busting out the backfield with explosive runs. The 49ers are playing like the best team in the NFL. It must be mentioned more, but I’m ok with this squad keeping things in the shadows of the spotlight. The offense is beyond electric with Christian McCaffrey playing on another level beyond high. He’s at exactly 600 total yards with seven combined touchdowns. Brock Purdy’s playing great, efficient football, which some called it boring. It just means it’s chill and relaxing to Niner fans everywhere. San Fran’s defense is a monstrosity. They play sound, fundamental football and makes opponents work for every yard. May I say more about this matchup? This is by far my favorite game to watch as a Niner and a football fan. I loathed the Cowboys, but I respect their long-rivaled history with San Fran and it’s fun to watch both play each other. What Dallas must do is get to Purdy as early and often as possible while their offense must be sound and score points early. San Fran must keep Micah Parson’s in check for the offense to be surgical. Defense must not let Pollard, CeeDee Lamb, or anyone else with the ball bypass them at all costs. I feel that Dallas could have the advantage, but I’m favoring the Niners in belief that they can keep Dallas in check the whole night.
MY PICK: 49ERS
OTHER GAMES
BEARS AT COMMANDERS [THURSDAY NIGHT]
TEXANS AT FALCONS
PANTHERS AT LIONS
TITANS AT COLTS
GIANTS AT DOLPHINS
SAINTS AT PATRIOTS
RAVENS AT STEELERS
EAGLES AT RAMS
PACKERS AT RAIDERS [MONDAY NIGHT]
The Wolf's Cave 
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