This is the season of our overreaction.  This week especially, eh?

After all, this was the week when the Patriots’ run was “over.”  In fact, they should trade Tom Brady, that’s if they can get anybody to take his contract off their hands.  They have no chance against Cincinnati.  None.  Yeah, right.  Let that be a lesson to you.  Let it be several in fact.

First, just because a guy is under-performing on your fantasy football team doesn’t mean he’s over.  Watch the games.  And don’t listen to media analysts either – they all play fantasy football too.

Second, one week does not a season make.  Sometimes teams play bad and then come back and play good and vice versa.

Try not to act like you’ve never seen these teams or players ever do anything except what they did on Sunday.  You’ll be less shocked at what happens on the field.

This Week’s Sucked And Won

Kelvin Benjamin, WR (CAR).  Benjamin was targeted 11 times, the most of any Panthers receiver, but caught just 3 balls for 38 yards and lost a fumble.  Good thing tight end Greg Olsen (2 TDs) showed up.

Unemployment alert!  The Lions’ Alex Henery, who missed all three field goals he attempted this week, and then watched the guy for the Bills hit one from 58 to win the game, is almost certainly going to be needing a job next week.  He has a college degree and plenty of skills, however, kicking a football well is not one of them.  LMAO – before this even got posted, the Lions released Henery.  Sorry dude.

 

Shocking realization of the week

This week featured an 11 point comeback (New Orleans), a 14 point comeback (Carolina), a 25 point comeback (Cleveland) and an attempted 27 point comeback (St. Louis) that fell short by just one score.

If there’s a little list someone keeps with the names of the NFL’s top receivers, it’s time to amend it.  Calvin Johnson’s been on there a while, I know, and A.J. Green.  Maybe Julio Jones or Roddy White are on there, or Antonio Brown.  Well, whoever’s on there, they need to make room for Denver’s Demaryius Thomas.  Already coming off back-to-back 90 catch 1400 yard seasons, today Thomas set Denver’s team record with 226 receiving yards, including 2 touchdowns.  This guy is the real deal.

The Eagles became the first team in NFL history to notch both blocked punt return touchdowns and defensive return touchdowns in back to back games.

 

This Week’s Great But Lost

Golden Tate, WR (DET).  He caught 7 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown.  Not his fault they lost, although the o-line may want to look in the mirror.  They allow six sacks – all to defensive lineman – so no need to blitz to get to Matt Stafford.

Talk about a busy kicker, San Francisco’s Phil Dawson was 5 for 5 this week, after going 4 for 4 last week.  I don’t know who’s gonna make the pro bowl, but I’m betting this guy is in the lead right now.

 

Thursday Pick:  Indianapolis (-2.5) @Houston (Stations)

You have to make a bit of an exception when you’re analyzing the Thursday game.  These tend to be blowouts, one way or the other, and I’m looking at a Colts team that is just better than Houston.  I’m not sure how I’d look at this game if it were part of the regular schedule, but on screwy Thursday night, my money’s on the better squad.

Indianapolis Colts 27 Houston Texans 20

 

NFYell

“Thursday Night Football.” – Westwood One’s Boomer Esiason, summing up his disgust with the lack of competitive games on the NFL’s new favorite night.

“I have an EKG scheduled for tomorrow because my heart can’t take many more of these.” – Browns coach Mike Pettine on his team’s penchant for last second finishes.

“It’s not like we were playing some nobody.  We were playing a really good time.” – Bengals QB Andy Dalton, feeling compelled to state the obvious.

“He can stand in front of the mirror and say ‘Frank Gore, football player’ and feel really good about it.” – 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh, praising his running back.  On a side note, I will pay top dollar to anyone who has video of Frank Gore actually doing this.

“I told the defense, ‘Thanks for bailing me out.’” – Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who really did get bailed out by his defense Sunday.

“He always puts it on himself.  That’s the type of leader we have here. That’s why we follow him.” – Colts TE Dwayne Allen, on QB Andrew Luck, who was quick to point out his mistakes on Sunday, despite the team’s win over Baltimore.

“We could’ve had Joe Namath it wouldn’t have been any different today.” – Jets coach Rex Ryan, using the Jets suckitude to temporarily silence any quarterback controversy.

“Football is the ultimate team game. One man has to accept the honor, but I really accept it on behalf of a lot of coaches and teammates.” – Broncos QB Peyton Manning, on becoming only the second player in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes.