HOLLYWOOD HYPE: The Los Angeles Rams are on their way to writing their own Hollywood movie and with hopes the ending results in some hardware in Atlanta. Los Angeles is (3-0) for the first time since 2001. The special teams even got in on the action this past Sunday scoring for the Rams as they held on to beat the Chargers (35-23). The Rams once again received a balance attack from their rushing and passing arsenal. Todd Gurley ran the ball (23 rush / 105 yards / TD), Jared Goff passed for (3) touchdowns in consecutive games and (354) yards, while Robert Woods got in on the action with (10 rec / 104 yards / 2 TDs). The Rams have scored 30+ points in each of their first three games while averaging (34.0 ppg) which is (5th) best in the league. While their offense continues to play lights out, their defense continues to be just as dominant. Los Angeles has won each game by double-digits, a feat they have not done since 1999; the same year they won the Super Bowl. They limit opponents to (12.0 ppg) while ranking in the top 10 in all defensive categories. They have taken some blunders on defense with the injuries to the secondary with Talib and Peters. Both no real timetable on the length of how long they could be out, but impactful is a Thursday night matchup with the Vikings. On a short week, these two may not be available for a team that plays a lot of man to man defense. With the money they spent on the talent they have, depth is not on their side. Not a lot of depth defensively means more pressure on the defensive front which is a brinks truck of pressure. Over the next few weeks, less than par offensive lines they will go against may help take pressure of their defense to endure these injuries. Being said, that high octane offense will take pressure off the defense as the Rams like to score early and often, scoring (41) points across their first (3) games in the first half of those games. LA looks the part to stay undefeated.
MVP: Patrick Mahomes is proving why it was time for the Kansas City Chiefs to move on from Alex Smith. Last season they finished (6th) in total offense while hscoring about (26.3 ppg), compared to 2018 under Mahomes the team is averaging (39.3 ppg) and first in total offense. Mahomes is (4-0) dating back to last season. In 2018 he continues to be successful at an impressive rate. Mahomes now with (13 TDs / 0 INTs) on the season. The team ranks (1st) in touchdown/interception ratio. He is completing over (66%) of his passes while just being sacked only four times. Even Mahomes himself has admitted that the help of Alex Smith from a season ago has led to his success, but Andy Reid as the QB guru has also groomed the young quarterback into this instant sensation. Kareem Hunt got a pair of scores but the running game has taken a seat back from aerial attack. (9) different receivers have been on the other end of one of Mahomes (13) touchdown passes. He has spread the ball around and found a connection with multiple receivers. However their defense have been giving up (30.9 ppg) which ranks (30th) while not committing turnovers, they only have (4) takeaways as a unit this season. With those numbers, Mahomes and company must continuously post these numbers. Kansas City will need to improve defensively however, as of now, Mahomes season is just beginning.
635 DAYS: "Dilly, Dilly" Crack open the coolers and celebrate because it is time, and you have been long overdue. A football city and working man culture finally tasted success and Bud Light. QB Tyrod Taylor goes down late into the 2nd quarter, in come Baker Mayfield and the rest is history as the Browns find themselves in the win column with a (21-17) win in front of a exuberant crowd at First Energy Stadium. Mayfield went (17-23 / 201 yards), no touchdowns, but more importantly no interceptions. Mayfield looked at ease, wasn't overwhelmed and rejuvenated a Browns offense. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley opened up the playbook and finally went vertical as Mayfield was connecting with Jarvis Landry and Antonio Calloway with precision and touch on his passes. The Browns drove in two touchdowns from Carlos Hyde (23 car / 98 yards / 2TDs), a pair of field goals from newly acquired kicker Greg Joseph, and a 2-point conversion from the receiving end for Baker Mayfield as he and the Browns strutted their way to victory. Rookie CB Denzel Ward forced a fumble while Terrence Mitchell capped off the victory with an interception as the Browns forced (3) turnovers and got (2) sacks. Defensively they only give up (19.7 ppg); this after playing Pittsburgh and NOLA. They do need to clean up their offensive line as the Jets reeled off (4) sacks, however their (5th) ranked rushing attack can help balance out the offense as Mayfield sets to be the Browns 30th starting QB since they became a franchise again in 1999.THE BAD
PITIFUL PATS: The New England Patriots made massive moves and trades over the off-season. They didn't resign some players, released and let some go. Now they seemed to be depleted all over the place due to lack of depth at every position. As they try to fill in the gaps and missing pieces along the way as they do so well each season, this season seems a bit different. More vocal teammates and coaches towards each other and the media. The evil empire could be falling? We have seen this same script before, even last season with the Pats starting (2-2) after the first month of the NFL season, folks wanted to hit the panic button. The Patriots have started (2-2) under Belichik/Brady tenure seven times and (3) of those times resulting in New England winning the Super Bowl. When former defensive coordinator Matt Patricia left the Pats for the head coaching vacancy in Detroit, I guess he remembered their tendencies en route to a (26-10) beat down over the reigning AFC champs. They cannot get anything cooking on offense when their defense cannot stop a soul. They rank dead last against the run and since the departure of Patricia, the linebackers coach have taken over most of the defensive calls but a permanent title has not yet been established. With just (4) sacks on the season and (6) turnovers caused, they have not been that stingy defense a season ago. In 2017 they gave up a ton of yards, but they stopped teams from scoring. In 2018, they are giving up a ton of yards while letting teams score at will. Blake Bortles a week ago, now Matthew Stafford in week 3; this is just the third time in the Belichick era where they have been blown out by double-digit points in consecutive games. Last time this happened, twice in 2002. This is rare for the Pats to be in a funk like this. Rob Gronkowski is being double and tripled covered. James White is more of a receiving back than your traditional power back, while trying to incorporate different receivers weekly has been a disaster. The defense has been the blunder of poor tackling in space and giving up big play after big play. One thing going for the Patriots; is only September, and its the Patriots, they "should" find a way.
PUNCHING PACK: The Green Bay Packers barely have a fighting chance, especially when it comes to getting the calls they want. LB Clay Matthews yet again endured the blimp of being the example of the roughing the passer call. It had got so bad even Packers head coach Mike McCarthy had to be restrained. Green Bay also lost Muhammad Wilkerson for the season with an ankle injury. Bad news, with the secondary not getting stops or causing turnovers and the lack of pressure from their front has left Rodgers and company in grind mode on offense. The whole defense was flagged not just Matthews, the secondary were taking blunders left and right. They cannot stop the run or run the ball effectively themselves. This has left a lot on the shoulders for Aaron Rodgers to endure already with a gimpy knee and hamstring issues. Green Bay heads back home with a date with the Bills who pulled the improbable winning at Minnesota. Rodgers who passed for a couple touchdowns seems to be still hobbled by injuries even if the Packers will not specify it. Offensive line took a blow to injury and gave up (4) sacks to Washington Sunday. While I mentioned the secondary problems continue even under a new defensive coordinator, they added former Redskin Bashaud Breeland, and hopefully will add some much needed depth to a secondary under a new defensive coordinator who was hoping to take the next leap in assisting their franchise QB. However, some help at running back, offensive and defensive lines will be needed just the same.
THE UGLY
DOWN ON DAK: What is consistent with the Dallas Cowboys this season? Their defense. However their offense continues to struggle. They are only averaging (13.7 ppg) in comparison to the 2016 season where they were scoring (26.3 ppg). Dak Prescott threw a pair of interceptions Sunday and the offensive line didn't help out Prescott as well as they should have and the Cowboys start the season (1-2). Prescott was sacked (5) times and knocked down just as much. Dak has not thrown over (200) yards in a game this season and have been horrible on 3rd down conversion. No real deep threat to get the ball downfield. Teams will stack the box and the Cowboys are not taking advantage of that. However you drafted this guy 4th overall a couple years ago, so run Ezekiel Elliott. Elliot is averaging almost (6.0) yards per carry, but Dallas refuses to run this man 20-25 times a game which has me in a state of confusing. With the team that Dallas has assembled their running attack has not been as dominant as it should been and that's a problem when you lack play makers on that side of the ball. Guys like Allen Hurns and Tavon Austin have not been able to make the plays that shall I dare say even Dez Bryant would be making. No outlet in Jason Witten anymore. Dak is only completing (4.8) yards per drop back, just better than Sam Bradford amongst starting QBs. There defense continues to be the staple this season. Even with Sean Lee missing some time Dallas can overcome that, when has Sean Lee not missed time during a season? Until the Cowboys figure out their identity on offense it will be a long season for Dak and company. 
BLACK HOLE: That is exactly what the Oakland Raiders are falling into. Jon Gruden still has not won a game since November of 2008. Derek Carr continues to play well and Oakland has ranked in the top (10) in passing yards and total yards this season but a lack of consistent play for a full 60 minutes have cost the Raiders numerous opportunities for a victory. This trade of perennial LB Khalil Mack will be tied with Gruden, Mack, and the two franchises that dealt with this trade forever. So far Mack has won with (4) sacks more than the (3) the Raiders have as a team and has been a force to reckon with causing turnovers and turning them into points. The Raiders second half woes have been the story this season. They have been outscored (37-3) in the fourth quarter already this season. When your (0-3), lack pressure getting to the QB and (-4) in the turnover column; failure seems to over exceed success in this league. Mack is a game changing player and the Raiders, well at least Gruden is realizing the ramifications of this trade. The disconnection between Amari Cooper and Carr has been seen, as well as Marshawn Lynch is far from his Seattle beast mode days limit their offensive mobility. Something will need to be done sooner rather than later, as the Raiders host a Browns team fueling off all the momentum in the world.WHAT WE KNOW
SAINTS MARCHING: We knew we had a classic in the making when Drew Brees and Matt Ryan hookup for a divisional battle in the NFC South. The two elite quarterbacks squared off for the 20th time in the history of their series. New Orleans now (12-8) across that span versus the Falcons, used special teams and some Brees magic to pull off a 43-37 victory in Atlanta. On a day where QB Drew Brees became the all-time completion leader in NFL history passing Brett Favre's record of (6,300) completions. Brees, former Super Bowl MVP finished the day with (39-49 / 396 yards / 3 TDs). He also had 0 picks to along with (2) rushing touchdowns, one which sealed the victory in overtime. Brees is also (417) yards away from breaking Peyton Manning's career passing yards record which he will break sometime within the next couple weeks. WR Michael Thomas recorded his third straight (100) yard receiving day, and now is at (38) receptions on the season through the first (3) games. Second year RB Alvin Kamara still hasn't found his groove rushing the ball, however, finished with (15) receptions and (124) yards receiving. Ted Ginn Jr. continues to be a shell of himself. He caught the touchdown pass earlier and never looked good after. Defense was not on display for either team as a combined (80) points, the most ever in their series history. A ton of passing yards and total yards racked up against both defenses. Cam Jordan for the Saints reeked havoc on Ryan and that Falcons offensive front with (2) sacks on the night. 
BIRD FLU: Meanwhile the defense on the other side of the ball is dropping faster then clothes at Magic City. The Atlanta Falcons, (1-2) now decimated with injuries especially on the defensive side of the ball. Penalties, missed tackling, and one player being injured after another is the reasoning behind the record. Atlanta lost safety Ricardo Allen on Sunday. He joins Keanu Neal and Andy Levitre as season long injuries. As well as LB Dion Jones out until at least week 10 and defensive end Takk McKinley week to week. Say what you want about QB Matt Ryan, he has been earning his $30 million this season so far. After that opening game against Philly, Ryan has thrown (7 TDs / 1 INT) over the last two games including a career high and Falcon team record (5) touchdown passes Sunday. However, Ryan could use more help in the rushing department (21st - 97.3), his receiving core just keeps upgrading. Rookie WR Calvin Ridley, a standout at Alabama, is following his fellow alum and mentor Julio Jones playbook this season. Ridley coming off his first career touchdown game a week ago, capped it off with a (7 rec / 146 yards / 3 TDs) type of day. They have also improved vastly in the red zone, going (8/8) across the last two weeks. Being said they will have to play like that 2016 season on offense to counter their decimated defense.
BLACK AND MELLOW: Should be the theme for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers finally found themselves on the winning end of football in 2018 with a (30-27) victory against the Bucs. The Steelers put up over (350) yards of total offense, (3) touchdowns, and a pick 6 all in the first half. They turned Ryan Fitzpatrick over (3) times in the 2nd quarter alone and forced four turnovers in the same quarter. Big Ben was surgical picking apart the Bucs woeful secondary (30-38 / 353 yards / 3 TDs / INT). Pittsburgh ended up with two (100) yard receivers, and WR Antonio Brown got in on the action as well finding himself in the end zone. No LeVeon Bell as their rushing attack ranks (23rd) in the NFL while their offense ranks (7th) overall. Their defense did bring the noise early and often but could not sustain the intensity in the second half. They were outscored (17-0) as they almost let the Bucs steal the game right back away from them. The Steelers rank (28th) in total yards given up and passing yards, which reflects on their mediocre secondary. Penalties after penalties for the Steelers throughout the game. They are averaging (12) penalties a game. Roughing the passer has been a huge emphasis on the game, but unsportsmanlike conduct and jawing after the referee is uncharacteristic of a Pittsburgh Steelers ran team. The defense has never giving up this many touchdowns and yards to begin the season, as they let Fitz throw for (400) yards and their secondary has given up (9) touchdowns over the last two weeks. Head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are as talented as any team in the national football league, they just have to find a way to keep in house situations; in house.
CAM AND CHRISTIAN: That's about it when it comes to the offense for the Carolina Panthers. Offensive line struggles, TE Greg Olsen injury has limited Newton's vertical attack in newly offensive coordinator Norv Turner's system. Turner trying to change the approach and methods behind some of Cam Newton's struggles at quarterback this season does not have a lot to work with. Newton had to do it all Sunday in a win versus the Bengals. The 8 year pro had (2) touchdowns on the ground an another (2) touchdowns in the air. He only threw for (150) yards however, Christian McCaffrey did his part as well. McCaffrey ran for a career high (184 yards on 28 carries), as he and Cam continue to be the only consistency in the offense. The o line did its part limiting the Bengals to just one sack on Newton. He had a clean pocket most the game while his defensive line contributed to (4) sacks rattling Andy Dalton the majority of the game. McCaffrey has been a beast this season handling the workload as he ranks (3rd) in the NFL in rushing and has (22) receptions for the season. The Panthers defense must buckle down in the red zone, which has never been a problem for them in years past. The return of LB Thomas Davis after this weeks games should bring more reassurance on that defensive side. Cam Newton has accounted for (56) rushing touchdowns since entering the league in 2011. Most by a QB in NFL history, most in Panthers franchise history and just second most to Marshawn Lynch (60) over that time period.
MONSTERS OF THE MIDWAY: The Chicago Bears have bought that defensive minded toughness, edge, and desire that replicates Bears football from the beginning. The development of QB Mitchell Trubisky remains a mystery. Their head coach first year man Matt Nagy is an offensive minded coach, however Trubisky yet again this year seems to lack the intangibles the Bears need moving forward. Trubisky is completing almost (70%) of his throws, just one touchdown to show for the season will not be helpful moving forward. Trying to find rhythm with his new core of receivers, this should be a year for growth in the development of Trubisky but more so looks to be more of a work in progress. They leaned on Mack and their defense once more to come back and beat the Cardinals. Chicago now has (14) sacks on the season an as opportunist of a defense their is. This has helped take pressure off Trubisky however, their will be games where he will need to do more. The defense can only do so much without being on the field for long periods of time as well. Mack now with a sack (4), a forced fumble (3) in each one of the Bears (3) games. Mack also has (12) forced fumbles since coming into the league 2014. One thing is for certain, how far the Bears go will be all dependent on the defense.LOOKING AHEAD
WENTSYLVANIA: Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz felt what it was like to almost go a year without playing real football. He got a taste of it again Sunday as he led Philadelphia to a (20-16) win against the Colts. Wentz went (25-37 / 255 yards / TD / INT) in his debut. To the delight of a home crowd that was pleased to see their franchise QB back at center. Running back by committee as they have a banged up backfield at the moment. The offensive line will need to clean up, as they allowed (5) sacks in Wentz return. Wentz connected with seven different receivers however lost a fumble resulting in two turnovers. Some of that had to do with his first game back since December 10th, but overall not much signs of rust from the former first round pick. He mustered a game winning drive, while they dominated time of possession. With many pieces still injured on offense and defense, Wentz will need to replicate his performance this Sunday. Since 2017,under Wentz and the Eagles are (11-2), scoring (31.1 ppg) and averaging (390.5) total offensive yards per game. A date with another defensive minded Tennessee team is on tap for the Carson Wentz unfinished business tour.
MULTI-PURPOSE BACKS: This season running backs have been more versatile then ever. Not just has the running back been a factor in the rushing game but in the receiving category as well this season. Two weeks ago we saw Giants RB Saquan Barkley on the receiving end of (14) receptions. Christian McCaffrey was depended on being a workhorse for the Panthers. Not only is he (3rd) in rushing but also has (22) catches for (157 yards) for the season. His twenty-two receptions is just second to RB Alvin Kamara. It has been hard to run for Kamara, so he has enhanced his skills in the open field. Kamara has (30) receptions for (289) yards and one touchdown and in the mix with recievers as far as receiving yards. Chargers RB Melvin Gordon has (17) receptions and (2) scores, while Chris Thompson for Washington has (20 rec / 155 yards / TD) this season alone. This has been an oh so common theme with most up an coming backs, however this year unlike most, the quantity of backs doing it at this quality will continue to keep defenses honest and in position. Running backs seem to have an upper hand this season in the receiving end, just will it continue and for how long?
FITZTRAGIC: Ryan Fitzpatrick for a half seemed to revert back to his backup QB ways that has kept him predominantly in the position for the entirety of his career. The Bucs battled back and made it a game as Fitz went for 400 yards for the third consecutive time; first time ever in NFL history a QB did that. Statistically career wise, both QBs are not far apart. They both are (60%) completion passers. Winston (18-27) career record with (69 TDs / 44 INTs). While Fitzpatrick (50-71-1) overall record with (184 TDs / 140 INTs); just a longer sample for Fitzpatrick and not too much differential. However since 2017 - Fitzpatrick is (4-2), (392.2) pass yards per game (14 TDs / 5 INTs) and a (103.0) passer rating. Since 2017 - Winston is (3-10), just (269.5) passing yards per game and a passer rating of (92.9). During Monday Nights game, (2) of his (3) interceptions were not necessarily all on Fitz, however, the pick six probably cost them the game. With Winston coming back off suspension, what do the Bucs coaching staff do moving forward?
ROOKIE QBs: Josh Allen threw for (2) touchdowns and ran for (2) touchdowns at Minnesota. They destroyed the Vikings after nobody seen it coming. A date with Aaron Rodgers and a desperate Packers team is next. Not a good secondary could be good for Allen, an angry Rodgers and company is not what the Bills want. Josh Darnold has more INTs than TDs, and that ratio may continue to grow after this upcoming week of games. The Jets travel to an opportunistic Jacksonville defense. He will need his surrounding cast to be on their game if he wants to survive Sacksonville. Josh Rosen has been named the starter for the Arizona Cardinals. Three mediocre games by Sam Bradford and an offense that ranks dead last in points per game, total yards, passing and rushing yards; something had to give. Rosen will start vs Seattle and hopefully bring some rhythm to the offense that they have been surely lacking. Of course its the Baker Mayfield show now in Cleveland. Same type of frame of a player as the former QB Tyrod Taylor, but Mayfield commands the field and the offense in a different dynamic and demeanor than Taylor. Mayfield after leading a comeback to help the Browns earn their first win in 635 days looks to take that swag out west against a horrible Oakland team. Not since 2012 their hasn't been (4) rookie QBs to start in the same week (Andrew Luck, RGIII, Ryan Tannehill, and Brandon Weeden).
WHAT'S THE "ROUGH" ABOUT? The NFL has made an emphasis this season on protecting the quarterback, however some may say that they have went completely overboard this year. Defenders do not know when to let up and have become more of a flag football occasion every time their around the QB. Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers has been called for roughing the passer at least once in each of the first (3) games. He has had just (4) cases such from 2009-2017. In Monday's night game, the Steelers were hit with (4) roughing the passer penalties in one game. Although a couple may had been justified, the refs picked up one flag late showing the inconsistent in calling of the penalty by referees. Those four roughing the passer penalties by one team in one game was the most called on any team since 2001. However like with most jobs, they will implement something and you have to abide by the rules. With these rules defenders are confused and coaches alike now in preparation on how to defend. In 2008, they changed the rule after Tom Brady went down involving tackling the QB around their feet. This season rules were implanted after Aaron Rodgers went down last season being driven to the ground by Vikings LB Anthony Barr. Being said, the quarterback is the "decorated player" in the game today and with fans alike, they do not want to see Brett Hundley or Deshon Kizer instead of their multi-million dollar franchise QB each Sunday, so the protection of the QB is vital. Their were (16) roughing the passer penalties called all of last season in comparison to (34) roughing the passer calls just through the first (3) weeks of 2018. Where we do we draw the line???
FINS FOR REAL? Miami will be the last team to luck up and face the Patriots without WR Julian Edelman in lineup. Edelman comes off suspension after this week, so the Dolphins have another week to double up on Gronk and force Hogan to play a position at receiver he is not accustomed to and hopefully pick up their 4th consecutive week. Miami now (3-0) for the first time since 2013 is first place in the AFC East with a chance to prove themselves as a legit threat for the division this Sunday. Head coach Adam Gase is an offensive guy, and his guy, QB Ryan Tannehill have won (10) of (11) games when Tannehill has started; finding a way to keep the offense flowing under a conservative approach to offense. Tannehill known for giving you your occasional interception or two, has done better but also thrown the ball better completing (70%) of his passes. The defense has been a staple only giving up (17.9 ppg) is (7th) versus the run lost a key component in DE William Hayes. Hayes led the team in sacks, pulled up on an apparent hit on QB Derek Carr Sunday resulting in season ending injury for Hayes. While the Dolphins have expressed their opinion on that matter they have been ball hawks in the secondary with CB Xavier Howard with (3) interceptions already this season and when your (+4) in the turnover ratio; the wins will follow.
LEVEON BELL / EARL THOMAS: Veteran safety Earl Thomas showed the Dallas Cowboys the man still has some good football left in the tank. Thomas who could be fined because of word play the prior week from the Seahawks team, put on a show Sunday. The all pro safety picked off Dak Prescott twice and had (2) pass deflections alongside (7) tackles. The man still has game. Seattle still has Thomas lingering on the trading block. Dallas has been the most involved in the trade talks however, Kansa City has emerged too, especially with their defense giving up over (400) yards per game. The Atlanta Falcons could have interests with two of their top safeties gone for the season. Familiarity with former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, now head coach could be promising. LeVeon Bell continues his holdout. About a little over $800k, Bell is losing per week. Now in week 3 those totals continues to add up, while the Steelers continue to add up on chatter outside of the football world. The drama that is the Steelers were able to escape Tampa Monday night, however their lack of rushing attack is noticeable. Very one dimensional is Pittsburgh these days, and though James Conner can play, he is still no LeVeon Bell coming out of the backfield. Teams like the New York Jets seemed interested in pushing the button for the Steelers to trade Bell. Minnesota and Seattle could be looking for running back help as well. One thing is for certain, according to Bell's IG and social network, "he is living his best life" outside of playing for the Steelers.
MNF: The undefeated Kansas City Chiefs take their (3-0) record on the road in the unfriendly confines of the Mile High. The young quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to dazzle, with (13 TDs / 0 INTs), the Chiefs offense is (11/11) in the red zone this season as everything has gone KC way. While coming out the gates on fire, they have done this per game, outscoring teams (49-6) in the first quarter. The Broncos defense rank (4th) versus the run, however the Chiefs are an arsenal attack. That once feared Denver secondary no longer exists. The likes of Derek Carr and Joe Flacco have posted great numbers on the Broncos defense. Von Miller remains a focal point on defense with (4) sacks on the season, he already has almost half (9) total sacks the team has. They know they will have to play discipline versus Andy Reid and his new protégé. Case Keenum has only thrown for (3 TDs / 5 INTs). They do have a strong run game led by Royce Freeman (2 TDs) and Philip Lindsey (6.0) yards per rush, has given them the (3rd) best run offense in the NFL and hopefully their running back by committee will keep Mahomes off the field.
MY POWER 10
1. RAMS
2. CHIEFS
3. EAGLES
4. JAGUARS
5. STEELERS
6. SAINTS
7. DOPLHINS
8. RAVENS
9. VIKINGS
10. PACKERS
Jets are #1
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