My New York Giants were the surprise team of the week and the year so far! I could spend this entire blog talking about their impressive win yesterday, but I’ll break down all the games from yesterday. Let’s recap the weekend.

How I fared in my picks

Overall, I have had a good but not great week thus far entering the Monday night matchup. I went 9-6 in my picks. I lost the Commanders (+1.5) thanks to Carson Wentz’s goal line interception and the Bucs blowing a massive lead to ultimately not cover. Not my best, but still a winning week. 

Betting Results

• It was a big week for the underdogs, going 6-9 ATS.
• The Giants and the Texans were the two biggest underdogs to cover at +8.5 and +7.5, respectively.

Three things that surprised me the most

The Giants beats the Packers

As a NY Giants fan, I was floored to see my team accomplish everything it did in yesterday’s London game against the Packers. Down 17-3 late in the second quarter, it appeared as if the injury-ridden Giants would go quietly at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, thanks to the heroics of QB Daniel Jones, who was playing on a sprained ankle, and Saquon Barkley, who accumulated over 100 yards from scrimmages, the Giants completed the ultimate comeback. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were shut out in the second half, save for an intentional safety with a few seconds to go in the game. It was a remarkable performance by both the players and the coaching staff. Give props to first-year head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. The Giants were 8.5-point underdogs entering the contest and made a fool out of the Packers’ backers. 

The Lions failed to score against the Patriots

I whiffed on this game. Not only did I think the Lions would cover the 3.5 spread, but I predicted Detroit would upset the Patriots in New England. However, thanks to RB Rhamondre Stevenson rushing for 161 yards and WR Jakobi Meyers cashing in 7 catches for 111 yards and a TD, the Patriots were able to drive up the score. The real kudos, though, goes to New England’s defense that silenced one of the top offenses in the league with the shutout. Donning their throwback jerseys, the Patriots capitalized on a Jared Goff interception and a fumble that was returned 59 yards for a TD by S Kyle Duggar. It was quite an impressive showing.

The Rams were embarrassed by the Cowboys

After failing to find the endzone in Monday night’s shellacking against the 49ers, I thought the Rams would bounce back at home and finally bring Cooper Rush and the Cowboys back to Earth. Instead, the opposite happened as the Rams were held to only 10 points, and QB Matt Stafford lost two fumbles and threw one interception. This has been a recurring issue for the defending champs on offense, making too many mistakes and losing the turnover battle. On an afternoon where Cooper Rush only had to complete 10 passes and throw for 102 yards, this should have been an easy win for the Rams. Instead, there are more questions than answers after this loss. Even though the Rams are keeping Odell Beckham Jr.’s locker ready for him, he may choose to sign elsewhere if the Rams quickly fall out of playoff contention. With games coming up in the next few weeks against the Bucs, Chiefs, and 49ers again, the Rams can’t afford to lose winnable games like these.

Other things that surprised me

• Three teams in the NFC East are 4-1 or better – The Eagles remain the only undefeated team in the NFL at 5-0, while the Cowboys and Giants both sit at 4-1 in the division. Many presumed the East would be one of the weaker conferences in the league. Still, thanks to the Giants surpassing expectations and Cooper Rush emerging as a viable QB option, the NFC East is the best conference in the league thus far.
• The Jets blew out the Dolphins – When Teddy Bridgewater went down in the first quarter with a head injury, I figured the Dolphins would struggle behind rookie QB Skylar Thompson. I did not presume the Jets would not only win but blow out a Miami team many pegged as a top AFC contender two weeks prior. Behind rookie RB Breece Hall, the Jets trampled all over a banged-up Dolphins defense. A 3-2 Jets squad is quite the surprise.
• Bailey Zappe looked good – By no means did Zappe turn any heads as the new Tom Brady taking over for Drew Bledsoe. Still, Zappe has been effective in his two games this season, nearly leading the Patriots in a road win against the Packers and completing the shutout of the Lions. An efficient 17-21, 188 passing yards day was enough for Zappe to snap the Patriots’ two-game losing streak. New England may not be rushing Mac Jones back after all. 

Three things that did not surprise me

The Jaguars are pretenders

The Texans’ +7.5 was one of my top picks this weekend, one week after the Eagles’ -6.5 over the Jaguars was my best selection. Let’s be honest, Jacksonville’s two wins came against a depleted Colts squad, missing multiple vital starters, and a Chargers team that played without its top DE, LT, and CB. Justin Herbert also should not have participated in that contest due to a fractured rib injury he suffered the prior week. While Doug Pederson has brought stability to a chaotic organization, this team is still rebuilding. There are no playoffs in this team’s future.

Carson Wentz and the Commanders struggled again

I needed Wentz to complete a TD pass in the final drive of the Commanders’ matchup against the Titans yesterday to hit a three-team parlay. Yet, Wentz failed to convert from the one-yard line on three straight attempts before throwing a pick to ice the game. Through five weeks, Wentz is not the answer the Commanders were looking for when they acquired the beleaguered QB from the Colts. Now, it’s only a matter of time before Washington fans begin clamoring for Taylor Heinicke to take over under center. Wentz’s days as an NFL starter are numbered.

Jimmy G has the Niners rolling 

Since taking over as the starter, Jimmy G. has led the 49ers to three wins and one loss, including a Monday night win against the rival Rams. Sitting at the top of the NFC West, it is clear the 49ers are a much better team with Garoppolo under center than the unproven Trey Lance. Though the schedule will toughen after a Week 6 contest against the Falcons, right now, Jimmy G is the right choice for San Francisco.

Other non-surprises for me

• Baker Mayfield was downright bad – Matt Rhule already lost his head coaching job, and now it is only a matter of time before Mayfield is benched for Sam Darnold or PJ Walker. Mayfield has yet to play one effective quarter this season. Disappointing is an understatement. 
• The Bills’ offense is the best in the NFL – The Bills reminded the league why it is the team to beat after defeating the Ravens in Week 4 and demolishing the Steelers yesterday. Josh Allen has re-inserted his name to the top of the MVP candidate race, and Stefan Diggs ranks in the top 5 in receiving yards. With the Bengals struggling, we may see a rematch of the Bills-Chiefs AFC Divisional shootout in the Conference Championship game this postseason. 
• Kyler Murray came up short again – Kyler Murray failed to lead his team against the Eagles in what would have been a statement win for the struggling Cardinals. Instead, a missed FG allowed the Eagles to come away with a victory on the road and gave the Cardinals a sub-.500 record.

Three overreactions I’m hearing

• The Cowboys will win the NFC – Their victory against the defending champs was decisive, but the Eagles are the best team in the NFC. There is still plenty of seasons to go, especially with the Bucs getting healthier and the Packers looking to make some upgrades before the trade deadline. This team has overperformed, thanks to its defense. The offense is still questionable, and let’s wait and see how it responds once Dak Prescott returns.
• The Bengals will miss the playoffs – After consecutive wins, the Bengals lost on a last-second field goal to the Ravens in Baltimore last night. It was a hard-fought contest that fell short, but it gave hope to a team that has struggled since its Super Bowl loss. The Bengals are still an elite team. Let’s not forget the Chiefs began last season 3-4, coming off their Super Bowl loss. 
• The Patriots will make the playoffs – No, no, no. Even though their shutout was impressive, it was still against the 1-4 Lions. Let’s wait to declare the Patriots contenders.

Three reactions that are not overreactions I’m hearing

• The Vikings will win the NFC North – I picked the Vikings to secure a Wild Card berth this season, but through five games, it is clear they are a better all-around team than the Packers. Kevin O’Connell has this team trending in the right direction. Just keep Kirk Cousins off primetime games.
• Baker Mayfield & Carson Wentz will be benched before midseason – Matt Rhule is out in Carolina, and soon Mayfield will be too. In Washington, Ron Rivera will have a short leash on Carson Wentz moving forward, especially with the Eagles, Giants, and Cowboys excelling in the NFC East.

The NFC East is the best division in the NFL – The Eagles are the best team in the NFC, and the Cowboys and Giants are both 4-1. The Vikings are the only team in the NFC with that record. This division is looking likely to have two Wild Card teams.