Pick 6: An NFL Sportsish Recap
Another week, another pick! The future is becoming more apparent as the NFL season approaches its midpoint. This weekend featured many surprising performances—both positive and negative—along with defining last-second moments, family reunions, spooky season nods, and a surprising number of hip-hop references. To help you catch up, here's a quick recap of the top sports & ish from this weekend in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens 24 - 29 Cleveland Browns
This match had a two-way, streak-breaking effect: the Ravens lost their five-game winning streak, while the Browns broke their five-game losing run. After the series of losses, including their QB Deshaun Watson last week, the pressure was on for the Browns, but Jameis Winston didn't shy away from the challenge. He gave a stellar performance that led his team to a long-awaited win. The game kept a close score throughout the four quarters, with both teams trailing the other constantly and deciding its fate until the last minute.
The pick: As QB2, Jameis Winston rose up to the occasion of filling in for the leading role. He was well aware of the position he was in and managed to handle it like a pro, using Eminem's words to describe his feelings after getting a second chance in the NFL: "There's a white boy from Detroit that I really admire, named Eminem, he said 'You only get one chance, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime.' I'm grateful that the lord provided me with this opportunity. I'm grateful for my teammates, my coaches, and these amazing fans."
The ick: With one minute remaining on the clock, the Ravens had regained the lead with a 24-23 score, yet the Browns had the ball. In a play that would've secured the win for the Ravens, Kyle Hamilton briefly intercepted Jameis Winston's pass, only to lose control of the ball and drop it to the ground. The Browns kept the possession, allowing Jameis to throw one last touchdown and secure his team's win.
The ish: No one does Halloweekend like Myles Garrett, and this time was no exception. Like every other year, Myles arrived at Sunday's match in full costume, going as the Terminator in an attire consisting of a mask and the outfit to match. The look might've ignited something in him, as he was the Browns' top defensive player of the week, according to PFF, forcing the Ravens to say "Hasta la vista, baby" to their 5-game winning streak.
Tennessee Titans 14 - 52 Detroit Lions
As the current leaders of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions seem unstoppable. This game was a masterclass in offense, with 35 points scored before halftime. The Titans struggled to keep up with the pace, with only two TDs in their favor. With Detroit's current momentum on the rise, they have a determining divisional game next Sunday when they meet the Packers, a highly anticipated encounter for the top position in the NFC North.
The pick: At this point, Detroit works like a perfectly oiled machine, with every part set in motion to run at full speed. This is precisely what Jahmyr Gibbs did, reaching a velocity of 22 mph during his 70-yard touchdown run. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, it is the fastest top speed any player from the Lions has reached while carrying a ball since 2016. With the blue uniform and the speed, he's definitely ready to give Sonic a run for his money.
The ick: The whooping 52 points the Titans allowed in this game became the most points allowed in a single game by any team in the league this season, surpassing the 51 points the New Orleans Saints conceded against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 6. This point tally is also more than double the average points the Titans had allowed in their previous games (24.0), exhibiting their growing defensive struggles.
The ish: Keeping up with the Halloween spirit, Lions' wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had the perfect celebration when scoring a touchdown this weekend, getting in the holiday excitement by doing the Thriller dance in the end zone.
Atlanta Falcons 31 - 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Falcons keep rising under Kirk Cousins' command. They currently sit in the top spot of their division after dominating the second-spot Buccaneers twice this season. They might have won these two games, but nothing is set in stone yet as to who will advance further between these teams, making it a close race to the playoffs. With this performance, Cousins became the first Falcons QB to score three touchdowns in the first half since Matt Ryan in 2020, proving he is quickly adapting to his new team and finding his place in the ATL.
The pick: Kyle Pitts initiated the National Tight Ends Day celebrations with a 36-yard touchdown, his career-longest pass, that opened up the score for Atlanta, followed by a 49-yard TD pass, another personal record for him. This game also marked his first multi-score game since college, something fans had been eagerly expecting to see him accomplish.
The ick: The Buccaneers seemed to be troubled without their two star wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who unfortunately went out last week with different injuries. While the scoring difference wasn't too big, the Buccaneers struggled with long passes and a couple of interceptions from Baker Mayfield that cost them key plays. To make matters worse, Sterling Shepard stepped up to the field, only to also exit the game with a hamstring injury, leaving the Bucs with even more limited wide receiving options and threatening their offensive prowess.
The ish: Jameis Winston wasn't the only one dropping bars in the field. Kirk Cousins's pregame speech was a melodic mantra, giving a bit of rap. This motivational jam choice might not seem so far-fetched, considering how well he is settling into his new life in the hip-hop capital.
Philadelphia Eagles 37 - 17 Cincinnati Bengals
After an even 2-2 start to the season, the Eagles seemed to be struggling to find their balance. However, if the last three weeks are any indication, they are back on track as strong contenders for the season. Jalen Hurts had an impressive, record-breaking performance, fueled by the Eagles' desire to remain top contenders and use the Bengals' weak spots to their advantage.
The pick: This weekend, Jalen Hurts led them flawlessly after a rocky start that saw the Bengals take the advantage. He managed to tie the game 10-10 before halftime with a rushing TD, with the second half seeing a delightful mix of rushing and passing touchdowns that granted them the win. This is his third game with three rushing touchdowns, the most by any quarterback since 1950.
The ick: The Bengals' struggles continue amidst Joe Burrow returning to the NFL after sitting out last season with a wrist injury. Although Burrow's passing yards (234) nearly matched Jalen Hurts' (236), the Bengals faced critical setbacks that affected their progress—key moments included Evan McPherson's missed field goal, Ja'Marr Chase being stopped just short on a fourth-and-inches attempt, and a fourth-quarter interception by C.J. Gardner-Johnson. These missed opportunities stalled their scoring chances and increased momentum for the Eagles, deflating the Bengals' spirits. With a 3-5 record, their playoff dreams are starting to feel far from their reach.
The ish: Sibling rivalries are not uncommon in the NFL, as we've seen them throughout history with the Mannings, the Watts, the Kelces, and many more. However, this game had a special occasion: it was the first time twin brothers played against each other in the league. The Brown siblings moved from Canada to Florida for better opportunities and ended up attending the University of Illinois together, where they excelled at the game. Now, Sydney plays for the Eagles while Chase is with the Bengals, making this jersey swap an incredible full-circle moment for the brothers.
Chicago Bears 15 - 18 Washington Commanders
It was the ultimate rookie showdown. The two leading novelty QBs of the league, Caleb Williams for the Bears and Jayden Daniels for the Commanders, have had excellent performances in their first seven games, making fans excited for them to finally face each other. It was a low-scoring game, mainly because of the team's great defensive tactics, but it ended up on the highest of notes, with Jayden Daniels giving us a magical, last-second-of-the-game moment.
The pick: Deciding this game's pick was a no-brainer. This should be deemed the pick of the game and the pick of the week (the pick of the year, even?). Of course, it's none other than the hail mary heard around the world, an epic, last-second throw by Commander Jayden Daniels. With the clock hitting zero and the game's last play underway, Daniels had no choice but to go all or nothing. As soon as he found himself free to throw, he shot a 52-yard Hail Mary pass to the end zone, bouncing off the huddle and straight into Noah Browns' hands, ensuring a win for the Commanders.
The ick: The hail mary moment of the night had a very different meaning for Tyrique Stevenson. While the play was underway, the Bears' cornerback was too busy taunting Commander fans to notice his team's win was on the line. He assumed the play was over since the clock had run out, as the fans tried to warn him of what was happening. When he finally realized this, he tried to stop the catch from happening, but unfortunately, he was the one who accidentally diverted the ball into Noah Brown's hands. He later apologized to X, sharing his regret for his lack of focus, undoubtedly a learning moment for him.
The ish: Yes, we're still talking about that hail Mary because it was a cinematic finish that doesn't happen too often. To prove that, the celebrations from Commanders fans have been incredibly wholesome, overbrimming with excitement and igniting a new hope in a fandom waiting for their team's luck to change for years.
Kansas City Chiefs 27 - 20 Las Vegas Raiders
Three-peat for Pat? It's certainly looking like a possibility. With the Chiefs' win against the Raiders, they have cemented themselves at the top of the league as the only undefeated team left, a good omen for the fans who are eager to see them win their third championship in a row. The Raiders struggled offensively, with several failed attempts near the end zone that ended up costing them the game.
The pick: New news: Travis Kelce is so back! After 13 season games without scoring, the Chiefs' star celebrated National Tight Ends Day by breaking his no-touchdown spell, securing one on the 13th play of the game and taking his team's score to 13 points. Whether it was the Tayvoodoo manifesting powers or a mere coincidence, we're glad Pat's sidekick is back on track.
The ick: The Raiders lost their fourth consecutive game this season, making their record 2-6. They finished the game with a season-low of 228 yards, an apparent offensive underperformance when you compare it to the Chiefs' 334 yards. Their lack of completion was a constant struggle, failing to score even after an interception got them to the 3-yard line.
The ish: DeAndre Hopkins joined the Chiefs' squad only days ago, and everyone was buzzing with anticipation for his valuable addition to the team. During his Sunday night debut, the five-time Pro Bowler wore personalized cleats with an emotional message that read, "Know you watching Pops," a heartfelt tribute to his father, who sadly passed away when he was just an infant. Undoubtedly, his father would be incredibly proud of the successful player he's become and what he will hopefully keep achieving in this new era.