Games of the Week
Bills 44, Buccaneers 32
In arguably the biggest matchup of the week, Buffalo finally snapped out of its recent offensive funk and hung 44 points on a strong Tampa Bay squad. It was not a perfect game for Josh Allen, but he came up big when it mattered, accounting for six total touchdowns (three passing and three rushing) while piling up 357 total yards.
The more surprising stat line came from Tampa Bay. Baker Mayfield never got comfortable, throwing for just 173 yards on 16 of 28 passing with one touchdown and one pick, plus a rushing score. Sean Tucker ran hard, but it was not enough, and Tampa fell to 6-4 while Buffalo improved to 7-3.
Bears 19, Vikings 17
Eleven weeks into the NFL season and the Chicago Bears have the same record as Buffalo and a better record than Kansas City. Safe to say nobody predicted that.
Chicago pulled out another tight win, beating Minnesota on a 48-yard Cairo Santos field goal as time expired. JJ McCarthy did more to lose this game than any Bear did to win it, but first year head coach Ben Johnson continues to squeeze out victories no matter how chaotic his offense looks. Minnesota now has a decision to make on McCarthy, and they need to make it fast.
Broncos 22, Chiefs 19
The Broncos are 9-2. The Chiefs are 5-5. The AFC West is upside down, and Denver capped it off with a 35 yard game winner as time expired.
Patrick Mahomes is starting to look more ordinary each week, and that lack of elite play is exposing every flaw on this roster. Bo Nix put up yards with no touchdowns, but Denver’s defense once again carried the day. Their offense still looks lost at times, but the defense has become the dominant unit many expected in September. That alone might be enough to carry them into the postseason.
Top Player Performances
Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys
Dak shredded the Raiders on Monday night, throwing for 268 yards and four touchdowns in a 33-16 win. With Dallas’ defense stumbling in recent weeks, Dak needed a showcase game, and he delivered one.
Josh Allen, QB, Bills
As mentioned above, Allen had one of the best games of the season with six total touchdowns and 357 yards. It came at a perfect time as Buffalo tries to keep pace with New England in the AFC East.
Michael Wilson, WR, Cardinals
The third year receiver had the best performance of his career, catching 15 passes for 185 yards. Time will tell if he and Jacoby Brissett can build on this or if this was a one week explosion.
Is the Kyler Murray Era Over in Arizona?
For years the belief was that Arizona’s problems came from the talent around Kyler Murray. Recent weeks have cast real doubt on that theory. Jacoby Brissett has looked poised, aggressive, and comfortable running this offense in Murray’s absence. He is pushing the ball downfield in a way this team has not done in years.
Rumors are already swirling about what a Murray trade could look like and which teams would pursue him. Arizona’s front office has decisions to make, and the clock is ticking.
Betting Strategy Adjustments After Week 11
Be Careful With the Bengals
With Ja’Marr Chase being suspended following the incident with Jalen Ramsey, it is best to avoid any Bengals bets for now, especially with New England up next.
Avoid Packers Spreads
Green Bay just cannot win convincingly. They play every game close regardless of opponent. Avoid spreads until they show they can actually put a team away.
Ride the 49ers These Next Two Weeks
Brock Purdy is back, and San Francisco gets the Panthers and Browns in Weeks 12 and 13. Expect dominance. Moneylines and spreads should both offer value.
Want more Sandman? Come connect with us here at sandmansports.com/onestopshop
