Using my best Bill Belichick voice, I'd like to formally say we're on to October. And using my best optimism, I'd like to formally say it's going to be a better month than September. Ladd McConkey went over 60 receiving yards, and the Panthers-Browns UNDER hit.
I'm especially proud of the latter, because I expected Bryce Young to struggle with the Browns' defense, and he did. Still, the Commanders stunned the Seahawks, which I never saw coming. The Jameson Williams breakout I predicted didn't quite happen, and a little two-part parlay of Saints (-3) and Chris Olave 6+ receptions only came half-true; the Raiders won a fun one in New Orleans.
The turnaround is coming. October may end spooky, but it's going to start strong. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who thought the Cowboys and Texans would be a combined 1-5 through three weeks, yet here we are.
The Cowboys blew a prime opportunity for a big win last week against the Ravens, while the Texans' offense sputtered again in a one-point loss to the Colts. I was surprised to see the Texans favored this week, though the game is in Houston. Stroud getting Nico Collins back helps a lot, but I'm more worried about Quinnen Williams wreaking havoc against Houston's interior offensive line.
The Houston defense remains excellent, but it's not playing at near the level it was last year. Dak Prescott and co. bounce back. Last week against one of the best secondaries in football — the Texans — Josh Downs had seven catches for 72 yards.
This week, he gets a Commanders secondary that has struggled this season. Washington ranks 30th in passing yards per game allowed and 28th in net yards per attempt. Not only that, but the Colts will be without Alec Pierce again, which bodes extremely well for Downs' chances for a big day.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
