WEEK 9: START OF THE WEEK
START 'EM
New England Patriots D/ST
New England @ Carolina Panthers
Sam Darnold is back to being the Sam Darnold we know and love, and maybe just maybe, he was only performing so well because he had the world's largest safety net in Christian McCaffrey lining up behind him, ready to fix anything that went wrong for cube head Sam Darnold. Since CMC went down in Week 4, the Panthers have gone on to average just 19.2 points per game. Since week 5, they’ve had just 17 ppg. Also, in that same timeframe, Darnold has failed to throw over 210 yards in a game, has 2 TD’s to 5 INTs and 1 fumble. I say all this about Darnold, but it is meant to paint a bigger picture about the Panthers; without CMC they have no offense to speak of. Darnold is questionable for this game, and if he doesn't play, it means former XFL star P.J. Walker will line up under center. In Walker's NFL career, he is throwing under a 50% completion percentage, has 1 passing TD and has thrown 5 INTs. No matter which QB plays this weekend, Bill BelichIck will have thoroughly prepared his team, likely leading to multiple interceptions and fumbles. Without CMC, the Panthers offense is stagnant at best and downright bad at worst. Regardless of the QB this week, the Patriots defense will likely force turnovers and could possibly take one of them all the way back for an easy six points.
BONUS PICK
SIT 'EM
Fox NFL Sunday
Every Fox Game
Is it any surprise that fox is being petty and in general just a crapshoot when it comes to airing these NFL games? Whenever they have a 1:00 P.M. start to a game they get all pissy and lower the scoreboard so NFL Redzone can’t see the clock. Those are some total Bruce Arians moves right there. Along with that, they have had some absolute trash games announced this year including this week’s matchup between the Texans and the Dolphins, a game I wish could be sacrificed to the gods in order to get a better crop of games in the second half of the season. They also have a much worse college football program in the big noon kickoff, but that is neither here nor there.
