Trade Review; Week 9 Picks
If there wasn't enough excitement and media attention surrounding the NFL season already, the NFL has managed to create even more over the trade deadline.
For the first time in what seems like in league history, we had a noteworthy trade deadline in the NFL that saw many star players switch teams halfway through the season. Hard to believe, but yes, we're at the midway point of the 2017 NFL season.
Let's recap the biggest trades that took place and...didn't take place. More on the Browns in a minute.
Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers
Love this trade for the 49ers. San Francisco desperately needed a quarterback and presumably they have one now. A lot of people are high on Garoppolo and if he's as good as everyone thinks he can be, Kyle Shanahan just got a guy to build a team around. And we now know that the Patriots are all in on Tom Brady playing at least 2-3 more years. I guess they figured if Brady gets hurt, they don't have a shot at the Super Bowl anyway, so why not trade your prized asset for what's going to be a high second round pick. Grade: A for both the 49ers and Patriots
Duane Brown to the Seahawks
Texans left tackle Duane Brown was holding out until last week and after one game for the Texans in Seattle, Brown gets to stay in Seattle. It was obvious that Brown didn't have a future with the Texans, hence the lengthy holdout, so it makes sense to trade him and get something in return. Seattle desperately needed help on the offensive line and even though Brown is 32, he'll help the Seahawks. Grade: B+ for both the Seahawks and Texans
Kelvin Benjamin to the Bills
Benjamin has an injured plagued history, but if he stays healthy this could be a great trade for the Bills. What doesn't make sense is why the Bills seem to be changing their mind. Buffalo looked like a team that was rebuilding. They traded WR Sammy Watkins in August and traded DT Marcell Dareus on Friday, both of whom are good players. Then they decided to trade for Kelvin Benjamin on Tuesday? It's like they decided to tank and rebuild and all of the sudden realized they're 5-2 and only a half-game behind the Patriots in the AFC East. It just doesn't seem to make much sense. And if I'm the Panthers I don't trade Benjamin. He's arguably your best receiver and the offense already isn't very good. So, after all of this, the Bills seemed to get worse, but are playing well and now have another top receiver on offense. The Jaguars defense just got even better with a Pro Bowl defensive tackle and the Panthers offense will continue to struggle. Okay, then.
Grade: C+ for the Bills, D for the Panthers
Jay Ajayi to the Eagles
Philadelphia is the best team in the league and just received a RB that rushed for 1,200-yards last season. What's not to like about this trade? Jay Ajayi will give Carson Wentz another weapon to get the ball too and he'll help out in the passing game both as a receiver and pass blocker. Great trade by the Eagles. If you're the Dolphins, your terrible offense just got even worse. Miami ranks last in points/game (13.2), 31st in rushing yards/game (76.4) and 30th in passing yards/game (176.0). Trading Ajayi won't help improve those numbers. Grade: A+ for the Eagles, F for the Dolphins
A.J. McCarron to the Browns (almost)
I can imagine the Browns brass sitting in a board room in Cleveland, high fiving, smiles on their face as they just agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals to acquire QB A.J. McCarron. Finally, Hue Jackson would have a quarterback, one he knows well from his time in Cincinnati, to build around in Cleveland. Problem was, the Browns forgot to send in the paperwork to the NFL office in time prior to the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. Oops.
Part of me wonders how in the world does that happen -- there are rumors that some in the front office nixed the deal on purpose -- but nonetheless, let's remember who we're talking about here, the worst organization in professional sports, the Cleveland Browns. It's bad enough they passed on Carson Wentz two years ago, passed on Deshaun Watson in this year's draft, missed out on Jimmy Garoppolo and so many more mistakes too numerous to mention. If I'm a Browns fan, this is the final straw. The front office in Cleveland has zero clue what they're doing. It's time to stop going to games and hurt the Browns where it'll really hurt, their wallet. At least the Browns won't lose this week, they're on a bye.
Grade: F for the Browns, D for the Bengals (why trade your backup QB within the division?)
Crazy trade deadline and I hope we have this level of madness during next year's trade deadline, because it makes the season even more enjoyable.
Some of the guys I mentioned above will be making immediate impacts this week and heres how I see Week 9 shaping out.
Week 9 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
Buffalo (5-2) over N.Y. JETS (3-5)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
I'm just hoping for a good game Thursday night. Apart from Chiefs/Raiders a few weeks ago, these Thursday night games have been abysmal. Last week's Dolphins/Ravens game was one of the worst football games I've ever seen.
TENNESSEE (4-3) over Baltimore (4-4)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Don't let that 40-0 Ravens victory last week against the Dolphins make you think Baltimore has a terrific offense, because they don't. The Ravens defense scored three touchdowns last week and they did that against Matt Moore instead of the injured Jay Cutler. QB Joe Flacco suffered a concussion last week and his status for Sunday is still up in the air. Even if Flacco plays, I like the Titans to get the win at home.
NEW ORLEANS (5-2) over Tampa Bay (2-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Five wins in a row for the Saints and I don't see them losing this week to the Buccaneers. Watch out for New Orleans in the NFC South.
L.A. Rams (5-2) over N.Y. GIANTS (1-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Rams were probably disappointed their bye week came when it did. They had a ton of momentum heading into the bye winning their last two games by a combined score of 60-17 and showing the rest of the NFL they have one of the best offenses in the league. There's no reason to expect the Rams won't continue their success against a woeful Giants team.
PHILADELPHIA (7-1) over Denver (3-4)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Two teams going in completely different directions. The Eagles are arguably the best team in the NFL and they just got RB Jay Ajayi at the trade deadline on Tuesday. The Broncos on the other hand have lost three straight and look like they need to make a change at quarterback. Some thought it could be Paxton Lynch in for Trevor Siemian on Sunday, but Brock Osweiler will get the start at quarterback for the Broncos. Osweiler has played well in a Broncos uniform before, but not sure he'll play well on Sunday. Eagles win again.
Atlanta (4-3) over CAROLINA (5-3)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Falcons finally ended their losing streak last week with a win against the Jets and it came just in time. Atlanta's next three opponents are Carolina, Dallas and Seattle, with two of those games being on the road. As I discussed earlier, I don't get why the Panthers traded Kelvin Benjamin and I think their offense will struggle even more without him. Falcons get a much needed division win on the road.
JACKSONVILLE (4-3) over Cincinnati (3-4)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
If it weren't for DE Carlos Dunlap's pick-six in the fourth quarter last Sunday against the Colts, the Bengals are looking at 2-5 square in the face. Dunlap saved the game and possibly the Bengals season, for now, but things won't get easier as Cincinnati travels to Jacksonville to take on the number one rushing team in the league. Jaguars run the ball to victory.
HOUSTON (3-4) over Indianapolis (2-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
In there last five games, the Houston Texans have score 195 points (39 points/game) and QB Deshaun Watson has thrown for 1,472-yards and 18 TD. The Texans are 2-3 in those five games, but that kind of output from their offense, which is led by a rookie quarterback, is very encouraging. However, the Texans season was turned upside down on Thursday when Watson tore his ACL during practice and is now out for the season. I thought Houston had a chance to win the AFC South, but with Watson and J.J. Watt out for the year, their hopes look pretty bleak. They'll beat the Colts, but they may not win many more games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO (0-8) over Arizona (3-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
Now, the 49ers still don't have very many weapons for Garoppolo to get the ball too, but head coach Kyle Shanahan has a guy to build around. It'll take time, but if Garoppolo is as good as everyone seems to think he is, the 49ers just got a lot better. Garoppolo probably won't play this Sunday, but with Carson Palmer out for the Cardinals, I think the 49ers will play well knowing that there's now hope in San Francisco and they'll win their first game of the season.
SEATTLE (5-2) over Washington (3-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
I can't remember the last time a Seattle defense gave up 38 points and 509-yards of offense and still won the game. Probably because the Seahawks never give up that many points and yards on defense, especially at home, but QB Russell Wilson threw for a career-high 452-yards and Seattle out dueled the Texans. I don't expect Washington to put up those kind of numbers this week, but Seattle could light up the scoreboard again as the Redskins have given up 67 points in their last two games. Seahawks score a lot of points and give up fewer than 38 to get the win.
Kansas City (6-2) over DALLAS (4-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
In the Cowboys last four games, they've rushed for an average of 196.5 yards/game, with most of that coming via Ezekiel Elliott. Well, Elliott's suspension looks like it'll finally start this week, so with Elliott out, it'll be up to Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris to carry the load. Kansas City has the 28th ranked rushing defense in the league, so McFadden and Morris could find success, but the Cowboys are going to miss having Elliott in the backfield. Chiefs win a close one.
Oakland (3-5) over MIAMI (4-3)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
The Dolphins offense has been really bad at times this season and with Miami trading RB Jay Ajayi on Tuesday, they're not going to get any better. Oakland has not had the season everyone thought they would, but a win in Miami on Sunday night might just turn their season around. They'll need a win as their next game after the bye is against the Patriots in Mexico City.
GREEN BAY (4-3) over Detroit (3-4)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Look for a high scoring game Monday night. The Lions have lost four of their last five and have given up 26.4 points/game during the skid. Now, the Packers are still without Aaron Rodgers, so Brett Hundley has had the bye week to work with the first team offense and get more comfortable. One player who can help Hundley is rookie RB Aaron Jones, who has rushed for 297-yards in his last three games. If Jones can run the ball effectively, that'll make Hundley's job that much easier. Packers get the win at Lambeau on Monday night.
Bye: Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota, New England, Pittsburgh
Last Week: 10-3
Overall: 76-43 (.639)
For the first time in what seems like in league history, we had a noteworthy trade deadline in the NFL that saw many star players switch teams halfway through the season. Hard to believe, but yes, we're at the midway point of the 2017 NFL season.
Let's recap the biggest trades that took place and...didn't take place. More on the Browns in a minute.
Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers
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| The San Francisco 49ers finally have a quarterback... at least they hope they do. (Photo courtesy of 49ers.com) |
Duane Brown to the Seahawks
Texans left tackle Duane Brown was holding out until last week and after one game for the Texans in Seattle, Brown gets to stay in Seattle. It was obvious that Brown didn't have a future with the Texans, hence the lengthy holdout, so it makes sense to trade him and get something in return. Seattle desperately needed help on the offensive line and even though Brown is 32, he'll help the Seahawks. Grade: B+ for both the Seahawks and Texans
Kelvin Benjamin to the Bills
Benjamin has an injured plagued history, but if he stays healthy this could be a great trade for the Bills. What doesn't make sense is why the Bills seem to be changing their mind. Buffalo looked like a team that was rebuilding. They traded WR Sammy Watkins in August and traded DT Marcell Dareus on Friday, both of whom are good players. Then they decided to trade for Kelvin Benjamin on Tuesday? It's like they decided to tank and rebuild and all of the sudden realized they're 5-2 and only a half-game behind the Patriots in the AFC East. It just doesn't seem to make much sense. And if I'm the Panthers I don't trade Benjamin. He's arguably your best receiver and the offense already isn't very good. So, after all of this, the Bills seemed to get worse, but are playing well and now have another top receiver on offense. The Jaguars defense just got even better with a Pro Bowl defensive tackle and the Panthers offense will continue to struggle. Okay, then.
Grade: C+ for the Bills, D for the Panthers
Jay Ajayi to the Eagles
Philadelphia is the best team in the league and just received a RB that rushed for 1,200-yards last season. What's not to like about this trade? Jay Ajayi will give Carson Wentz another weapon to get the ball too and he'll help out in the passing game both as a receiver and pass blocker. Great trade by the Eagles. If you're the Dolphins, your terrible offense just got even worse. Miami ranks last in points/game (13.2), 31st in rushing yards/game (76.4) and 30th in passing yards/game (176.0). Trading Ajayi won't help improve those numbers. Grade: A+ for the Eagles, F for the Dolphins
A.J. McCarron to the Browns (almost)
I can imagine the Browns brass sitting in a board room in Cleveland, high fiving, smiles on their face as they just agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals to acquire QB A.J. McCarron. Finally, Hue Jackson would have a quarterback, one he knows well from his time in Cincinnati, to build around in Cleveland. Problem was, the Browns forgot to send in the paperwork to the NFL office in time prior to the 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. Oops.
Part of me wonders how in the world does that happen -- there are rumors that some in the front office nixed the deal on purpose -- but nonetheless, let's remember who we're talking about here, the worst organization in professional sports, the Cleveland Browns. It's bad enough they passed on Carson Wentz two years ago, passed on Deshaun Watson in this year's draft, missed out on Jimmy Garoppolo and so many more mistakes too numerous to mention. If I'm a Browns fan, this is the final straw. The front office in Cleveland has zero clue what they're doing. It's time to stop going to games and hurt the Browns where it'll really hurt, their wallet. At least the Browns won't lose this week, they're on a bye.
Grade: F for the Browns, D for the Bengals (why trade your backup QB within the division?)
Crazy trade deadline and I hope we have this level of madness during next year's trade deadline, because it makes the season even more enjoyable.
Some of the guys I mentioned above will be making immediate impacts this week and heres how I see Week 9 shaping out.
Week 9 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
Buffalo (5-2) over N.Y. JETS (3-5)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET (NFL Network)
I'm just hoping for a good game Thursday night. Apart from Chiefs/Raiders a few weeks ago, these Thursday night games have been abysmal. Last week's Dolphins/Ravens game was one of the worst football games I've ever seen.
TENNESSEE (4-3) over Baltimore (4-4)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Don't let that 40-0 Ravens victory last week against the Dolphins make you think Baltimore has a terrific offense, because they don't. The Ravens defense scored three touchdowns last week and they did that against Matt Moore instead of the injured Jay Cutler. QB Joe Flacco suffered a concussion last week and his status for Sunday is still up in the air. Even if Flacco plays, I like the Titans to get the win at home.
NEW ORLEANS (5-2) over Tampa Bay (2-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Five wins in a row for the Saints and I don't see them losing this week to the Buccaneers. Watch out for New Orleans in the NFC South.
L.A. Rams (5-2) over N.Y. GIANTS (1-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Rams were probably disappointed their bye week came when it did. They had a ton of momentum heading into the bye winning their last two games by a combined score of 60-17 and showing the rest of the NFL they have one of the best offenses in the league. There's no reason to expect the Rams won't continue their success against a woeful Giants team.
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| The Eagles now have a dynamic duo in the backfield with Jay Ajayi (left) and LeGarrette Blount. (Photo courtesy of CSNPhilly.com) |
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Two teams going in completely different directions. The Eagles are arguably the best team in the NFL and they just got RB Jay Ajayi at the trade deadline on Tuesday. The Broncos on the other hand have lost three straight and look like they need to make a change at quarterback. Some thought it could be Paxton Lynch in for Trevor Siemian on Sunday, but Brock Osweiler will get the start at quarterback for the Broncos. Osweiler has played well in a Broncos uniform before, but not sure he'll play well on Sunday. Eagles win again.
Atlanta (4-3) over CAROLINA (5-3)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Falcons finally ended their losing streak last week with a win against the Jets and it came just in time. Atlanta's next three opponents are Carolina, Dallas and Seattle, with two of those games being on the road. As I discussed earlier, I don't get why the Panthers traded Kelvin Benjamin and I think their offense will struggle even more without him. Falcons get a much needed division win on the road.
JACKSONVILLE (4-3) over Cincinnati (3-4)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
If it weren't for DE Carlos Dunlap's pick-six in the fourth quarter last Sunday against the Colts, the Bengals are looking at 2-5 square in the face. Dunlap saved the game and possibly the Bengals season, for now, but things won't get easier as Cincinnati travels to Jacksonville to take on the number one rushing team in the league. Jaguars run the ball to victory.
HOUSTON (3-4) over Indianapolis (2-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
In there last five games, the Houston Texans have score 195 points (39 points/game) and QB Deshaun Watson has thrown for 1,472-yards and 18 TD. The Texans are 2-3 in those five games, but that kind of output from their offense, which is led by a rookie quarterback, is very encouraging. However, the Texans season was turned upside down on Thursday when Watson tore his ACL during practice and is now out for the season. I thought Houston had a chance to win the AFC South, but with Watson and J.J. Watt out for the year, their hopes look pretty bleak. They'll beat the Colts, but they may not win many more games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO (0-8) over Arizona (3-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
Now, the 49ers still don't have very many weapons for Garoppolo to get the ball too, but head coach Kyle Shanahan has a guy to build around. It'll take time, but if Garoppolo is as good as everyone seems to think he is, the 49ers just got a lot better. Garoppolo probably won't play this Sunday, but with Carson Palmer out for the Cardinals, I think the 49ers will play well knowing that there's now hope in San Francisco and they'll win their first game of the season.
SEATTLE (5-2) over Washington (3-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
I can't remember the last time a Seattle defense gave up 38 points and 509-yards of offense and still won the game. Probably because the Seahawks never give up that many points and yards on defense, especially at home, but QB Russell Wilson threw for a career-high 452-yards and Seattle out dueled the Texans. I don't expect Washington to put up those kind of numbers this week, but Seattle could light up the scoreboard again as the Redskins have given up 67 points in their last two games. Seahawks score a lot of points and give up fewer than 38 to get the win.
Kansas City (6-2) over DALLAS (4-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
In the Cowboys last four games, they've rushed for an average of 196.5 yards/game, with most of that coming via Ezekiel Elliott. Well, Elliott's suspension looks like it'll finally start this week, so with Elliott out, it'll be up to Darren McFadden and Alfred Morris to carry the load. Kansas City has the 28th ranked rushing defense in the league, so McFadden and Morris could find success, but the Cowboys are going to miss having Elliott in the backfield. Chiefs win a close one.
Oakland (3-5) over MIAMI (4-3)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
The Dolphins offense has been really bad at times this season and with Miami trading RB Jay Ajayi on Tuesday, they're not going to get any better. Oakland has not had the season everyone thought they would, but a win in Miami on Sunday night might just turn their season around. They'll need a win as their next game after the bye is against the Patriots in Mexico City.
GREEN BAY (4-3) over Detroit (3-4)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Look for a high scoring game Monday night. The Lions have lost four of their last five and have given up 26.4 points/game during the skid. Now, the Packers are still without Aaron Rodgers, so Brett Hundley has had the bye week to work with the first team offense and get more comfortable. One player who can help Hundley is rookie RB Aaron Jones, who has rushed for 297-yards in his last three games. If Jones can run the ball effectively, that'll make Hundley's job that much easier. Packers get the win at Lambeau on Monday night.
Bye: Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota, New England, Pittsburgh
Last Week: 10-3
Overall: 76-43 (.639)
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