[Letitroll98]

Now that a bunch of sport betting companies are sponsoring sporting events, one has to wonder when strange calls and strange coaching decisions are made(such as kicking a field goal with 4 seconds left to go when the kicking team is 10 points behind).

That's a huge problem for the NFL.  Now that they've embraced sports betting every bad call is under scrutiny.  I don't think 345 Park Ave cares who wins, other than in the playoffs, but they do want games to be close to keep viewers watching.  So I assume there's subtle pressure on the refs to keep games close.  And this comes from the magical, mysterious, unknown sky judge talking in the referee's ear.  That official is never named, and they're never held accountable, and they're making calls that determine games and seasons.  It's not that the NFL has been corrupted by organized gambling, it's the appearance that they could be that's a huge issue.  The biggest mistake the sport has ever made.

[JCarney]

I guess Jeff George, Jim Harbaugh, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck were not available?

Awesome!

JCarney

[FireGuy]

We will see if Drake Maye will have success against the Bills today.  This appears to be his most important game in 2025.  Overall record is 14-12 against winning teams, which is not top tier.  He's got Josh to deal with (again) and history says JA does amazing work when the game drops into the significant level.  I don't see Drake getting beyond a marginal effort today plus the Bills got players back from injury.  Play on!

[vrao81]

Bills won! Big comeback.
Queefs lose!!! And out of playoffs!
All dynasties must end.

[SteveFord]

Shame about the Chiefs and Mahomes getting hurt.
They'll be back in the thick of things next year.

Lions/Rams was a good one, I wouldn't mind seeing the Rams win the Super Bowl again.

[Letitroll98]

Shame about the Chiefs and Mahomes getting hurt.
They'll be back in the thick of things next year.

Lions/Rams was a good one, I wouldn't mind seeing the Rams win the Super Bowl again.

Six to twelve months recovery depending on the severity of the injury.  I've learned more about this than I ever wanted to when my son at age 36 had a catastrophic knee and foot injury.  His was way worse than anything you see on a football field, but I learned all the terminology and recovery prognosis for these injuries.  Mahomes may not be back until October or November.

On another note, the Eagles beat the Raiders with statistics not seen since the 1950s and early 60s.  31-0 and it wasn't that close.  Something like 70 total yards from the Raiders?  Is that right?  A lot of great games yesterday, the Bills comeback, Dallas eliminated from the playoffs, 44 yo grandpa Philip Rivers playing okay in a close loss, and more.

[AllanS]

44 yo grandpa Philip Rivers playing okay in a close loss, and more.

It seems like just a week ago I heard he was coming out of retirement but I thought he was going to the practice squad. Five years on the sofa to starting in a week?

[JCarney]

It seems like just a week ago I heard he was coming out of retirement but I thought he was going to the practice squad. Five years on the sofa to starting in a week?

Phillip Rivers has, and always will be, a competitor. At 39 he walked away from the game, and at 44, he decided to returned to the game for some reason that I do not understand. Even though he preformed admirably, he did show his age, and then some. Dude has some balls.

JCarney

[SteveFord]

Giants are battling mightily for a first round draft pick, Chargers looked really good, the Lions appear to be waking up for a little bit and Metcalf is going to wish he hadn't punched some guy in the stands.

[ArthurDent]

... and Metcalf is going to wish he hadn't punched some guy in the stands.

He's a very good player, but way too much attitude to go with the skill, not a great team player. Likely the main reason the Seahawks moved him down the road. Will be interesting to see what the league does to address that incident.  What an amazing week of games from Thurs night to Sunday. What can one say about 'da Bears', helluva game. After the 'hawks game Thurs thought I'd seen it all, but it was only the beginning.  Officiating has been interesting as well, apparently tackling the receiver (before he has the ball) is no longer pass interference. Kudo's to the Pats for letting that go and staying focused on finishing the game, to the Steelers as well, great games. Tomorrow night should be interesting as well as with the 49ers v Indy. Go Indy, every little bit helps given the Seahawks last two games (Panthers & 49ers) will be challenges, no ducks this time of year.

[Letitroll98]

My son and I had a debate about the Metcalf incident.  He said it's a fine and a one game suspension, I said it has to be a multigame suspension, meaning the rest of the year, likely including the playoffs.  He said you have to look at NFL "case law", in other words what have they done in similar situations.  I couldn't remember when a player punched a fan in the seats, much less what the punishment was.  He looked online and couldn't find a similar case.  Lamar Jackson pushed a fan in the tunnel, but nobody striking a fan in the stands.  What do the brilliant minds around here think?

[rodge827]

Hmmm this is a good one. Not only Metcalf but the NFL could be on the hook for this one.

Fan- Choose between 4 season tickets for life or $100,000-$250,000 settlement!

Metcalf - Goodbye done for the season and maybe part of next season! Big fine and can be sued by the fan!

Young guys making a sh*t ton of money need to be brought back down to earth! Punishment should be severe due to the nature of the situation so hopefully it never happens again!

[AllanS]

The cynic in me says the NFL decision will be delayed while assessing the impact on ratings/ad revenue.