Takeaways, analysis of another wild week

It really is any given Sunday in the National Football League. One of the reasons I've always preferred the professional to quasi-am version of America's Game is the relatively closer competition. There are no Alabama vs. Rice matchups in the NFL. But, this season is testing that theory on a weekly basis. 

I'm not simply talking about one-off blowouts here or there, it's been all around the league the past couple weeks and seemingly good teams have been on both sides, which makes even less sense. 

Without further ado, 10 things from NFL Week 10

1. The Browns went on the road after blowing out the Bengals only to get blown out by the Patriots. If you know what to make of a hobbled Baker Mayfield leading the Browns, let me know. On the other side, it looks like Bill Belichick is back to being himself.
2. The Steelers deserved to lose to the Lions, who didn't deserve to win. Yes, the league's first tie of the season came in miserable conditions in Pittsburgh with both teams playing terrible. That's one way for the Steelers' hot streak to end, I guess.
3. What to make of the Ravens? The same team that seemingly got back in a groove two weeks ago travels to Miami and lays that egg against the hapless Dolphins. Any given Thursday, amirite?
4. The Bengals are the real winners of the week. Reporter Kelsey Conway will have more on this later, but with everyone in the division losing or tying, the Bengals control their own destiny the rest of the way. Buckle up, fans.
5. Yep, he's baaaaaack. Cam Newton returned to play for the Panthers and made an impact immediately. His first two touches were both touchdowns. It's going to be fun watching him lead them down the stretch.
6. If anyone was wondering, Kyler Murray is the straw that stirs the drink for the Cardinals. Hand up, I consistently forget Colt McCoy is still in the league and yesterday proved why. They might still control the NFC West, but too many key pieces are missing for the Cardinals right now. 
7. The egg the Buccaneers left at FedEx Field yesterday was impressive. Degenerate, er, dedicated listeners of the final segment of BBP will remember I called the Football Team playing them close. Never thought they'd lose. Anyhow, the NFC South will be the most interesting division to watch outside the AFC North the rest of the way.
8. Speaking of eggs, how about that Raiders offense last night? The lack of execution when it was clear the Chiefs would be making it a track meet was confusing. Derek Carr is the most confusing QB in the league, for my money – he's Forrest Gump's box of chocolates.
9. Speaking of those Chiefs. I lost count of how many times Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth mentioned last night's performance was what everyone thought we'd be getting from the Chiefs. It's getting near winning time and Pat Mahomes & Co. aren't going anywhere. 
10. Playoffs? With the tide turning seemingly weekly, I have no idea what the playoffs will look like. The most intriguing is the AFC, where it feels like right now the Chiefs and Patriots are the two best teams. However, the Titans have the advantage right now and don't appear to be going away anytime soon thanks to the worst division in the football. Good luck, let me know if you have it figured out.

Well done, soccer fans

While my work means rarely, if ever, being at live events, USMNT-Mexico was one I wish I could've attended. From the national anthem to the play and eventual win, the night looked incredible. 

The show put on there could help build the case for Cincinnati as a host of World Cup games in 2026. Imagine USMNT-Germany in front of 60K+ at Paul Brown Stadium. 

Well done, indeed.

Xavier Big Man gets it done

Jason Kokrak came from behind to win the Houston Open yesterday, capturing his third win in just over a year. Good stuff from the hard-hitting Canadian.