This article is part of our NFL Observations series.
It could have been better, but it could also have been worse. I had the Chiefs plus 3.5, and that was easier money than I had expected. I also had Justin Tucker, who never misses, and while he didn't have a great game, he did his part. But Mark Andrews had two drops, including a long TD, and while Clyde Edwards-Helaire played well, he didn't get into the end zone.
- Patrick Mahomes is at the Russell Wilson level -- it doesn't matter who the defense is or where the game is played. If he has the attempts, he'll put up the stats. It was a little annoying with Tyreek Hill and CEH on my teams that two of the TDs went to nobodies, and Mahomes ran in another.
- The Chiefs spread the ball around which means fewer monster games for one player, but Hill and Kelce always seem to get theirs. Mecole Hardman (6-4-81-1) also had a mini-breakout, even with Sammy Watkins (8-7-62) active.
- Edwards-Helaire broke a lot of tackles, got 20 carries and went 5-for-70 as a receiver, including a 24-yard reception on a wheel route. But most of his catches were designed plays as Mahomes rarely checks down, preferring instead to keep the play alive and go down the field. This means Edwards-Helaire probably doesn't have the Alvin Kamara/Austin Ekeler upside as a pass catcher. Think 50-60 catches, not 80-100. But it's obvious CEH is a good player.
- Harrison Butker missed a PAT and a field goal. There's no doubt about his leg, but there's only one Justin Tucker.
- Lamar Jackson never got into a rhythm. Mark Andrews did him no favors with the drops, but Jackson rarely had time to get the ball down the field to Marquise Brown and took off right away when things broke down rather than buying time to throw. Jackson can do amazing things, but he's not in the Wilson/Mahomes class yet.
- The Ravens running backs are likely to be frustrating all year. Jackson will probably lead the team in rushing again with Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins each having the odd good game.
- What's with all the phantom horse-collar penalties in Week 3? Rule No. 1 for refs: A sin of commission is much worse than a sin of omission.
