A note for new readers: Jim Monos scouted for the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints and served as the director of personnel for the Buffalo Bills. Today, he runs personnel for the UFL. He also co-hosts the “Real Football” podcast with me and riffs on all games each week with the Monos Report.
ICYMI, two new pods posted…
Peter King, ‘The Game’ and a life at the eye of the pro football storm
By Jim Monos
Jacksonville 19, Philadelphia 17
Criminal! Field goals and punts are last-resort or game-winning options only. Games are never won or lost by one play but this truly is a game-changing wrong decision by a head coach who is paid to choose directly. I believe in the quote: “Players win games, coaches lose them.” This London fiasco is a perfect example. Parker Washington is a complete player in terms of route running, hands, body control, strength and athleticism.
Houston 26, Tennessee 3
I thought Cam Ward showed signs of life the last half of 2025 season but clearly that was the height of his film. Dominant win for Houston and the Texans season is far from over. CJ Stroud continues to show he is a good starting quarterback. When he gets consistent with decision-making and timing, he will take the Texans to the next level. A running game and that Top 5 defense showing up would help out, too. Titans are depressing. Robert Saleh is a very successful defensive coordinator. Leave it there.
Minnesota 23, New Orleans 13
Best showing for Kyler Murray and a Vikings offense basically building the plane while in the air. Brian Flores and the defense are the talk of the league. Absolutely shut down a Saints offense that has shown the ability to light it up. Not even close. The talent on this Vikings team is evident and if Murray becomes more comfortable and turnover-free this team can contend for a Super Bowl. Saints are not good on defense, look developmental on offense and can still win the NFC South. That’s week-to-week life in the NFL.
New England 45, Las Vegas 17
Patriots defense has been consistently very good each week. They currently rank sixth in points per play giving this team time to get healthy and consistent on offense. Vegas was due for a game like this. No running game against the Patriots is a recipe for disaster. No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza made his debut and, as good as Cousins has played for Vegas, they can go ahead do the right thing and turn this team over to Mendoza. Neither Cousins or Mendoza are good enough to beat the big boys in the AFC so why delay the inevitable. Mendoza time in Sin City.
Pittsburgh 34, Indianapolis 22
Nice to see new names as the stars of the show in Pittsburgh with running back Jaylon Warren and wide receiver Germie Bernard making plays for Aaron Rodgers. Mammoth Darnell Washington is must-watch as a blocker and receiver. Pure bully. Is it time for Anthony Richardson in Indy? Neither Jones or Richardson are the answer so have some fun with Richardson and Taylor in the backfield. Steelers are intriguing to me with their style of offense and are showing up on defense as well.
Green Bay 31, Chicago 7
Quick reminder of what an NFL MVP-level quarterback looks like against a fringe NFL backup. The Packers showed up around a standout performance from Love. Long season in Wisconsin waiting for Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons but wins like this are like getting a birdie on 18. Your walk to the golf-course bar is just a little more brisk with your head held high. It does not mean you do not have plenty of issues to fix in your game but that birdie makes you excited to play the next time. Time for the Caleb/Ben Johnson show to resume.
New York Giants 27, Washington 27
Players win games, coaches lose them. Or tie them in this case. Unacceptable stuff from Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels. It is always the head coach’s fault but the quarterback should be aware. Nobody had a clue what to do — just watch the replay. Strange. Daniels is so fun to watch but how accountable and professional he becomes will ultimately decide his future. Giants are tough, but not good enough. I’m ready for McCarthy/Skattebo backfield. The Jameis Show is always fun but seen it so many times.
New York Jets 17, Cleveland 12
This score matches the weather. Ugly northeast, rainy game made for Geno Smith and running back Braelon Allen to use their toughness to get the win. Allen brings 235 pounds of power in the mud, which is a quarterback’s best friend. Deshaun Watson looks fine and competitive enough. A better running game (currently 21st yards per game) and the Browns offense would be a threat.
Cincinnati 31, Miami 24
Score looks better than this game was actually played. Joe Burrow and this offense are so tough and not even fully clicking yet. Miami hung around and fought for some late scores… that some people gambling found interesting. But in terms of football talent, Miami is along for the ride at this point and evaluating their roster. Cincy gearing up for big things on offense as we progress.
Denver 23, Los Angeles Chargers 17
Shocker: Justin Herbert was a turnover-meltdown machine in the biggest moments of a very winnable game. It is a clunky offense and I’m hard on Herbert but in reality they are not overly talented on offense to overcome average QB play. Herbert needs to actually produce like a Top-10 talent instead of live off his reputation. Denver steals a win. The Broncos offense is not looking like I had envisioned. Not really sure how Bo Nix and company won when you only throw for 123 yards? Answer is Justin Herbert.
San Francisco 32, Seattle 29
Championship-quality game in terms of talent and coaching. Can give you more filler or I can sum this up by saying one name: Mike Evans. Truly an all-time talent. He makes my all-time Top-10 talented receivers to ever play. Jerry Rice is not on that list but that is for the pod. Darnold is so good and so scary. His turnovers show up every game. If Darnold plays turnover-free, they are so tough but the running game has suffered.
Detroit 45, Arizona 21
The Lions needed a get-right game. Enter: good ‘ol Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals. The Cardinals have some young talent but games like this show you the gap in a new team with a first-year head coach against a veteran group in Detroit. All the Lions toys were on display and shining. Jahmyr Gibbs a rare talent.
Baltimore 30, Atlana 23
Nice for a quality backup quarterback like Snoop Huntley to have a monster running back and an overall rushing attack to help you in your first start this season. Falcons and Michael Penix Jr. are like a high-scoring NBA team. The fastballs are distributed to multiple players and Atlanta is fun to watch, and then Penix gets injured. Same old story. Tua Tagovailoa does his thing delivering an interception to seal the Baltimore victory. Any win with a backup is huge and Baltimore is primed for their championship run.
Buffalo 37, Los Angeles Rams 34
Best for last. Allen vs. Stafford felt like watching LeBron James vs Kevin Durant. Unstoppable. No defense for Matthew Stafford and two all-time route-runners in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Absolute mismatch with Buffalo secondary. And the Rams had no answer for Allen running over (and away) from everyone. Both quarterbacks are special. Sign me up for this Super Bowl. Love how Joe Brady kept giving James Cook the ball through the fumbles. Those punchouts are real. Cook has had this issue for two seasons now but his talent and production allow for some tolerance. Players win games, coaches lose them.