Flea Flicker Week 4 Predictons

Is it really an NFL Sunday if the Minnesota Vikings aren't playing on it? We'll see. Here's a stab at the NFL games that remain.

Byes: Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers
Week 4 is way too early for byes.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Falcons
This could be a fun one.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Chicago Bears
Pick: Buccaneers
The Bears are feeling pretty great about themselves as they sit atop the NFC North.

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys
Pick: Lions
The Lions finally got out of their own way against the Patriots last week. Maybe staying out of their own way will continue.

Buffalo Bills @ Green Bay Packers
Pick: Packers
The Bills win last week over the Vikings was a fluke.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans
Pick: Eagles
The Eagles squeak out another win?

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
Pick: Colts
The Colts have shown some life this season. The Texans haven't.

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
Pick: Patriots
The Patriots find a way.

New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Jaguars
The Jaguars are probably feeling a little ornery after the egg that they laid against the Titans last week.

Cleveland Browns @ Oakland Raiders
Pick: Raiders
Can the fightin' Grudens finally play a complete game?

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Seahawks
It's Josh Rosen time in Arizona. I have to see something from him and the Cardinals before picking them to win a game.

New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants
Pick: Saints
This game could have some fireworks. I'm thinking that the Saints set off a few more than the Giants.

San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Chargers
Pick: Chargers
The loss of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending knee injury takes the fun out of this game.

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Pick: Steelers
Just going with the home team in this terrific rivalry.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos
Pick: Broncos
The Chiefs offense vs the Broncos defense should be fun.

Top 25 College Prospects. Take 2.

Former NFL scouts and current NFL Media Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah took a revised swing at their Top 25 prospects in college football. Brooks and Jeremiah are a fun analytical team. They've both done the work and they know their stuff. I highly recommend their Move The Sticks podcast. Here's their second version of the Top 25 prospects in college football.

1. Nick Bosa, DE
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior 
(Bucky Brooks ranking: 1; Daniel Jeremiah ranking: 1) 

Previous rank: 1 

Bosa was having a dominant season before suffering a core muscle injury against TCU 10 days ago. He is still the premier defensive talent in college football. -- DJ

2. Justin Herbert, QB
School: Oregon | Year: Junior 
(BB: 2; DJ: 2) 

Previous rank: 3 

Herbert saved his best showing for the biggest stage. He was deadly accurate against Stanford over the weekend and also displayed his impressive mobility. -- DJ

3. Ed Oliver, DT
School: Houston | Year: Junior 
(BB: 3; DJ: 3) 

Previous rank: 2 

The most disruptive interior defender in college football continues to enchant scouts with his exceptional first-step quickness. -- BB

4. Rashan Gary, DT
School: Michigan | Year: Junior 
(BB: 4; DJ: 5) 

Previous rank: 4 

Ultra-athletic defender with the versatility and explosiveness to play multiple positions along the defensive line. -- BB

5. Raekwon Davis, DL
School: Alabama | Year: Junior 
(BB: 8; DJ: 4) 

Previous rank: 5 

Davis is an ultra-physical player in the run game and he flashes upside against the pass. He stands out on a very destructive defensive line. -- DJ

5. Noah Fant, TE
School: Iowa | Year: Junior 
(BB: 6; DJ: 6) 

Previous rank: 9 

Big, athletic tight end with the size and playmaking ability to create mismatches in space. He fits the prototype that racks up catches in bunches in the NFL. -- BB

7. Greedy Williams, CB
School: LSU | Year: Sophomore (RS) 
(BB: 5; DJ: 8) 

Previous rank: 6 

Playmaking cover corner with a knack for finding the ball. Williams will be the next LSU standout to make his mark in the league as a lockdown CB. -- BB

8. Dexter Lawrence, DT
School: Clemson | Year: Junior 
(BB: 7; DJ: 7) 

Previous rank: 20 

Lawrence is healthier this season and it shows. He looks more explosive and is moving much better laterally. -- DJ

9. Deandre Baker, CB
School: Georgia | Year: Senior 
(BB: 9; DJ: 9) 

Previous rank: 23 

Junkyard dog on the island with the size, length and instincts to stymie top wide receivers with his aggressive approach. -- BB

10. Will Grier, QB
School: West Virginia | Year: Senior (RS) 
(BB: 10; DJ: 11) 

Previous rank: 8 

Grier is incredibly efficient and I love the poise he displays in the pocket. There are other quarterbacks with more size/arm strength, but he is operating at a high level. -- DJ

11. Drew Lock, QB
School: Missouri | Year: Senior 
(BB: 11; DJ: 12) 

Previous rank: 19 

One of the cleanest pocket passers you'll find in the collegiate ranks. Lock not only displays A-plus arm talent, but he is a rhythm thrower capable of dropping dimes with timing, touch and anticipation. -- BB

12. Jarrett Stidham, QB
School: Auburn | Year: Junior (RS) 
(BB: 15; DJ: 10) 

Previous rank: 16 

Stidham will miss some throws on occasion, but I still love his skill set. He can create plays with his legs and he's an effortless thrower. -- DJ

13. Byron Murphy, CB
School: Washington | Year: Sophomore (RS) 
(BB: 14; DJ: 15) 

Previous rank: Unranked 

Polished cover corner with a technically sound game and a nasty demeanor. Murphy can thrive in any scheme as a lockdown corner with the athleticism to play from distance or nose-to-nose. -- BB

14. Damien Harris, RB
School: Alabama | Year: Senior 
(BB: 13; DJ: 17) 

Previous rank: 17 

Alabama has an impressive stable of backs, but Harris continues to be very reliable. He has excellent vision and finishes every run. -- DJ

15. Devin White, LB
School: LSU | Year: Junior 
(BB: 18; DJ: 14) 

Previous rank: 18 

The LSU standout might be the best athlete in college football. He possesses a combination of size, speed and explosiveness that could make him a star at the next level. -- BB

15. Mack Willson, LB
School: Alabama | Year: Junior 
(BB: 16; DJ: 16) 

Previous rank: Unranked 

I haven't done a full workup on Wilson, but I love his combination of instincts and range. He is always around the football. -- DJ

17. A.J. Brown, WR
School: Mississippi | Year: Junior 
(BB: 20; DJ: 18) 

Previous rank: 14 

Brown isn't going to record a blazing 40-yard-dash time, but he has strong hands and is ultra-competitive after the catch. -- DJ

17. Derrick Brown, DT
School: Auburn | Year: Junior 
(BB: 17; DJ: 21) 

Previous rank: 24 

It's hard to find disruptive defenders with A-plus size, strength and movement skills, but Brown is the total package at defensive tackle. The 6-foot-5, 325-pounder (school measurements) is a five-star playmaker capable of taking over the game in the trenches. -- BB

17. Dwayne Haskins, QB
School: Ohio State | Year: Sophomore (RS) 
(BB: 12; DJ: NR) 

Previous rank: Unranked 

The gunslinger has lit up defenses with his pinpoint passing skills. Haskins is a rare find as a big-armed quarterback who has the patience and discipline to pick apart defenses with an assortment of quick-rhythm throws. -- BB

20. Daniel Jones, QB
School: Duke | Year: Junior (RS) 
(BB: NR; DJ: 13) 

Previous rank: Unranked 

Jones was playing at a very high level before suffering an injury (broken clavicle) in Week 2. He has ideal size, athleticism and arm talent. -- DJ

21. Greg Little, OT
School: Mississippi | Year: Junior 
(BB: 22; DJ: 19) 

Previous rank: 7 

Experienced edge blocker with the footwork, quickness and technical savvy to hold his own against elite pass rushers. -- BB

22. Dre'Mont Jones, DT
School: Ohio State | Year: Junior (RS) 
(BB: 23; DJ: 20) 

Previous rank: 15 

Big, athletic defensive tackles with playmaking ability are hard to find. That's why scouts are enamored with Jones' potential as a disruptive penetrator with explosive first-step quickness and burst. -- BB

23. N'Keal Harry, WR
School: Arizona State | Year: Junior 
(BB: 19; DJ: NR) 

Previous rank: Unranked 

Harry is similar to A.J. Brown in that he lacks elite speed, but he makes up for it with toughness and ball skills. He reminds me a little bit of Anquan Boldin. -- DJ

23. Kaden Smith, TE
School: Stanford | Year: Sophomore (RS) 
(BB: 21; DJ: 24) 

Previous rank: Unranked 

Smith is the next great Stanford tight end. He has made several contested catches in the early portion of the season. -- DJ

25. Christian Wilkens, DT
School: Clemson | Year: Senior 
(BB: 24; DJ: 22) 

Previous rank: 12 

Defensive coordinators can't wait to get their hands on guys like Wilkins, who can play anywhere from nose tackle to defensive end in a three- or four-man front. Wilkins' versatility and athleticism should make him a hot commodity when the draft rolls around in April. -- BB

*** 

Some thoughts on the list. 

-Is there ever an end to the defensive back assembly line up at Washington?

-Is there ever an end to the tight end assembly line at Stanford?

-If they are all part of the draft next April, the 2019 NFL Draft will be simply loaded with talented defensive tackle talent.
-Speaking of defensive line talent, the talent on Clemson's defensive line is simply ridiculous.
-Cal faces Justin Herbert tonight. Fun. He missed last year's game and the Ducks won by three touchdowns.

Vikings-Rams

The NFL wants offensive football. The NFL got offensive football last night from the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings. The Rams scored more. 38-31. It wasn't really so much the total points but the ease with which both teams put up those points. Neither defense really got in the way of either offense. I guess the NFL got what they wanted. If I wasn't so invested in the game as a Vikings fan maybe I would've enjoyed the offensive fireworks more. Personally, I'd rather it not be so damn easy for offenses.

The quarterback numbers:
Jared Goff: 26/33, 465 yards, 5 TDs, 158.3 passer rating
Goff averaged a ridiculous 14.1 yards for each of his 33 throws

Kirk Cousins: 36/50, 422 yards, 3 TDs, 117.3 passer rating
Cousins averaged a respectable 8.4 yards for each of his throws

The passing performance of each quarterback was terrific. The above numbers show that the scoring was a little easier for Goff and the Rams.

Most talking heads had taken to writing Goff off as a bust after his shaky 2016 rookie season. Those same talking heads were surprised when he rebounded beautifully last season. Most attributed his success last season to the arrival of Sean McVay as the Rams head coach. There's no doubt that it's a wonderful quarterback-coach pairing but anyone that's the least bit surprised at the way that Goff has played the last 21 games didn't watch him play at Cal for three seasons.

At this point in the 2018 NFL season it's fairly safe to say that the Vikings are an offensive football team. They've been known as a defensive football pretty much since the moment Mike Zimmer was hired as the head coach in 2014. The Vikings defense was the best in the league last season. They haven't looked like the best in the league this season. Last night they weren't even close. Granted, the Rams offense is probably the best in the league. They are loaded with talent and McVay is a brilliant playcaller. They added receiver Brandin Cooks in the offseason but it's still basically the same offense that the Vikings defense held to a single touchdown last season. Right now, the Vikings defense is reeling. They started the season in fine fashion against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1. They actually did ok against the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. The Packers offense only scored one touchdown but they kicked five field goals. Last Sunday, the Vikings defense struggled against a modest, at best, Buffalo Bills offense led by rookie quarterback Josh Allen. Last night, they were barely an obstacle for Goff and his little friends. It's tough to determine the source of the Vikings defensive difficulties. They certainly miss the pass rushing presence of defensive end Everson Griffen. On three of Goff's touchdown throws linebacker Anthony Barr was trailing the play in coverage. On the first touchdown he was trailing Todd Gurley. The Rams were in the red zone and Goff threw a nice pass over Barr's coverage. The other two touchdowns were deep throws to Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. I can't think of a single reason why Barr would be covering receivers down the field. That's a mismatch from the moment that the ball is snapped. It's no wonder that Goff passed for 465 yards and five touchdowns. Whatever is troubling the Vikings defense they now have 10 days to work on it. In 10 days they travel to Philadelphia to play the Eagles team that took them apart in the NFC Championship game last January.

Despite the offensive successes of both teams the game was ultimately decided by a couple defensive plays. Unfortunately, it was the Rams that made them. The Vikings had the ball, down by a touchdown, with just over two minutes to play. They had an opportunity to tie the score. The Rams defense led by Aaron Donald put a stop to that. The only turnover of the game came on the Vikings final offensive play.

The NFL didn't do the Vikings any favors with the scheduling of this game and they did a whole lot of favors for the Rams. It's been my understanding that these Thursday night games are scheduled so that the traveling team doesn't have to travel too far. Due to a long run of horrific games played on three days rest the league decided to throw the traveling team a bone. The traveling team is supposed to play in their own time zone. Or close to it. So I thought. The league sent the Vikings half way across the country. Not only that, they sent the Vikings half way across the country to play a Rams team that hasn't had to travel since Week 1. Also, this is Mike Zimmer's fifth season as the Vikings head coach. He has yet to coach a Thursday night home game. For five years the Vikings have traveled to their Thursday game.

The loss to the Rams drops the Vikings to 1-2-1. They were 2-2 at this point last season. The Vikings didn't lose their third game last season until Week 14. Maybe they can go on a similar run this season. To do that they have to play better. The offensive line needs to improve. The Rams game was the first game with all five starting linemen on the field. That's a step in the right direction. They need to get Dalvin Cook and the running game going. Cook still doesn't look right. Maybe the ten days off will get him right. The passing game is starting to click. If the running game can compliment the passing game well the Vikings offense will be tough to stop. They were tough to stop last night and they were very much one-dimensional. But, it's the defense that really needs to get it together. That's a stunning development. The talent is there for the defense to be as strong as it's ever been. The players just don't seem to be on the same page. I think that the retirement of cornerback Terence Newman is a big reason for that. He's now a Vikings coach but his guidance and calming presence is missed on the field. He played for Zimmer in Dallas, Cincinnati, and Minnesota. He knows the defense as well as anyone. Player or coach. When he was on the field the entire defense always appeared to be on the same page. Now that he's on the sideline there appears to be uncertainty. That was especially true last night against an offense designed to create uncertainty. As difficult as it was to play this game on three days rest, one practice, and a walk-through the Vikings now have ten days off. It's time for them to go on another run and it starts in Philadelphia.

Throwback Thursday: Cal In The Top 25

The California Golden Bears popped into the AP Top 25 this week. The news fell into the Throwback category simply because it feels like it's been so damn long since Cal football has reached such heights. Actually it wasn't all that long ago. Cal spent four weeks among the Top 25 in 2015, surging to a high of 20th. Then they lost four straight and haven't threatened the Top 25 since.

Current AP Top 25:

1.   Alabama
2.   Georgia
3.   Clemson
4.   Ohio State
5.   LSU
6.   Oklahoma
7.   Stanford
8.   Notre Dame
9.   Penn State
10. Auburn
11. Washington
12. West Virginia
13. Central Florida
14. Michigan
15. Wisconsin
16. Miami
17. Kentucky
18. Texas
19. Oregon
20. BYU
21. Michigan State
22. Duke
23. Mississippi State
24. Cal 
25. Texas Tech

In recent years, Cal has often gotten the hopes of their fans on a high note during the non-conference portion of their schedule. Cal's three wins this year have come against North Carolina, BYU, and Idaho State. The big win of the three is the one against BYU and because of that win it's a bit surprising to see the Cougars at #20. I guess the voting doesn't have to make sense. This year's nice start feels a little different because this Cal team is a little different. Under second-year head coach Justin Wilcox the Bears actually play defense. There wasn't a hint of defense during the four years that Sonny Dykes called the shots. Cal's Top 25 presence will get a real test this Saturday when they host Oregon.

Pro Football HOF Modern-Era Nominees

I'm two weeks late on this one. Two weeks ago, 102 Modern-era nominees for the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class were announced. It's a great honor to be a nominee but it's only the start of a long and often frustrating, painful process. Just ask the families of long-deserving players like Lavvie Dilweg, Duke Slater, Al Wistert, Mac Speedie, and Alex Karras. And those great players exhausted their Modern-era status years ago. The 102 nominees will be reduced to 25 semi-finalists in November and, from there, will be reduced to 15 finalists in January. On the eve of Super Bowl LIII, the voters will convene in Atlanta to decide the Hall of Fame fates of the 15 finalists, Senior finalist Johnny Robinson, and Contributor finalists Pat Bowlen and Gil Brandt.

The 102 Modern-era nominees include four first-year eligible players including tight end Tony Gonzalez, safety Ed Reed, cornerback Champ Bailey, and linebacker London Fletcher.

Here's the entire list of Modern-era Nominees from the Pro Football Hall of Fame website.

MODERN-ERA NOMINEES FOR THE PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019

*Finalist in 2018; Underline indicates first year of eligibility (Players and coaches must have last played or coached at least five full seasons to be eligible for nomination. Therefore, any individual who last played or coached in 2013 are eligible for the first time in 2019).

QUARTERBACKS

(5) – Randall Cunningham, Dave Krieg, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair

RUNNING BACKS

(14) — Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Earnest Byner, Larry Centers, Corey Dillon, Eddie George, *Edgerrin James, Darryl Johnston, Eric Metcalf (WR/KR/PR), Clinton Portis, Fred Taylor, Herschel Walker (also KR), Chris Warren, Ricky Watters

WIDE RECEIVERS

(9) — *Isaac Bruce, Gary Clark, Henry Ellard (also PR), Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Derrick Mason, Sterling Sharpe, Rod Smith, Hines Ward

TIGHT ENDS

(4) — Mark Bavaro, Tony Gonzalez, Brent Jones, Jay Novacek

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

(15) — Willie Anderson (T), *Tony Boselli (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ray Donaldson (C), *Alan Faneca (G), Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull (C), *Steve Hutchinson (G), Mike Kenn (T), Olin Kreutz (C), *Kevin Mawae (C/G), Tom Nalen (C), Chris Samuels (T), Richmond Webb (T), Steve Wisniewski (G)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

(7) — La’Roi Glover (DT/NT), Russell Maryland (DT), Leslie O’Neal (DE), Simeon Rice (DE), Richard Seymour (DT), Neil Smith (DE), Bryant Young (DT)

LINEBACKERS

(14) — Carl Banks, Cornelius Bennett, Tedy Bruschi, London Fletcher, Seth Joyner, Wilber Marshall, Clay Matthews, Willie McGinest (also DE), Karl Mecklenburg, Sam Mills, Chris Spielman, Takeo Spikes, Darryl Talley, Zach Thomas

DEFENSIVE BACKS

(18) — Eric Allen (CB), Steve Atwater (S), Champ Bailey (CB), Ronde Barber (CB/S), Bill Bates (S), LeRoy Butler (S), Nick Collins (S), Thomas Everett (S), Rodney Harrison (S), *Ty Law (CB), Albert Lewis (CB), *John Lynch (S), Tim McDonald (S), Ed Reed (FS), Dennis Smith (S), Troy Vincent (CB), Adrian Wilson (S), Darren Woodson (S)

PUNTERS/KICKER

(3) — Jason Elam (K), Jeff Feagles (P), Sean Landeta (P)

SPECIAL TEAMS

(2) — Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB), Steve Tasker (ST also WR)

COACHES

(11) — Don Coryell, Bill Cowher, Tom Flores, Jim Hanifan, Mike Holmgren, Jimmy Johnson, Richie Petitbon, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, Clark Shaughnessy, Dick Vermeil

***

If I had a Hall of Fame vote, and I really should, my 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class might look something like this.

Tony Gonzalez
Ed Reed
Tony Boselli
Steve Hutchinson
Sterling Sharpe
Johnny Robinson (finally)
Pat Bowlen
Gil Brandt

At least that's how I feel today. One of Ty Law, Kevin Mawae, or Edgerrin James could replace one of the above (not named Reed) tomorrow. The actual voters have a tough job. They have a tough job every year. Although they didn't do their job very well for the five years that Cris Carter didn't make it!

Flea Flicker Week 3 Power Rankings

Here's one look at how the 32 NFL teams rank after the first three weeks of the season.

1.   Los Angeles Rams (3-0)
2.   Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
3.   Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
4.   New Orleans Saints (2-1)
5.   Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)
6.   Miami Dolphins (3-0)
7.   Carolina Panthers (2-1)
8.   Minnesota Vikings (1-1-1)
9.   Washington Redskins (2-1)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
11. New England Patriots (1-2)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
13. Green Bay Packers (1-1-1)
14. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
15. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
16. Denver Broncos (2-1)
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1-1)
18. Chicago Bears (2-1)
19  Tennessee Titans (2-1)
20. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)
21. Cleveland Browns (1-1-1)
22. Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
23. Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
24. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
25. New York Jets (1-2)
26. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)
27. New York Giants (1-2)
28. Houston Texans (0-3)
29. Detroit Lions (1-2)
30. Buffalo Bills (1-2)
31. Oakland Raiders (0-3)
32. Arizona Cardinals (0-3)

Until next week.

Vikings-Bills

Well, that was a disaster. Everything went right for the Buffalo Bills in the first half as they jumped all over the Vikings early. 27-0 at the half. 27-6 at the end.

Trap game? Maybe. Did the Vikings look past the lowly Bills and towards their Thursday night date with the Los Angeles Rams? Perhaps. It's tough to know the mood, intentions of a team sitting where I'm sitting. When the Vikings announced on Friday that running back Dalvin Cook and defensive end Everson Griffen would sit against the Bills it felt like they were preserving the offensive and defensive stalwarts for a more important game. Especially considering that the more important game was being played on only three days of rest.

From the start, this was a game that simply, and completely fell the Bills' way. On the third play of the game Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson had Bills rookie quarterback Josh Allen wrapped up for a sack. Unfortunately, defensive tackle Linval Jospeh came in a beat late and hit Allen helmet-to-helmet. The Bills should've been punting and the Vikings offense should've been starting the game with good field position. Instead of punting the Bills were on their way to their first touchdown. The breaks kept coming for the Bills. The Vikings offense responded to the Bills early score with Kirk Cousins fumbles on their first two possessions. Each gave the Bills the ball at around the Vikings 20-yard line. One served up a touchdown. The other served up a field goal. Just like that, 17-0 Bills. A "lesser" team with nothing to lose was leading a "better" team that might've been looking ahead.

It's the NFL. The talent difference between teams isn't as great as most talking heads and all fans make it seem. If a "lesser" team can get a few breaks, gain some momentum, and get a decent lead, they can just tee off. They can take some risks. They can play the game on their terms. This was one of those games. It got away from the Vikings early and it stayed out of reach throughout. The game got away from them. So did the ball. It looked like they had some sort of ball repellent all game long. Cousins lost those two early fumbles. He had a couple he didn't lose. When the Bills put the ball on the ground it always found it's way back into their hands. Even on a beautifully executed onside kick at the end of game the ball somehow managed to avoid Vikings players. It was surrounded by three Vikings players and still found it's way out of bounds. Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs dropped what could've been a long touchdown. He doesn't drop passes. Adam Thielen had a drop. He doesn't drop passes. Bills linebacker Matt Milano even got himself an interception with some nifty footwork while he was flat on his back. The ball was as much the Vikings opponent as the Bills.

Positives for the Vikings in a game like this?
-Matt Wile had a 70-yard punt.
-Laquon Treadwell had no drops.
-C.J. Ham had a couple nice plays late in the game.
Positives are few in a game like this. It was actually great to see Treadwell make the plays that he made. On a day in which the ball seemed to be the mortal enemy of every player in purple Treadwell seemed to be friends with it. I hope that continues.

When very good teams, and the Vikings are a very good team, have a game like this early in the season I often think back to the 2003 New England Patriots. They opened the season with a 31-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills. That Patriots team managed to recover from that disaster and win the Super Bowl. It doesn't feel that way now but that outcome is still out there for the Vikings.

Flea Flicker Week 3 Predictions

We're on to Week 3.

Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings
Pick: Vikings
The Vikings can't have a letdown with three too-short days in between their too-soon Thursday night game with the Los Angeles Rams.

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Falcons
This has become one of the league's great rivalries. Usually unpredictable. Always fun.

Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: Eagles
Carson Wentz returns. Through two games, the Colts have looked better than some expected.

Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins
Pick: Packers
The Packers might have to rest Aaron Rodgers one of these weeks if they hope to have him for a full season. They might not be able to wait until the Week 7 bye. Until they keep him out, the Packers will often be the pick.

San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: 49ers
The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes come back to earth for a week. Maybe?

Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins
Pick: Raiders
Can the Raiders finally put a full game together?

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick: Jaguars
The Jaguars have to win these division games (and they will be favored in all of them) if they want to be as great as they think they are.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers
Pick: Panthers
This game has the potential to be a really fun game. If they weren't playing at the same time as the Vikings, it'd be tough to decide between this game and the Saints-Falcons game as the one I'd watch.

Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens
Pick: Ravens
I'm simply going with the home team on this one.

New York Giants @ Houston Texans
Pick: Texans
There might not be two more disappointing teams through the first two weeks.

Los Angeles Cahrgers @ Los Angeles Rams
Pick: Rams
The Battle for L.A. If Joey Bosa were playing I might've picked the Chargers. He changes games.

Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Seahawks
A coin flip.

Chicago Bears @ Arizona Cardinals
Pick: Cardinals
Surprise. The Cardinals finally look like an NFL team. Maybe?

New England Patriots @ Detroit Lions
Pick: Patriots
This Sunday night game looked intriguing, if not great, when the schedule was released. I guess that it's still intriguing.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Steelers
This game probably looked like something of a yawner when the schedule was released. Now it looks like it could be the game of the week. I'm picking the Steelers but I'm not sure if their defense can handle what Ryan Fitzpatrick and the boys are doing right now. No matter which team actually wins it shouldn't be a defensive, low-scoring game.

The Gifted Seniors

The Pro Football Hall of Fame recently posted this list of players that played the great game of football into their 40s. The list is made up of mostly quarterbacks, kickers, and punters. The players that seem to have another layer of protection placed upon them with each passing year. The most remarkable are those that aren't quarterbacks, kickers, or punters. Darrell Green, Jerry Rice, Jackie Slater, Bruce Smith, Junior Seau, Jim Marshall, Jeff Van Note, and the incredible Nessers in particular.

Hall of Famers are highlighted.

Player	Pos.	Last Season/Team	Birthdate
-48-
George Blanda	QB-K	1975 Oakland Raiders	September 17, 1927
-47-
Morten Andersen	K	2007 Atlanta Falcons	August 19, 1960
-45-
Ben Agajanian	K	1964 San Diego Chargers	August 28, 1919
Gary Anderson	K	2004 Tennessee Titans	July 16, 1959
John Carney	K	2010 New Orleans Saints	April 20, 1964
Bobby Marshall	E	1925 Duluth Kelleys	March 12, 1880
John Nesser	G-T	1921 Columbus Panhandles	April 25, 1876
-44-
Steve DeBerg	QB	1998 Atlanta Falcons	January 19, 1954
Warren Moon	QB	2000 Kansas City Chiefs	November 18, 1956
Eddie Murray	K	2000 Washington Redskins	August 29, 1956
Vinny Testaverde	QB	2007 Carolina Panthers	November 13, 1963
Adam Vinatieri*	K	2018 Indianapolis Colts	December 28, 1972
-43-
Ray Brown	G	2005 Washington Redskins	December 12, 1962
Matt Bryant*	K	2018 Atlanta Falcons	May 29, 1975
Phil Dawson*	K	2018 Arizona Cardinals	January 23, 1975
Jeff Feagles	P	2009 New York Giants	March 7, 1966
Doug Flutie	QB	2005 New England Patriots	October 23, 1962
Lou Groza	T-K	1967 Cleveland Browns	January 25, 1924
Sean Landeta	P	2005 Philadelphia Eagles	January 6, 1962
Jan Stenerud	K	1985 Minnesota Vikings	November 26, 1942
Matt Turk	P	2011 Houston Texans/Jacksonville Jaguars	June 16, 1968
-42-
Darrell Green	CB	2002 Washington Redskins	February 15, 1960
Jason Hanson	K	2012 Detroit Lions	June 7, 1970
John Kasay	K	2011 New Orleans Saints	October 27, 1969
Shane Lechler	P	2017 Houston Texans	August 7, 1976
Earl Morrall	QB	1976 Miami Dolphins	May 17, 1934
Jerry Rice	WR	2004 Oakland Raiders/Seattle Seahawks	October 13, 1962
-41-
Bryan Barker	P	2005 St. Louis Rams	June 28, 1964
Tom Brady*	QB	2018 New England Patriots	August 3, 1977
Mark Brunell	QB	2011 New York Jets	September 17, 1970
Brett Favre	QB	2010 Minnesota Vikings	October 10, 1969
Lee Johnson	P	2002 Philadelphia Eagles	November 27, 1961
Trey Junkin	TE	2002 New York Giants	January 23, 1961
Jim Marshall	DE	1979 Minnesota Vikings	December 30, 1937
Jackie Slater	T-G	1995 St. Louis Rams	May 27, 1954
Matt Stover	K	2009 Indianapolis Colts	January 27, 1968
Ken Strong	HB-K	1947 New York Giants	April 21, 1906
-40-
Darren Bennett	P	2005 Minnesota Vikings	January 9, 1965
Charlie Conerly	QB	1961 New York Giants	September 19, 1921
Len Dawson	QB	1975 Kansas City Chiefs	June 20, 1935
Vince Evans	QB	1995 Oakland Raiders	June 14, 1955
Joe Ferguson	QB	1990 Indianapolis Colts	April 23, 1950
Jim Hart	QB	1984 Washington Redskins	April 29, 1944
Matt Hasselbeck	QB	2015 Indianapolis Colts	September 25, 1975
Mike Horan	P	1999 St. Louis Rams	February 1, 1959
Sebastian Janikowski*	K	2018 Seattle Seahawks	March 2, 1978
Brad Johnson	QB	2008 Dallas Cowboys	September 13, 1968
Sonny Jurgensen	QB	1974 Washington Redskins	August 23, 1934
Dave Krieg	QB	1998 Tennessee Oilers	October 20, 1958
Pat Leahy	K	1991 New York Jets	March 19, 1951
Nick Lowery	K	1996 New York Jets	May 27, 1956
Bruce Matthews	OL	2001 Tennessee Titans	August 8, 1961
Clay Matthews	LB	1996 Atlanta Falcons	March 15, 1956
Phil Nesser	G-T-WB	1921 Columbus Panhandles	December 10, 1880
Sav Rocca	P	2013 Washington Redskins	November 20, 1973
Junior Seau	LB	2009 New England Patriots	January 19, 1969
Bruce Smith	DE	2003 Washington Redskins	June 18, 1963
Jim Thorpe	HB	1928 Chicago Cardinals	May 28, 1888
Johnny Unitas	QB	1973 San Diego Chargers	May 7, 1933
Jeff Van Note	C	1986 Atlanta Falcons	February 7, 1946
Wade Wilson+	QB	1999 Oakland Raiders	February 1, 1959

* Player on an active roster during the 2018 NFL season
Hall of Fame member indicated in italics.
+ Wilson was on active roster in 1999 but did not play in any games.

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart After Roster Moves

The Minnesota Vikings made some significant roster changes this week. In-season moves are common in the NFL. Most are scattered, minor, often injury-related tweaks. The Vikings added three players that should play significant roles immediately. Kicker Dan Bailey, defensive tackle Tom Johnson, and receiver Aldrick Robinson could all be active for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Robinson's status is probably the most iffy of the three. Considering the pass-catching issues of receivers not named Adam Thielen or Stefon Diggs it's probably time to try some new hands.

It was clear that the Vikings were making a Super Bowl run when they paid Kirk Cousins what they paid him. Adding Sheldon Richardson and George Iloka showed that they weren't standing still on an already strong defense. It's Super Bowl or bust in Minnesota. That's a very good thing. Now, they have to bring it all together on the field.

After this week's moves, the Vikings depth chart requires another look.

Offense

Quarterback
  8 Kirk Cousins
  3 Trevor Siemian
  1 Kyle Sloter

Halfback
33 Dalvin Cook
25 Latavius Murray
44 Mike Boone
32 Roc Thomas

Fullback
30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver
19 Adam Thielen
11 Laquon Treadwell

Tight end
82 Kyle Rudolph
89 David Morgan
83 Tyler Conklin

Left Tackle
71 Riley Reiff

Left Guard
79 Tom Compton
78 Bryan Witzmann

Center
65 Pat Elflein
61 Brett Jones

Right Guard
74 Mike Remmers
63 Danny Isidora

Right Tackle
69 Rashod Hill
75 Brian O'Neill

Wide Receiver
14 Stefon Diggs
15 Brandon Zylstra

17 Aldrick Robinson

Defense

Left Defensive End
99 Danielle Hunter
90 Tashawn Bower

Defensive Tackle
93 Sheldon Richardson
92 Jalyn Holmes

Nose Tackle
98 Linval Joseph
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Tom Johnson

Right Defensive End

97 Everson Griffen
91 Stephen Weatherly

Weakside Linebacker
42 Ben Gedeon
50 Eric Wilson

Middle Linebacker
54 Eric Kendricks
57 Devante Downs

Strongside Linebacker
55 Anthony Barr

Left Cornerback
26 Trae Waynes
21 Mike Hughes

Right Cornerback
29 Xavier Rhodes
20 Mackensie Alexander
35 Marcus Sherels
24 Holton Hill

Strong Safety
34 Andrew Sendejo
27 Jayron Kearse
38 Tray Matthews

Free Safety
22 Harrison Smith
41 Anthony Harris

Special Teams

Kicker
  5 Dan Bailey

Punter
  6 Matt Wile

Long snapper
47 Kevin McDermott

Kick Returner
35 Marcus Sherels
21 Mike Hughes

Punt Returner
35 Marcus Sherels
21 Mike Hughes

***

Suspended

40 Kentrell Brothers, LB

Injured Reserve

62 Nick Easton, G

61 Ade Aruna, DE

51 Hercules Mata'afa, DL

48 Johnny Stanton, FB

87 Josiah Price, TE

68 Cedrick Lang, OT

76 Aviante Collins, OT

64 Josh Andrews, G

31 Mack Brown, RB

36 Craig James, CB

38 Tray Matthews, S

24 Horace Richardson, CB

There are too damn many players on injured reserve. 

Practice Squad

73 Colby Gossett, G

12 Chad Beebe, WR

85 Jeff Badet, WR

43 Reshard Cliett, LB

66 Curtis Cothran, DT

72 Storm Norton, OT

58 Garrett Dooley, LB

67 Cornelius Edison, C

31 Jalen Myrick, CB
83 Cole Hkutini, TE