Just a hunch, and a highly partisan one at that, but I think it will be the Astros’ turn to get a come-from-behind win in Game Three tonight in Philly. With those Phanatical Fans in the stands and Sydergaard on the mound, the Phils may well get off to a hot start. But the ‘Stros will have the last word.

My first thought when I saw the Cowboys and Bears line up for Sunday’s opening kickoff was, “Are you kidding? Both of these teams have iconic uniforms. And they have both chosen not to wear them.” (Not a fan of the Bears’ orange helmets and jerseys, and I’ll never be a fan of those dingy and cheap looking Dallas blue jerseys, especially when they wear them voluntarily.)

OK, but my second thought quickly became, “The Cowboys are legit,” after they took the opening kickoff and drove it down for a quick seven. And then followed that with three more scores on their next three possessions.

The ‘Boys are 6-2. They don’t have many holes. That’s at least a top-three defense. The offensive line is gelling. Pollard is a neutron bomb. The bye week is coming at exactly the right time, as it will give both Zeke and Parsons a chance to get healthy. 

I’ll have a better read on where the Cowboys stand after they visit the Vikings three weeks from now. “Don’t overlook the Packers first,” you say?  Whatever. Although Green Bay rookie WR Samori Toure is starting to “get it.”

The Bears?  Justin Fields is a truly phenomenal athlete. And now he is at least starting to learn how to play quarterback. Although he should probably consider bothering to touch down opponents who recover his team’s fumbles.

Of course Derrick Henry ran for 200-plus yards. He does that a lot. And he seemingly does that every time he plays the Texans.

Hey, we all love our team above all others. But can we admit we’re all a little envious of Bills Mafia? “I’ll have what they’re having.” Along with Chiefs Nation, that’s the best and most lovable fan base in the NFL.

There is no truth to the rumor that Christian McCaffrey also drove the Niners’ team bus to the airport after (yet another) thumping of the Rams. Dude ran for a TD, caught a TD pass, and threw a TD pass. Imagine how good he’ll be after he learns the remaining 90 percent of the playbook. And imagine how good SF is going to be after that defense and Deebo get healthy. Beware.

The Jets really blew an opportunity. The Giants? Water will find its level. The Giants are good, but not great.

You want great, or at least a great job? Look up, “Carroll, Pete.” The Seahawks have been the league’s most pleasant surprise. And Geno is everything you would want in a leader.

Yes, I will give Russell Wilson some credit. He made a couple of really big plays late in that game across the pond.

As a result, Jacksonville sinks to 2-6. And the Jags could easily…easily…be 6-2.

Anyone who thinks J.J.Watt was mocking former Viking great Jared Allen by replicating Allen’s classic, “Rope ‘em up” sack dance is a moron. J.J. was paying tribute to Allen, who was in the stands in Minneapolis after being inducted into the Vikings’ Ring of Honor. Jeez…

Jimbo called Kiffin a clown in the offseason. Who’s wearing the red nose and the floppy shoes now?

Georgia and Tennessee are now 1-2 in the AP Poll. What? You mean they play each other Saturday? That does not suck. Yeah. I’ll prolly watch that instead of
HGTV.

American sports are often a microcosm of American culture. This tidal wave of anti-Semitism is an alarming case in point. I’m telling you friends, this is getting scary, and completely reflective of the neo-fascism that threatens our country.

So Michigan State has suspended four players who were in the middle of that Saturday night stadium tunnel assault of a Michigan player. Sparty ought to cancel the remainder of its football season. I’m not kidding. Shameful. “Lack of institutional control.”

You didn’t really think I was going to leave this daily space without first ripping Panthers’ WR D.J. Moore a new one, did you?  You want a mug shot of the Proverbial Selfish Modern Athlete”? Go to the Panthers’ website and hit the roster tab. Make a great play to give your team a chance to win a big divisional game. Then turn into a preening jackass and KEEP your team from winning a big divisional game. Keep your helmet on, man. You ain’t that good-looking dude.

Happy Halloween. I’m going as a cranky old man.