| Rams |
over |
Patriots |
The Patriots do well when they can win games with Cam running and with a deep backfield, supplemented by the defense. The Rams can throw that off by bringing pressure up front and forcing Cam to pass. The Patriots are still weakest in their run D and the Rams have gotten into a groove with their young committee to take pressure off Goff. |
| Bears |
over |
Texans |
The Bears were able to get their running game going with Montgomery and could have won until Trubisky fumbled away the game. Watson still is the much better first-round QB, but Trubisky is the one who can lean on the rushing attack against a bad Houston run D and know his pass D will be eager to rebound. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Bengals |
Dalton revenge game, except he won't get to duel Burrow. That's a big break for the Cowboys, facing a weak Bengals' O-line and no running game without Mixon. The Cowboys can get their running game rolling again with Elliott and Dalton's receivers have good matchups across the board. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Dolphins |
This might be a good one. The Chiefs know they missed some big-play chances last week. Mahomes will make up for it where he won Super Bowl MVP in February. Tua can keep playing well and the Dolphins' defense will present some challenges, but the Miami has gotten away with a favorable schedule and will have a let down against the refocused champs. |
| Giants |
over |
Cardinals |
That was a crazy upset last week by the Giants, and I think they keep the momentum going. Arizona walks into another tough defensive matchup with a team getting juiced with the inside-outside pass rush and backing it up with good coverage. Murray will have some rushing success but the passing game will continue to remain limited. The Giants will be able to run the ball better with Gallman and their intermediate receivers. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Vikings |
Another good matchup in this one. The Vikings will have their run-heavy approach slowed down by the rested and strong Bucs run D. Cook will be contained, putting heat on Cousins and his receivers to keep up with Brady and his weapons working on a weak secondary and a Vikings zone defense. |
| Panthers |
over |
Broncos |
The Broncos have to pick up the pieces from last week while the Panthers are home-standing after a bye. They should have CMC back to exploit a bad Denver run D. The Broncos won't run quite as effectively with Gordon and Lindsay, and Lock will be in more uncomfortable than Teddy with another rough road outing. |
| Titans |
over |
Jaguars |
The Titans' defense has plenty of holes and when their offense is helping out by running for big chunks and passing for big plays to build a big lead, it's set up to get exposed by a balanced, explosive attack. Henry will get back to rushing at a high level, setting up Tannehill for another big afternoon on the road. Glennon has sparked the Jaguars' offense, and they will hang around again to make it close. |
| Colts |
over |
Raiders |
The Colts are always in good shape offensively when they can rely on churning out major yardage in the running game. The Raiders have become a sieve and will struggle against Indy's versatile committee. It's gotten easier to trust Rivers and harder to trust Carr, who also faces the tougher all-around defense in this home game. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Jets |
The Seahawks had a bad game against the other New York team at home. But these are the ice-cold Jets. Wilson will be eager to light up an opponent with Lockett and Metcalf, allowing Carson to play closer. Carroll's improving defense will smack around the Jets' lame-duck QB. |
| Packers |
over |
Lions |
The Packers are rolling offensively with Jones back joining the party with Rodgers and Adams. The Lions have zero answers for any of them as Green Bay can pass and run at will here with no mistakes. Detroit doesn't run well enough to stay in the game and eventually Stafford succumbs to sacks and giveaways. |
| Saints |
over |
Eagles |
The Saints keep looking great offensively with Taysom, no rush to bring Brees back this week. The Eagles might be looking for a similar kind of dual threat spark from Hurts in a must-win game after tough losses the past two weeks. Philly's defense can cause a few problems for NOLA's offense because it can contain the run. The Eagles can help Hurts with a strong short-to-intermediate game and designed runs, but it won't be enough. |
| Falcons |
over |
Chargers |
The Falcons will keep running the ball to take pressure off Ryan, this time with productive results against a shaky Chargers front. They also can keep Julio and Ridley red-hot together all over the field. Herbert is hitting a bit of a rookie wall with his aggressive downfield passing while it takes more patience with underneath passing to beat Atlanta, which typically handles the run well. |
| 49ers |
over |
Washington |
Another surprisingly good game here. Smith will have good momentum going to San Fran to take on his first NFL team. The 49ers are recovering from playing on MNF. Look for both teams to grind away offensively with the 49ers having more success in the running game to help Mullens. Coin flip on this one, going with the home team. |
| Steelers |
over |
Bills |
Pittsburgh shakes off the upset with a tough game this week. The Bills will be pumped for a rare SNF home game to show just how good they are as a new, consistent AFC East power. But they also are coming off a short week with a little less explosiveness than usual and a limited running game. The Steelers can have success running to facilitate Big Ben's passing. Allen will make key mistakes under pressure late. |
| Browns |
over |
Ravens |
The Ravens will be headed into another short week on the road facing a tough Browns run defense which can better contain Lamar. The Browns can be roasted on the back end but Jackson isn't getting consistent receiving help. The Ravens' run D hasn't been as good and their pass rush is limited, which will allow Baker to stay hot and comfortable enough at home. |