| Saints |
over |
Cowboys |
My upset pick. Saints are on a 4-game losing streak, but the tide is slightly turning. Getting Ramczyk back on the O-line, as well as Ingram returning will give their running game life, in addition to starting Hill over Siemian, a welcome change in my book. Dallas is dealing with COVID issues, putting Dan Quinn as the front man this week. Saints are 9-3 when playing against a Quinn-led team. Playing in the Dome will help the defense get back on track. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Falcons |
The Bucs' offense seems to back, and their defense should be able to handle the Falcons. Going on the road is always tough, but it's less tough when your team is dominating and going to a weak divisional opponent. Atlanta ranks 31st in the league in pass defense. Tom Brady will exploit that and cruise to another win. |
| Cardinals |
over |
Bears |
With Murray and Hopkins set to return, it looks like the Cardinals are getting back to an explosive offense. Fields still is dealing with injuries to his ribs, so Dalton could get the start again. Could be tough going into Soldier Field in December, but Arizona gets the win here. |
| Bengals |
over |
Chargers |
Should be a good game. This is L.A.'s second straight road game and while the Bengals have the superior defense with their offense being just as dynamic, the Chargers’ offense has been stale at times, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case this week. |
| Vikings |
over |
Lions |
The Vikings aren’t out of it yet after a painful loss, but they need to turn things around soon. Playing Detroit should help, assuming they can stop the Lions' ground game. Injuries and inconsistency could keep the Vikings from the postseason, but for now they should still be in the hunt. |
| Dolphins |
over |
Giants |
There's not a comfortable way to pick the Giants rights now. Jones hasn’t proven himself to be the QB he was drafted to be, and the rest of his offense isn't helping. If it wasn’t for the defense, there’s a good chance they’d be even worse. Meanwhile, Miami's on a four-game winning streak, with Tua showing chemistry with his playmakers as well as the defense playing well down the stretch. |
| Eagles |
over |
Jets |
Last week's win was ugly, but I don't see Philly carrying that over to this game. They play another bad New York team, just on the AFC side. They'll stay alive this week, but they'll need to play a lot better in the coming weeks to stay relevant. |
| Colts |
over |
Texans |
The Colts are coming off a tough loss to Tampa, but they get a chance for a win this week against the Texans. Look for Taylor to have a big day running it with Wentz hitting a few shots down the field. That is, if he can keep the INTs down by being more accurate to his receivers. |
| Washington |
over |
Raiders |
Toss-up, but I'm taking WFT on this one with very low confidence. Washington has shown flashes of offensive talent, while the defense has taken care of fundamentals issues while missing key pieces. Vegas is coming off a big road win in Dallas, but that's when the team starts going back to falling flat. |
| Rams |
over |
Jaguars |
One of these games, the Rams will finally get it together with their all-star cast of new players, right? Well luckily for them they're playing the Jags at home. I don’t see Jacksonville handing them their fourth straight loss. Urban Meyer’s team has been awful all season and doesn’t seem to have answers to outscore Stafford, Kupp, and the rest of the Rams offense. |
| Ravens |
over |
Steelers |
Pittsburgh's offense is very unpredictable, but leaning on the side of unreliable. I can't see Big Ben putting up large numbers this week and it's a safe bet Najee is going to be contained. With Jackson's performance stepping up and the Ravens defense getting in a groove, Baltimore will win a tough one. |
| 49ers |
over |
Seahawks |
This could be a gritty game. Wilson has not been the same since his injury, and the offense isn't doing him any favors. The defense is still doing well, but there's only so much they can do. Meanwhile San Fran is starting to find themselves, getting healthy and working up the standings. The 49ers have a pretty good running game with Mitchell and Samuel, so expect a long day in Lumen Field. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Broncos |
The Chiefs seem to be back with Mahomes getting out of his funk and shredding secondaries. But Denver is stepping up as well, with Teddy playing well and the defense doing their thing. This should be a great matchup; I just can't see Denver winning in Arrowhead with the Chiefs starting to heat up. |
| Bills |
over |
Patrtiots |
Lots of people picking New England on this one. And with good reason, as Jones is solidly the best rookie QB this season, showing steady improvements under Belichick week after week. But I'm thinking the Bills will exercise the dual threat talents of Allen to throw deep dimes and run the ball to gash a good Patriots defense. It'll be a good one. |