| Steelers |
over |
Vikings |
Taking the Steelers with a microscopic feeling of confidence. Minnesota just can't seem to pull it off in recent weeks, suffereing two straight losses they could have won. The same can be said for Pittsburgh, with a narrow win on a Baltimore error. However, Najee is being supported much better by Big Ben and the passing game while the Vikings' run D is coming apart and they are mess downfield in the secondary. |
| Browns |
over |
Ravens |
This is an upset pick for me, given the recent win/loss history of this matchup. The Ravens are a mess right now as their defense suffered heavily last week, with the health of their secondary as a major concern. Cleveland's at home after their bye, and while they're not that healthy either, they'll be in a much better shape to move the ball, while their defense keeps Baltimore in check. |
| Titans |
over |
Jaguars |
The Jags are victims of terrible coaching and personnel misplacement, blowing the opportunity of having an elite QB talent with a good defense at times take them through multiple potential wins. The Titans are coming off a bye helping them to get slightly healthier, and Vrabel will flex out a win this week in a strong home game win. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Raiders |
KC is about to stomp through the AFCW again and the Raiders are the next on the list. Vegas will be overmatched by the long-time division powerhouse. They haven't scored more than 16 points in four of their five games after the bye. That's not going to cut it playing against Mahomes. |
| Saints |
over |
Jets |
I have zero confidence in this pick. If Kamara is back on the field, then expect a ton of run action with the triple threat of him, Ingram and a little Taysom thrown in. Unsure if Hill will be QB1 if his finger injury keeps him from passing. With the Jets ranking 30th in run D, expect a repeat of the Pats win last week with with the Saints squeaking by on a consistent ground game. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Washington |
Another divisional game that should be a close one. Dallas should win this one, given the better ability to move the ball. However, WFT has improved in their defense, which will make this a lower scoring game than you'd think. This game has a feeling of an upset. I'm just not a the point of calling it that, but I won't be surprised if WFT gets the first win at home. |
| Falcons |
over |
Panthers |
This is going to be an ugly, stinky divisional game. In their bye, the Panthers got rid of their OC; not sure if that was the right move but that's what happened. This will be a run-heavy game, with CMC going against Patterson for run yardage. Atlanta has the advantage in the receiver corps, with Pitts and Gage deciding this low-scoring game. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Texans |
Are the Seahawks making their way back to a normal offense? There were flashes of it in their win last week. Houston is suffering from a severe lack of talent of both sides of the ball, leading to an almost shutout last week. This game should be a confidence booster for Wilson. |
| Broncos |
over |
Lions |
Detroit got a win last week, and there was much rejoicing. The parity circle is now complete. It's back to normal this week as the Broncos lick their wounds from a road loss to KC. The Broncos' D can make life rough on Goff with their pass rush and secondary while also containing the run. The Broncos will have success on the ground with Teddy throwing short passes. |
| Chargers |
over |
Giants |
The Giants are expected to be without Jones again and their offense has averaged just 10.7 points per game in the past three weeks. Herbert should get the Chargers out in front against a New York offense that mixed and matched parts with little success. |
| Bengals |
over |
49ers |
Both teams seem incapable of stringing together consistent performances. This matchup is a must-win for both sides and could be extremely entertaining with Burrow and Garoppolo giving us a shootout. I'm picking Burrow to get the ball last and pushing out a game-winning drive. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Bills |
One of several possible Super Bowl matchups. The Bucs are 5-0 in Tampa while the Bills are not great on the road. Brady will exploit the right holes in the Bills' D with Evans, Godwin and Gronk, while the Bucs' D will be able to pressure Allen. |
| Packers |
over |
Bears |
This game will be good... I hope. With Rodgers' proclamation in the last matchup that he owns the Bears, look for a pissed off Chicago team to prove him wrong. But with the Packers coming off a bye at home, this will be a tough thing to do. If Dalton is starting, don't look for a miracle game from him. |
| Cardinals |
over |
Rams |
If this matchup was a month ago, I would have a really tough time with this pick. The Rams look good when Stafford is protected and they can stay balanced. But Arizona was able to pressure him last time and turn the game in their favor. The Cardinals' offense is at full strength with Murray healthy and all his weapons operating. |