| Saints |
over |
Cardinals |
My upset/delusional/homer pick of the week right off the bat. I know the Saints are riddled with injuries, and both sides of the ball have suffered major coaching blunders. But NOLA is in the middle of running the Bird Gauntlet, and if they succeed they'll be the only team in NFL history to do so. That's my logic. |
| Bengals |
over |
Falcons |
Atlanta can take this if they can keep Burrow from getting hot and maintain the lead. I think they'll hold the lead up until halftime, then fall to Burrow, Chase, Boyd and Higgins early in the fourth. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Lions |
Dallas is hoping to get Dak back but he may be a little rusty and Detroit should be back near full strength coming off their bye. Dallas' offense still isn't operating at usual explosive levels and Detroit will keep it close. |
| Colts |
over |
Titans |
Indy got their O-line playing at a high level last week to keep Ryan clean. The Titans will keep running well with Henry, but Taylor's likely return plus Ryan staying sharper than Tannehill with better weapons makes the difference. |
| Packers |
over |
Commanders |
Green Bay is not doing so hot against New York teams this season. Good news for the Bills coming up later, but for now I think Rodgers get the funk off with a road win. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Panthers |
The Bucs' last two wins are in their division, so by that logic they should be able to take care of Carolina this week. Tampa should be able to contain CMC while pushing Fournette against a weak run defense. |
| Giants |
over |
Jaguars |
While some seem to think the Giants are due for a letdown, I think they keep running this week against a good Jags team. This is a toss-up for me, as I see a close game here with a FG deciding it. |
| Ravens |
over |
Browns |
The Browns' run defense is in shambles and Garrett is hurting again. Their LBs and secondary have been disappointing. That should work out well for Jackson and the running game. The Browns also have no real answers for Andrews downfield. Brissett will be rattled with Chubb contained. |
| Jets |
over |
Browns |
If you would've told me that I'd be picking the Jets over a Russell Wilson-led Broncos team a month ago, I'd call you crazy. New York's young defense will get after Russel Wilson while Zach Wilson does enough to get them the win. Yes, that's a lot of Wilsons in this matchup. |
| Raiders |
over |
Texans |
Vegas will clean up more things after their bye. Between Jacobs, Adams, Waller and Renfrow all healthy, it'll be a challenge for the Texans' pass defense. While running Pierce can keep the Texans in the game early, it won't be enough. |
| Chargers |
over |
Seahawks |
Seattle's offense can give the Chargers problems with Walker running and Metcalf and Lockett working off play-action. Geno Smith will be efficient against Herbert but eventually the Ekeler and Williams mismatch will be too much. |
| Chiefs |
over |
49ers |
The Chiefs had a narrow win at home followed by a loss a home. The 49ers are coming off a road blowout win and loss. San Fran's defensive injuries are big enough to open up the running and passing game for KC. Mahomes outplays Jimmy G, like he did in Super Bowl 54. |
| Dolphins |
over |
Steelers |
Pittsburgh will probably go back to Trubisky with Pickett concussed. The Phins will be going with either Tua or Teddy B. They will use Hill and Waddle against an injury-filled Steelers pass defense to move the ball. |
| Patriots |
over |
Bears |
Belichick's defense is getting help from Zappe along with a run-heavy offense that works with RB Stevenson in the rushing attack. Belichick will work against Fields, stuck in a predictable offense while Stevenson goes through a bad run defense. |
Sorry, I didn't finish my train of though there. Fixed.