It’s not usually my style to start fast when it comes to choosing sports in the NFL. I usually end up either reaching for .500 against the spread or saying yes to it for the season (yes, it has happened).
This year I can make a good start by my standards or anyone else’s. Two weeks later, the spread record is 20-11-1 and the straight up record is 23-9. It’s usually my thing to consider a slow start, I’ll take it.
This week’s schedule is full of big games. We have the Los Angeles Rams on the Buffalo Bills, the Seattle Seahawks hosting the Dos at the Los Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers at the New Orleans Saints and the biggest of them all, the Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens.
What’s not to like about that schedule?
The scoring is pretty much over, which is what I expected and predicted all summer based on the COVID-19 protocol, and I don’t think it changes much this week.
So enjoy the shows and issues and let’s see if I can stay warm, which is a nice change from recent years.
All odds are by William Hill Sportsbook.
Miami Dolphins at the Jacksonville Jaguars (-3)
The Jaguars are one of the surprises early in the season and could easily have gone 2-0. Miami played a better role against Bill last week, but there are some issues in defense. This could be a big time shootout as both teams have struggled on defense. Discover Gardner Mince to get the most out of it. The Jaguars take it.
Pick: Jaguars 33, Dolphins 27
Chicago Bears on the Atlanta Falcons (-4)
The Falcons are in frustration here after coming down 0-2 in Dallas and blowing a big lead. The offense has been great so far, but the defense has been awful. Chicago’s offense is a complete tonic. The Falcons will have their first win here.
Pick: Falcons 27, Bears 13
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Los Angeles Rams on Buffalo Bills (-2.5)
Matching two teams in two weeks, this is one of the better games of the week. Both teams have been impressed on offense with good quarterback play. Rams constantly play maze games, which will come into play here – even without fans. Watch the Bills defense to respond to the big game, as they get a tough, hard-nosed win.
Pick: Bill 21, Rams 18
The Washington Football Team at the Cleveland Browns (-7)
Washington is on the road for another straight week, while Brown has been rested since playing last Thursday. Cleveland thought things were right against the Bengals, but that would be a challenge on the Washington front. I think the Browns will run it well to win a tough, physical game.
Pick: Browns 23, Washington 14
Tennessee Titans over the Minnesota Vikings (+2.5)
The Titans are rolling 2-0, while the Vikings are rolling. But the Vikings can’t be as bad as they used to be. Even with the defense struggles, I think they will get back on track here. The Titans will lose for the first time. Upset Special.
Pick: Vikings 23, Titans 17
Las Vegas Raiders in the New England Patriots (+6)
The Raiders started 2-0, but this is a tough road game. The Patriots did well, especially in the offense, losing to the Seahawks. The defense is a bit messy, which is relevant here. The Raiders will be stuck in this, but the Patriots will be pulling the game closer late.
Pick: Patriots 28, Riders 24
San Francisco 49ers over the New York Giants (+4)
With 49 injuries, they rarely look like the team that went to the Super Bowl. The Giants lost the key to their offense in running back Sucken Barclays, so they are also hurting. If Jimmy plays Garoppolo, and it looks like he probably won’t, the 49ers will break with a tight victory together. It will ensure that will not be easy.
Pick: 49ers 20, Giants 18
Cincinnati Bengals at the Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5)
Both teams are 0-2, but that was not expected for the Eagles. They have been awesome in two games. The Bur Burrows have done some good things as early as possible, and the Eagles are struggling desperately for defense. The Bengals also have defensive issues. Watch the high scoring game with the Eagles getting back on track.
Pick: Eagles 31, Bengals 23
Houston Texans at the Pittsburgh Steelers (-4)
Texans have lost to Chiefs on the road and Ravens at home. Now they have to go out and play 2-0 Steelers on the road. Who did this The Stroilers didn’t look great in beating the Broncos last week, but I think they’ll be back on track here. Houston has a defensive issue that Ben Rothlisberger will exploit. In large quantities.
Pick: Steelers 31, Texans 20
New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts (-11)
The Colts impressed the Vikings in blowing last week, and will now get a Jets team that has been terrible. The cults still don’t look very good in crime, but this week should be. The Jets do not have enough talent in this competition. Big Colts.
Pick: Colts 28, Jets 13
Carolina Panthers on Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5)
Carolina will be in this without running back Christian McFarlane, who will focus on the passing game. The Chargers did a great job against Patrick Mahoms last week, so look no further against Teddy Bridgewater here. Whether it’s Tyrode Taylor or Justin Herbert, the Chargers will also make points. This is ugly.
Pick: Chargers 32, Panthers 14
Detroit Lions at the Arizona Cardinals (-5.5)
The Cardinals are off for a great start and Killer Murray is a big reason for that. The Lions have been hit hard by injuries and have blown leads in both of their games. That won’t be an issue here. I think Arizona scores early and often and gets an easy one.
Pick: Cardinals 35, Lions 27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the Denver Broncos (-6)
The Bucks are getting a break from facing the Denver team which includes not having a quarterback drill. Tampa Bay was better at crime last week and I think it will move on here. Find Tom Brady for a big day.
Pick: Books 28, Broncos 16
Dallas Cowboys on the Seattle Seahawks (+5)
The Cowboys rallied to save the early part of their season by beating Atlanta last week, but they have to prove they can win on the road. Dak Prescott was great last week and he faces a Seattle team that lacks talent in defense. Russell Wilson is publishing it, so it will come into this as well. Go to the scoreboard nuts as the Seahawks wins the shootout.
Pick: Seahawks 37, Cowboys 34
Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints (+3)
The Saints are doing bad damage to the Riders on Monday night and should now be prepared for the explosive offense of Aaron Rogers and Green Bay. The New Orleans defense against the Raiders was terrible, but they are usually better at home. The question is whether Drew Breeze can still run football. If he can’t, it’s going to be a long season. I think he can, but I think he is outscored by Rogers here. The Packers take it strictly.
Pick: Packers 30, Saints 28
Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens (+3.5)
This is the game of the week, which is saying something because there are so many good games. This is the game we thought we would look to decide last year’s AFC champions, but the Ravens lost against the Titans and never made it. Chiefs are constantly playing road games. They don’t look great in crime yet. They will do this one. Baltimore is aggressive on defense, playing what Patrick Mahomes loves to face. Champs will win a fun shootout as Mahoms gets the best of Lamar Jackson.
Pick: Chiefs 34, Ravens 31
