Like the Eagles, I couldn’t give the picks my best effort this week.
Last Week: 6 – 9 – 0
Season: 47 – 46 – 0
Thursday (8:20PM ET)
Steelers 31 at Bengals 33
That was an exciting game, especially for a Thursday night affair. You know who especially enjoyed that game? The Baltimore Ravens. As I said weeks ago, the Ravens won’t have to fight too hard to get back into the AFC North race. That race will come to them. The Steelers will host the Packers and Colts before traveling to battle the Chargers, and very likely could find themselves tied with the Ravens after that.
Early, Early Game (9:30AM ET)
Rams at Jaguars
Jacksonville has struggled in the run game the last two weeks and it crippled them against the Seahawks. Crucial drops also continue to be an issue for the offense, especially for star receiver, Brian Thomas Jr. Trevor Lawrence is far from perfect, but he made a couple 3rd down throws that would have converted if not for drops. JAGUARS +3
Early Games (1:00PM ET)
Saints at Bears
The Bears have earned a soft reputation around the league over the past few seasons and Monday night was a huge step in changing the culture of that franchise. Lousy conditions, on the road, trailing late in the 4th quarter; the Bears made crucial plays to swing that game and exorcise those hail mary demons from a season ago. With that said, I still don’t think the Bears find a way into the postseason. SAINTS +4.5
Dolphins at Browns
At this point, keeping Mike McDaniel employed is harsher than firing him. Also, can we stop with the Cleveland had Baker Mayfield and pushed him out nonsense. Mayfield stunk in his next stop as well. Injuries were also a major contributor. Even Mayfield has said hitting rock bottom helped turn his career around. That doesn’t happen if Cleveland never lets go. DOLPHINS +2.5
Patriots at Titans
As a Penn State fan, I’m terrified of brand new coaches that have been around for less than a week. TITANS +7
Raiders at Chiefs
Rashee Rice is Kansas City’s most valuable offensive weapon outside of Patrick Mahomes. I’m not saying Rice will immediately put up the same production of 13 months ago, but Rice is a menace will the ball in his hands and his presence immediately gets Travis Kelce away from double teams (not that many defenses double him anymore) and more importantly, draws the safety in, which frees up Xavier Worthy’s speed even more. CHIEFS -12
Eagles at Vikings
I have no clue who the Eagles will be from week-to-week but I do expect them to play some form of lifeless, ugly and uninspired football. As for the false start on the tush-push… I think it’s pretty clear the Eagles have told Cam Jurgens to snap the football as soon as the guard fires off. Is it a penalty? Yup, but in real time it’s not as easy to distinguish especially when there are nearly two dozen bodies cramped into 30 square feet. Also, do people really think outlawing the tush push will change what the Eagles do in short yardage situations? Jalen Hurts converts on ~85% on his own, without any push. That’s a QB sneak. You can’t outlaw that. EAGLES -1.5
Panthers at Jets
Bryce Young has played well but it often comes when he’s trailing or in desperation mode. It’s hard to find yourself in either situation against the lowly Jets, so I’ll be paying close attention to see if Young and the Panther offense can fire out of the gates and keep their foot on the gas for a full 60. Aaron Glenn may not survive year one. I always think it’s a little unfair to move on after just one season, but sometimes it’s hard to find any positive signs to justify keeping a coach. The Jets and Glenn are on that trajectory. PANTHERS -1
Afternoon Games (4:05PM ET)
Sorry, I ran out of time. Way too many favorites. Gonna get crushed.
Broncos -7.5
Chargers -2
Packers -7
Commanders +2
Sunday Night (8:20PM ET)
Falcons +2
Monday Night (7:00 & 10:00PM ET)
Lions -6.5
Seahawks -3