In last week’s games, things were setting up nicely. At 8 p.m. my picks had gone 6-5 and the two remaining games were my best bets. It felt like an 8-5 week was on the horizon, which would be a great start. But the gambling gods were not going to let me have that moment. Both of those games went in the loss column, turning it into a 6-7 outcome. Not the worst week but not a good one by any stretch of the imagination. Let’s try to win this week for revenge. Remember, this is for entertainment only and you should not take any of this seriously.
Odds taken from yahoo!sportsbook, with home team in bold.
Pittsburgh (+10.5) over Philadelphia – Steelers put up a nice showing against the Dolphins last week and it seems everyone wants to proclaim the Eagles as the best team in the NFC. They might be. But the play here is to take the points in the battle of Pennsylvania. Go 25 Gerelas on the visitors
New York (+2.5) over New England – Patriots coming off a Monday night blowout at home against a bad Bears team shouldn’t be a road favorite in a division game. Jets may be doing it with mirrors but at least they’re doing it. Place 25 Barkums on the Jets.
New Orleans (+1.5) over Las Vegas – It feels like the Raiders are the better team. But their three-week stretch of topping 30 points comes to an end in the Superdome. Put 25 Abramowicz’ on the Saints.
Arizona (+3.5) over Minnesota – These two teams played last year and Kyler Murray threw for 400 yards and rushed for 29 more. The Vikings haven’t looked good against dual-threat QBs like Jalen Hurts or Justin Fields earlier this season and there’s no reason to think they’ll suddenly figure things out against Murray. Bet 25 Saguaros on the Cardinals.
Miami (-3.5) over Detroit – The Lions put up a good fight for a half last week against the Cowboys before getting steamrolled after halftime. Meanwhile, the Dolphins owe me after not kicking the FG last week that would have given them the cover. With another week of practice reps for Tua, throw 50 Duhes on the visitors.
Dallas (-10) over Chicago – In two of the three Bears’ wins this year, they beat a better team in rainy, foggy conditions. It will be sunny and in the 60s in Dallas at kickoff. Wager 50 Pearsons on the Cowboys.
Carolina (+4) over Atlanta – Maybe it was a fluke but the Panthers looked like a legitimate football team last week against the Bucs. Meanwhile, the Falcons’ defense looked terrible. Last week, this would have been an easy pick for the home team. But a lot changes in seven days in the NFL. Drop 25 Delhommes on the visitors.
Tennessee (+1) over Houston – The line’s this way because the Titans will be playing with their backup QB. But Malik Willis will be able to hand off to Derrick Henry just fine. This game has the lowest O/U line at 39 and the play might be the under. But the play is also the visitors, regardless of how many points are scored. Toss 50 Tuxedos on the Titans.
San Francisco (-1) over Los Angeles – The 49ers have won seven straight regular season games over the Rams. And while they’ll be without Deebo Samuels, they’ll have a better-prepared Christian McCafferty to put in the offense. Meanwhile, the Rams can’t protect the QB, which is less than ideal going up against Nick Bosa and company. Flip 25 Werschings on the visitors.
Washington (+3) over Indianapolis – The Colts will be playing with a backup QB. Meanwhile, Taylor Heinecke won his first game last week as a backup QB for the Commanders but he also had a ton of NFL experience already under his belt. Washington will be able to throw the ball. Will Indy be able to say the same? Pick: 25 Rikers on the Commanders.
Seattle (-3.5) over New York – It’s tough for teams to fly across the country and beat a good team in a hostile stadium. The Seahawks have won three of their last four games, scoring 37 or more points three times in that span. Can the Giants put up 30 points on the road? While they have six wins on the season, their season-high for points is 27. Call 25 Zorns on the home team.
Buffalo (-10.5) over Green Bay – When the season started, this looked like a marquee game on the schedule. And while the Bills have lived up to their end, the Packers already have two double-digit losses on their resume. This week makes it a trio of blowouts. Fire up 25 Wings on the home team.
Cincinnati (-3.5) over Cleveland – The Browns appear to be going nowhere and this rivalry game may be their Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Bengals have to go forward the next month without superstar receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Still, the visitors have too many offensive weapons. Fork over 25 Wyches on the Bengals.