Carolina at Detroit, 1:00p, FOX (Lions +4.5, O/U: 49)
The Lions look atrocious due to VERY poor offensive line. Carolina looks very legit this year and even playing well on the road. Take the Panthers to cover in the over, Panthers 31-20.
Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1:00p, CBS (Ravens -6, O/U: 41.5)
With Green doubtful to play for a second week, he will leave the offense reeling again as they struggled mightily last week against a Saints defense that isn’t that great. The Ravens are coming off of a bye week which usually means they’re going to be the better prepared team but with Flacco dealing with a hip injury that could keep him out, they have to start rookie Lamar Jackson and RG3 backing him up (who was inactive for their first 9 games). Take the Bengals to cover and win in the under, Bengals 17-14.
Dallas at Atlanta, 1:00p, FOX (Falcons -3, O/U: 49)
Dallas’ defense looked tremendous in the absence of Sean Lee, shutting down last year’s champs. The offense still sputtered at times but played better than they have been. The Falcons offense has been up to the task all season but it’s their defense that’s been lacking. Big questions for both, how does the Falcons loss in Cleveland affect them this week and with an emotional divisional win against the Eagles, do the Cowboys struggle with endurance when it gets to the 4th? Both teams are still in playoff hunt mode and now this game as a must win. Take the Falcons to cover in the under, Falcons 24-20.
Houston at Washington, 1:00p, CBS (Redskins +3, O/U: 43.5)
The Texans are on fire. 6 straight wins have them rolling and looking at snatching a division championship here in a few weeks. Yes, they’ve won a few of those by coin flips but a win is a win and they have 6 in a row and Demaryius Thomas helps them in the wake of losing Fuller. The Redskins struggled in Tampa, offensively and come home in front of their fans to which there has been tension according to Josh Norman. Take the Redskins to cover in the loss, in the over, Texans 21-20.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville, 1:00p, CBS (Jaguars +6, O/U: 47)
The Steelers looked absolutely stunning last week, early and often against a solid Panthers team. Big Ben had 5 touchdowns to 5 different receivers. Look for the Steelers to be efficient but not as powerful as they usually are at home. The Jags stumbled out of the gates and haven’t recovered much since. Fournette has helped but they haven’t won since week 4. The Steelers are out for revenge after losing twice to the Jaguars last year. Take the Steelers to cover in over, Steelers 28-20.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Giants, 1:00p, FOX (Giants -3, O/U: 54)
Tampa nearly laid an egg at home against a not so powerful punching Redskins last week. Fitzmagic worked only between the endzones however. The Giants will be looking to spend a little extra effort blocking former teammate JPP as they look to build momentum on last week’s win against the 49ers undrafted rookie surprise Nick Mullens. They will exploit the Tampa defense like everyone else. Take the Giants to cover in the under, Giants 24-20.
Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1:00p, CBS (Colts-1.5, O/U: 50)
The Titans have been pesky and unpredictable and once again proved me wrong in beating (more like annihilating) the Patriots. They have statement wins but no consistency. The Colts beat a good Jaguars defense last week in the air, which many teams struggle to do against them. Luck hasn’t been sacked much all season either. The Colts cover in the over, Colts 31-27.
Denver at L.A. Chargers, 4:05p, CBS (Chargers -7, O/U: 46.5)
Denver has been in most all of their losses. They can still make big plays on offense and have a more solid rushing game these days. The Broncos defense is still one of the best. Remember, the Chargers home field is not really a home field for them and they usually play worse there than at other stadiums around the league. If this was last week, the Broncos might’ve covered in a loss but Bosa is back. Take the Chargers to cover in the over, Chargers
Oakland at Arizona, 4:05p, CBS (Cardinals -5, O/U: 41)
Ugly ugly ugly game to watch. Both teams struggle to score, Cardinals more so than the Raiders. Take the Raiders to cover in the under, Raiders 20-13.
Philadelphia at New Orleans, 4:25p, FOX (Saints -7.5, O/U: 57.5)
Big time scoring game is coming your way. The Eagles lost a tough one at home Austin division rival Cowboys. They lost their last key corner, Darby, for the season in that game. Brees and the offense will exploit the depleted secondary. Take the Saints to cover big in the over, Saints 44-28.
Minnesota at Chicago, 8:20p, NBC (Bears -2.5, O/U: 44)
The Vikings are coming off a bye week and their defense was humming going into it. Yes they have had moments where they struggled but those growing pains are now over with Cousins and he’s really hitting some big throws. The Bears pass rush has been improved with getting Mack but he’s only one man. The rest of the defense has fed off of his energy and has one of the best defenses in regards of turnovers. Problem is, Cousins doesn’t turn the ball over much. Mitch-a-polooza has to continue being as good as he has been the last 6 weeks. Both teams fighting to lead this division. Take the Vikings to come in and upset the bears in the over, Vikings 31-28.
Colin Cowherd’s Blazin 5:
- Minnesota at Chicago – Minnesota (+3)
- Tennessee at Indianapolis – Tennessee (+2)
- Oakland at Arizona – Oakland (+5.5)
- Denver at LA Chargers – Denver (+7)
- Kansas City at LA Rams – Kansas City (+3.5)
#beatyourbookie
Necessary Roughness 