Category: Uncategorized

Week 15: Sunday Games

Dallas at Indianapolis, 1:00p, FOX (Colts -3, O/U: 47)

The Cowboys have had big wins recently but they were close. The Colts might be without T.Y. due to an ankle injury. Luck has also had career lows in the amount of times he’s got and sacked. Take the Colts to cover in the over, Colts 27-21.

Miami at Minnesota, 1:00p, CBS (Vikings -7.5, O/U: 45)

The Dolphins shocked the league with a huge conversion on a hook and ladder play to beat the Pats by 1. The Vikings have been struggling the last couple of weeks and their offense hasn’t been as potent. Questions have risen about whether Cousins was the right signing. When it comes to big games, he looks mediocre. Take the Dolphins to cover in the loss, in the under, Vikings 24-20.

Oakland at Cincinnati, 1:00p, CBS (Bengals -3, O/U: 46)

The Bengals are a mess and tons of people, especially Browns fans, have been blaming the hiring of Hue Jackson. Since losing Dalton, the Bengals have been an unpredictable mess. Keeping it close against the Chargers last week. Derek Carr has been quietly efficient since his early season struggles. Even, after trading Cooper, he’s completing nearly 70% of his passes and has improved to a 2:1 td/int ratio. Take the Raiders to cover in the under, Raiders 24-16.

Tennessee at N.Y. Giants, 1:00p, CBS (Giants +1.5, O/U: 43)

You can never figure out the Titans. They are a gritty team that have big time wins with their defense under Mike Vrabel, has been tough, especially against the run. The Giants are coming into this contest with momentum but will be without OBJ. Given that Sheppard is considered to be trash (by a young fan as Sheppard was under cover at a Models), the Giants don’t stand a chance other than using Barkley every down. Let’s also not forget about Henry’s performance last week, HUGE! Take the Titans to cover in the under, Titans 24-13.

Washington at Jacksonville, 1:00p, FOX (Jags -7.5, O/U: 36.5)

The Redskins are in trouble here folks. They’re using quarterbacks of yesteryear to finish off their season and it just hasn’t been pretty. The Jaguars getting Fournette back is key. Yeldon can hold his own but having both makes the offense pop more since they can use both to catch the ball. Take the Jaguars to cover in the under, Jaguars 20-10.

Arizona at Atlanta, 1:00p, FOX (Falcons -9.5, O/U: 44)

The Cardinals have the league’s worst offense. Yes David Johnson has somewhat woke up and they have Fitz but their line has had major issues all year long and despite when they move the ball downfield, they can’t score. The Falcons were a big surprise this year. Inefficiency has hurt them as well as poor defensive play. It’ll be an interesting watch as the Cardinals still have a good pass rush and Ryan gets flustered easily when the pocket breaks down often. Take the Cardinals to cover in the loss, in the under, Falcons 24-17.

Detroit at Buffalo, 1:00p, FOX (Bills -3, O/U: 40)

The Lions haven’t blown anyone away but the Bulls have been impressive when they’ve had their rookie quarterback under center. Take the Bills to cover in the over, Bills 17-16.

Green Bay at Chicago, 1:00p, FOX (Bears -5, O/U: 46.5)

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers needed to have a game like they did last week. The Bears say this isn’t a revenge game but we all know it is. Packers thin playoff hopes are on the line and the weather makes this perfect for this rivalry game. Take the Packers to cover in the upset win, in the over, Packers 27-24.

Tampa Bay at Baltimore, 1:00p, FOX (Ravens -9, O/U: 46)

Tampa has been resilient in most of their games even with their turn overs and frequent quarterback changes. No D-Jax hurts them though. Rookie Lamar Jackson has been impressive, enough so that he gets the start over a healthy Joe Flacco. Take the Buccs to cover in the loss, in the over, Ravens 28-24.

Seattle at San Francisco, 4:05p, FOX (49ers +4, O/U: 44.5)

Russell Wilson has a remarkable 5:1 td/int ratio. The last meeting between the two, the Seahawks dominated the 49ers even though the undrafted Mullens scorched their secondary for over 400 yards with 5 different relievers having 50+ yards. The big question is can Kittle replicate last week’s 210 yard performance? This should be a good watch. Take the Seahawks to cover in the over, Seahawks 31-24.

New England at Pittsburgh, 4:25p, CBS (Steelers +3, O/U: 54)

The Patriots are chasing a first round bye and with the Chiefs losing on Thursday, they still have time to stay within a game of the Chiefs and Chargers with a win. Brady may have lost in Miami again but he still threw for 350+ yards with 3 scores. The Steelers are usually buttoned up and solid at home but there’s still a question mark in regards to James Conner, who will be a game time decision after not practicing all week. Take the Steelers to cover in the over, Steelers 31-28.

Philadelphia at L.A. Rams, 8:20p, NBC (Rams -13, O/U: 52)

The epitome of the Eagles season has been injuries. Who knows what this team could’ve done with a full, healthy squad. Defensive backs, running backs, offensive line and now quarterback. Wentz has been sat with a back injury that opens the door for Foles in his second round of starts this season. Perhaps Tate will get going with a new quarterback at the helm. The Rams had a shocking loss last week against the Bears who held the Rams to just 6 points, Goff to under 200 yards and picked him off 4 times. The Rams need to get his confidence built back up so expect them to turn it on early and often. Take the Rams to cover big in the over, Rams 42-17.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin 5:
o Cleveland at Denver – Cleveland (+3)
o Oakland at Cincinnati – Oakland (+3)
o Dallas at Indianapolis – Indianapolis (-2.5)
o Tennessee at NY Giants – Tennessee (+2.5)
o Philadelphia at LA Rams – LA Rams (-11)

#beatyourbookie

Week 15: Thursday Night Football

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Chiefs -3.5, O/U: 54.5)

The Chargers are putting Melvin Gordon on the game day watch to see if he’ll suit up or miss another game.  If Gordon can’t go, Eckler will once again fill in.  Rivers played masterfully in the first meeting this year between the teams, at home but still lost by 4.  His play has evolved over the last 14 weeks and he’s taken care of the ball this year (29 td’s and only 6 int’s).  Rivers and Keenan Allen have connected on big scoring plays the last 5 weeks and have really been hitting their strides.  Lets not forget their defense, who is also hitting a stride in their own right.

The Chiefs have had back to back weeks of close games but wins.  Since Hunt was released, they’ve had to rely on numerous backs to fill in, one being former future back of the team, Spencer Ware but will be without him tonight due to a neck strain and concussion from last week.  A new addition to the Chiefs will be on the sidelines as they signed the newly released Kelvin Benjamin.  He will suit up tonight but as we can imagine, will be limited in his role even with Tyreek Hill dealing with an injured foot.  Let’s also not forget how reckless Mahomes has been the last few weeks with his passes, he’s been great but he’s also thrown a few picks that weren’t the best of decisions.

What may make up your mind are the numbers you see here:

Chargers ATS: 7-6, Road ATS: 5-1

Chiefs ATS: 8-4-1, Home ATS: 3-3

This will be a battle all night long.  The Chargers are an unbelievable road team and the Chiefs can still score 30 without Hunt but both will be fighting for the AFC West and a top seed in the playoffs, so I would expect Gordon to play such an important game.  In the end, it will come down to who’s running game will keep the opponents offense off the field in the 4th quarter?  Take the Chargers to cover in the upset win, in the over, Chargers 31-28.

#beatyourbookie

Week 14: Sunday Games

Atlanta at Green Bay, 1:00p, FOX (Packers -4.5, O/U: 51)

The Packers had enough of the McCarthy era and have fired him, which is rare for the Packers to do during the middle of the season, after an embarrassing loss to the Cardinals at home last week. The Falcons seem to be naturally bad on the road, not to mention last weeks disappearance of Julio Jones, and the Packers have always seemed automatic at home. With the embarrassing lose last week, they’ll be out to make the Falcons look like fools. Take the Packers to cover in the over, Packers 31-26.

Baltimore at Kansas City, 1:00p, CBS (Chiefs -7, O/U: 51)
Lamar Jackson has been a surprise to just about everyone in the NFL except for Lamar Jackson. while he’s been iffy throwing the ball, he’s already crept up to Alex Collins’ 411 with 404 of his own. Since the Chiefs defense gives up some of the most yards and points in the league, they will have their hands full with Jackson. Last week was the first week without Hun for the Chiefs and they did okay. They needed 4 players to scrape together 175 yards on the ground and the game was still tight against the Raiders. Granted it was on the road but the Chiefs have been virtually a lock to cover against poor teams. Last week gives me hesitation against a pretty good defense in Baltimore. Take the Ravens to cover in the loss, in the over, Chiefs 31-27.

Carolina at Cleveland, 1:00p, FOX (Browns +1, O/U: 47.5)

The Panthers have been their usual self on the road this year and Baker is starting to hit a nice stride, building confidence. Take the Panthers to cover in the under, Panthers 24-21.

Indianapolis at Houston, 1:00p, CBS (Texans -4.5, O/U: 50)

Take the Texans to cover in the over, Texans 31-24.

New England at Miami, 1:00p, CBS (Dolphins +8, O/U: 48.5)

Take the Dolphins to cover in the over, Dolphins 27-24.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1:00p, FOX (Buccs +10, O/U: 54.5)

The Saints have been on a tear all season and have lucked out without having major injuries to deal with. The difference between this Saints team than in years past is that they are playing well on the road. The Buccs have been one of those teams where you don’t know what you’re getting from week to week. Winston has looked good lately, minus all of his turnovers, but they’ve stayed in some close games. Expect much of the same. Take the Buccs to cover in the loss, in the over, Saints 36-28.

N.Y. Giants at Washington, 1:00p, FOX (Redskins +3, O/U: 40)

The Redskins are on their 3rd quarterback of the season and Mark Sanchez has only been with the team for a couple of weeks. His backup hasn’t played a meaningful down in years, Josh Johnson. I’m shocked they’re only a 3 point underdog. Take the Giants in the under, Giants 21-13.

N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 1:00p, CBS (Bills -4, O/U: 37.5)

Take the Bills to cover in the over, Bills 28-20.

Cincinnati at L.A. Chargers, 4:05p, CBS (Chargers -15, O/U: 48.5)

Take the Chargers to cover in the under, Chargers 35-10.

Denver at San Francisco, 4:05p, CBS (49ers +3.5, O/U: 45)

Take the Broncos to cover in the over, Broncos 27-21.

Detroit at Arizona, 4:25p, FOX (Cardinals +3, O/U: 40)

Take the Lions to cover in the over, Lions 24-17.

Philadelphia at Dallas, 4:25p, FOX (Cowboys -3.5, O/U: 45.5)

Take the Cowboys to cover in the over, Cowboys 31-27.

Pittsburgh at Oakland, 4:25p, FOX (Raiders +10, O/U: 51)

Take the Steelers to cover in the over, Steelers 36-24.

L.A. Rams at Chicago, 8:20p, NBC (Bears +3, O/U: 51)

Take the Rams to cover in the over, Rams 31-27.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin 5:

  • New England at Miami – Miami (+7.5)
  • Atlanta at Green Bay – Green Bay (-4.5)
  • Denver at San Francisco – San Francisco (+5)
  • Philadelphia at Dallas – Philadelphia (+3.5)
  • LA Rams at Chicago – Chicago (+3)

Week 13: Sunday Games

Denver at Cincinnati, 1:00p, CBS (Bengals +4.5, O/U: 44.5)

Take the Broncos to cover in the over, Broncos 27-21.

Arizona at Green Bay, 1:00p, FOX (Packers -14, O/U: 40.5)

Take the Packers to cover in the over, Packers 34-17.

Baltimore at Atlanta, 1:00p, CBS (Falcons -3, O/U: 47.5)

Take the Falcons to cover in the under, Falcons 27-20.

Buffalo at Miami, 1:00p, CBS (Dolphins -3.5, O/U: 40)

Take the Bills to cover in the win, in the over, Bills 24-20.

Carolina at Tampa Bay, 1:00p, FOX (Buccs +3.5, O/U: 52.5)

Take the Panthers to cover in the over, Panthers 31-24.

Chicago at N.Y. Giants, 1:00p, FOX (Giants +4, O/U: 43.5)

Take the Bears to cover in the under, Bears 24-17.

Cleveland at Houston, 1:00p, CBS (Texans -6, O/U: 47.5)

Take the Texans to cover in the over, Texans 31-24.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1:00p, CBS (Jaguars +4.5, O/U: 46)

Take the Colts to cover in the win, in the under, Colts 27-17.

L.A. Rams at Detroit, 1:00p, FOX (Lions +10, O/U: 54)

Take the Rams to cover in the over, Rams 36-20.

Kansas City at Oakland, 4:05p, CBS (Raiders +14, O/U: 53.5)

Take the Chiefs to cover in the over, Chiefs 35-20.

N.Y. Jets at Tennessee, 4:05p, CBS (Titans -10, O/U: 40.5)

Take the Titans to cover in the under, Titans 21-10.

Minnesota at New England, 4:25p, FOX (Patriots -5, O/U: 49)

Take the Vikings to cover in the loss, in the over, Patriots 31-27.

San Francisco at Seattle, 4:25p, NBC (Seahawks -10, O/U: 45.5)

Take the Seahawks to cover in the under, Seahawks 28-17.

L.A. Chargers at Pittsburgh, 8:20p, CBS (Steelers -3, O/U: 52.5)

Take the Chargers to cover in the win, in the over, Chargers 31-28.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin 5:

  • Baltimore at Atlanta – Atlanta (-1)
  • Cleveland at Houston – Houston (-6)
  • Indianapolis at Jacksonville – Indianapolis (-4)
  • Chicago at NY Giants – NY Giants (+4.5)
  • Minnesota at New England – Minnesota (+5)

Week 12: Monday Night Football

Tennessee at Houston, 8:20p, ESPN (Texans -4, O/U: 43)

The Titans have been an up and down team all year long.  They have wins against the Texans earlier this year as well as the Eagles, Patriots, Cowboys and Jaguars.  They’ve also lost by 1 at the Bills and at the Chargers but also were blown out by the Ravens at home and the Colts in Indy.  Mariota has been fairly efficient with the ball, completing a career best so far 67.6% of his passes however, 7 TD’s to 6 picks and only a measly 1500 yards isn’t going to help the team.  The league has been accommodating offenses and especially in the passing game.  If Mariota can’t consistently get to the 250-300 yard mark with at least 2 TD’s each game, he will be replaced.

The Texans will be playing tonight with heavy hearts after their owner Bob McNair passed away just days ago.  After starting the year off 0-3, they’ve righted the ship to go on a 7 game winning streak.  The Texans passing game has also been light on yards and Watson hasn’t been so careful with the ball with his 2:1 td/int ratio but they’ve been playing much better on defense and getting after the quarterback.  JJ Watt has had a sack in each of his last 3 games, 10 in the last 8 weeks only missing out on the sack party in weeks 1, 2 and 7, and he looks to continue that tonight.  Clowney adds another 6.5 sacks in his 9 games played, 4 in his last 4 weeks.  They’ll be hungry to go after Mariota, a squirrely quarterback but can be caught in his pocket from time to time.

Take the Texans to cover in the over, Texans 28-20.

8-6 so far this week, it’ll be a winning week but lets make it a 60% week with a cover tonight!  Good Luck all!

#beatyourbookie

Week 10: Sunday Games

Arizona at Kansas City, 1:00p, FOX (Chiefs -15.5, O/U: 50)

These games are always tough to put money on but the Chiefs have beaten better teams by two touchdowns. The issue with the Cardinals is their offense and the lack of points being scored. Take the Chiefs to cover in the over, Chiefs 38-18.

Buffalo at N.Y. Jets, 1:00p, CBS (Jets -7.5, O/U: 38)

This game isn’t going to be pretty with McCown in for an injured Darnold and Allen coming back from his concussion. Allen gives the Bills the best chance to win obviously because he has been the jack of all trades given he led his team in rushing up until his injury. Take the Bills to cover and win in the under, Bills 17-14.

Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1:00p, CBS (Colts -3, O/U: 48)

Reports out of Jacksonville state that the locker room is pissed off and will play as such being on a four game slide. Fournette is scheduled to make his return this week. Luck has been on fire this season and his much much much improved offensive line hasn’t allowed him to be sacked in the last 3 weeks. That truly gives us a sense as to what Luck can do with time in the pocket even without big name receivers. This is one of the games of the week to watch. Take the Colts to cover in the under, Colts 24-20.

New England at Tennessee, 1:00p, CBS (Titans +7, O/U: 47.5)

It’s a big spread on the road to cover. If at home, this spread would say that the Patriots would be favored by 13. I had a hard time with this given how inconsistent the Titans have been this year. Other things to consider, Gronk is out for Brady and the Titans have been tough against the run. It’s hard to go against Brady/Belichick so don’t, take the Patriots to cover in the under, Patriots 24-14.

New Orleans at Cincinnati, 1:00p, FOX (Bengals +6, O/U: 54)

The Saints are coming off of a big time win last week at home that saw them start off HOT but completely cool off in the 2nd half but still held off the high powered Rams offense. The Bengals line many good, not great, teams play so much better at home in front of their fans. Andy Dalton had played well this year but can fall under the spell of the turnover bug but rarely does so at home. No Green to throw to will limit this offense. I think the line is fare. Take the Saints to cover in the win in the over, Saints 31-24.

Washington at Tampa Bay, 1:00p, FOX (Buccs -3, O/U: 51)

Fitzmagic is back and looked about as good as he did before Winston came off suspension. The defense still had trouble stopping teams and the Redskins have looked good with the resurrection of AP in the backfield and field general Alex Smith moving the offense. The Redskins pass rush has looked good in recent weeks and will continue that trend this week. Take the Redskins to cover in the under, Redskins 24-21.

Atlanta at Cleveland, 1:00p, FOX (Browns +6, O/U: 51)

The Browns are in disarray even though they’re scoring, their defense isn’t playing to the caliber they’re used to and they are now facing their third high powered offense in 3 weeks. Julio Jones is finally on the score sheet which will give him more motivation to get in again today. Take the Falcons to cover in the over, Falcons 35-24.

Detroit at Chicago, 1:00p, FOX (Bears -7.5, O/U: 44)

The Lions looked atrocious on offense last week, allowing Stafford to get sacked 10 times! The Lions will be missing key defensive players. Mack will be back so look for more of the same view from the turf for Stafford. Take the Bears to cover in the under, Bears 24-17.

L.A. Chargers at Oakland, 4:05p, FOX (Raiders +10, O/U: 50)

I feel like I say this 8 times a year but again, the Chargers are a better team on the road. The Raiders are also another team in turmoil and their offense is LACKING. Take the Chargers to easily cover in the under, Chargers 31-17.

Miami at Green Bay, 4:25p, CBS (Packers -10.5, O/U: 48.5)

I understand that Osweiler has played well in his 4 starts but they’re going to the frozen tundra. Rodgers will have Valdez-Scantling getting more snaps in Allison’s absence, who had shown in previous games that he is a rookie that can offer big play ability along with Cobb and Adams. Take the Packers to cover in the over, Packers 34-17.

Seattle at L.A. Rams, 4:25p, CBS (Rams -9, O/U: 51)

The Rams haven’t covered in the last few weeks and are coming off a huge game against the Saints on the road. They’ve also dealt with less practice time due to taking Friday off to help family and friends evacuate their homes due to the fires. Russell Wilson rarely loses by over a touchdown and they’ve played inspired football lately. Take the Rams to win an emotional game by the Seahawks to cover in the loss, in the under, Rams 27-21.

Dallas at Philadelphia, 8:20p, NBC (Eagles -7.5, O/U: 44)

This will be another sloppy game by Dallas. They don’t have the weapons to give Dak many options. The Eagles added Golden Tate to the corps of receivers for Wentz to help make up for the lack of power in the backfield. Take the Eagles to cover big in the over, Eagles 27-14.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin 5:

  • New Orleans at Cincinnati – Cincinnati (+5.5)
  • Jacksonville at Indianapolis – Indianapolis (-3)
  • New England at Tennessee – New England (-6.5)
  • Seattle at LA Rams – Seattle (+10)
  • Dallas at Philadelphia – Philadelphia (-6.5)

#beatyourbookie

Week 10: Thursday Night Football

Carolina at Pittsburgh, 8:20p, NFLN (Steelers -3.5, O/U: 51.5)

Finally, we get a game on Thursday worthy of most football fans’ time.

The Panthers have enjoyed the last couple of games with Eric Reid on board to help the defense as the offense keeps rolling at home.  On the road, it’s a little bit of a different story where Cam stays the same but the offense doesn’t score as much.  History points to the Panthers as being a weak road team and even though they’ve lost 2 of 3 on the road (their only 2 losses), they were within 7 points in both games.  In fact, Cam has been stellar as far as his completion percentage and passer rating.  Cam is certainly having a career year but not only is Cam playing well, Christian McCaffrey is having a fantastic sophomore season in the NFL as well.

The Steelers have enjoyed a 4 game winning streak that started after a week 4 loss at home to division foe, Ravens.  That loss put them 0-2 at home and 1-2-1 overall with the season in peril, uncertainty with the Bell situation, turmoil in the organization with AB until they met the high flying Falcons at home the next week.  They haven’t looked back since.  Yes Big Ben has thrown 7 picks but also has 16 touchdowns, Conner slightly outperforming Bell from last year with the same amount of starts and Brown might not have a ton of yards or a great average per catch but has 9 touchdowns.  The defense has been in lockdown mode the last 4 weeks.

With the defense in lockdown mode, take the Steelers to cover in the over, Steelers 31-27.

#beatyourbookie

Week 9: Sunday Games

Chicago at Buffalo, 1:00p, FOX (Bills +10, O/U: 38.5)
Nathan Peterman getting the start tells you much of how this game will go. Mack isn’t playing today but I don’t think it will matter for the ending outcome. Take the Bears to cover in the under, Bears 28-10.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 1:00p, CBS (Ravens -1, O/U: 46)
Conner is tearing it up in Bell’s absence and in fact, the Steelers offense has been more explosive without him. The Ravens have struggled lately with a 1-4 record in their last five games since beating the Steelers in their house back in week 4. Take the Steelers to get retribution against a struggling purple birds team and cover in a win, in the under, Steelers 24-20.

Atlanta at Washington, 1:00p, FOX (Redskins -2, O/U: 47)
The Falcons struggled last week against a not so great Giants team before their bye last week and didn’t play well defensively all season long. Smith and Peterson have been hitting a good stride lately and have statement wins against the Packers and Panthers, both at home. Another plus for the Redskins, the acquisition of Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. Take the Redskins to cover in the over, Redskins 28-24.

Detroit at Minnesota, 1:00p, FOX (Vikings -5, O/U: 47.5)
Trading away Golden Tate was baffling and hurts the Lions offense. No Diggs, no problem for the Vikes. Take the Vikings to cove in the over, Vikings 31-21.

Kansas City at Cleveland , 1:00p, CBS (Browns +9, O/U: 52)
There seems to be no stop to this KC offense, don’t expect it to slow today. How does anyone expect a team to do well against a team like the Chiefs when you fire both your head coach and offensive coordinator in the same week? So the Browns have moved their defensive coordinator, Greg Williams and moved him to the interim head coaching slot which means his focus has come off of the defense a bit, which has played pretty good this year. Mayfield will now have a second offensive coordinator in his rookie year and this guy hasn’t even called plays in the NFL. Take the Chiefs to cover big in the over, Chiefs 38-20.

N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1:00p, CBS (Dolphins -3, O/U: 41.5)
The 3 big named receivers in this game are all active after being questionable (Enunwa, Anderson for the Jets and Still for the Dolphins). The Jets have struggled in the last few weeks without both receivers but with them, Darnold has been very good and matched the hype. Osweiler has been serviceable since Tannehill was injured but the question is, as it has always been in regards to his play, is when will he drop? Take the Jets to steal one on the road and cover in the win, in the over, Jets 27-20.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1:00p, FOX (Panthers -6, O/U: 55)
Fitzmagic is back under center as a starter for the Buccs and they looked good once Winston was benched and nearly stole one on the road against the Bengals. Cam and the Panthers have had solid back to back weeks (away win in Philly and home win against the Ravens). Cam is as accurate as he’s ever been with Norv Turner tapping into every great aspect Cam gives in his athletic ability. Buccs defense is one of the worst in the league and they give up a ton of points. Take the Panthers to cover in the over, in a close one now that Fitz is back, Panthers 31-24.

Houston at Denver, 4:05p, CBS (Broncos -1, O/U: 46.5)
I’m shocked the Broncos are still 1 point favorites in this matchup given the trade of their longtime receiver Demaryius Thomas to their opponents today. Their secondary is still suffering even though their font 8 has been solid. The Texans placed Will Fuller on the IR and needed a replacement to keep this run to the playoffs alive and DT adds that extra big receiver to help Watson and Hopkins. Take the Texans to cover in the win, in the under, Texans 24-17.

L.A. Chargers at Seattle, 4:05p, CBS (Seahawks -1, O/U: 48)
The Seahawks offensive line has awaken. They have been extremely reliable and since week 2, they have been 4-1 and the sole lose came by 2 points in LA against the Rams. The Chargers are sneaky good on the road and Rivers is having a career year, a career last 2 years really and he’s looking to keep it going against a less potent secondary than years past. Take the Chargers to cover in the win, in the under, Chargers 24-21.

L.A. Rams at New Orleans, 4:25p, FOX (Saints +1.5, O/U: 57)
What else can I say about this game? It will be a shootout and most of you will have to go with your guts on this. Bother offenses are competing at high levels and the defenses have to do what they can, anything, to hang on. Take the Saints to cover and upset the Rams with a win and in the over, Saints 35-31.

Green Bay at New England, 8:20p, NBC (Patriots -6, O/U: 56.5)
Gronk was again questionable this week with a banged up ankle and back. Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers have been very humble this week with all of the “what do you think about” each other questions but they know this is a big game and very important for both team. The Packers losing Clinton-Dix hinders their secondary but Tom rarely throws many deep passes in this day in age. This may be a homer pick but take the Packers to cover in the WIN (because they’ve beaten Tom before), in the over, Packers 31-27.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazing 5 Picks:

Detroit at Minnesota – Minnesota (-5)
LA Chargers at Seattle – LA Chargers (+1)
LA Rams at New Orleans – LA Rams (-1)
Green Bay at New England – New England (-5)
Tennessee at Dallas – Tennessee (+5.5)

Week 9: Thursday Night Football

Oakland at San Francisco, 8:20p, NFLN (49ers -1, O/U: 44)

The only thing this matchup has is the rivalry aspect going for it……wait….check that….the rivalry emotions just hit the IR along with all of the stars from both teams.

You’re in for a sloppy one between these two.  Two of the worst teams in the league all around are squaring off to get one more win than the other, in a season full of losses.  While Carr has shown life on the road in his last 3 games (901 yards passing), they’ve also blew chances at wins like in the Indianapolis where they were torched for 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter.  Bright sides are that they didn’t trade anyone on the deadline, Carr showing life on the road (keeping his tears for his pillow at night) and Dougie Fresh Martin looked solid last game with 72 yards on the ground.  Dark spots, the Raiders whole pass rush was traded to Chicago since they have 7 sacks all season long (only 1 per game on average).

The 49ers are going to be leaning on undrafted rookie Nick Mullens since CJ Beathard can’t squeeze a football with his throwing hand.  If that doesn’t tell you about the state of the 49ers, then take a peak at their IR where you’ll find the chosen one, Jimmy Garapolo and savior running back, Jerick McKinnon, both sitting there with season ending knee injuries.  The interesting thing about the 49ers is that even with CJ under center, they’ve been in almost every game this season with about half of their losses being within a touchdown, but they are 1-5 against the spread in their last 6 home games, some of those with Jimmy G.

Take the Raiders to cover in the win, in the under, Raiders 17-14.

#beatyourbookie

Week 8: Monday Night Football

New England at Buffalo, 8:15p, ESPN (Bills +14, O/ 44.5)

Last week I mistakenly thought that Josh Allen was starting and totally blew that pick which helped me finish 7-7 and not 8-6, silly me, poor write up, that’s what I get.  I won’t make the same mistake this week however.  Seeing the score of the Bills game last week made me realize that Josh Allen was the glue that held that ship semi above water.  He was the saving grace to give some hope in possibly covering spreads like this one given his raw talent and fiery competitiveness.  Derek Anderson used to be a capable fill in but not on short notice with a brand new team, trying to learn an offense and gain trust in receivers in 2 weeks.

The Patriots absolutely love coming into these divisional matchups against a weaker team like the Bills.  They love establishing who the king is, who owns the division, how great they are.  Belichick will run up the score in the first 3 3/4 quarters of the game and if necessary, they’ll still slap you in the face in that last 1/4th of the fourth quarter.  They just don’t have fun, they might a little since Gronk is on the team but they show up to do a job, say their peace to opposing players on the team and leave.  That’s what they do and that’s how they’ve been mentally focused since 2000.

Game note, Josh Gordon will sit the first several series for being late to a team meeting.  He’s feeling the wrath of Bill Belichick just 6 weeks into his stay with the Patriots.  Could that be a sign that he’s already slipping?  We shall see in the coming weeks.

It’s one of the leagues best versus one of the leagues worst.  It’s been 10 years since Monday night football has been in Buffalo and after tonight, it’ll be 10 years until they come back.  Take the Patriots to cover in the win and in the under, Patriots 28-10.

#beatyourbookie