NFL Week 9: Sunday Games Picks, Predictions & Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5

Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars, Wembley Stadium, 9:30 AM (Jaguars +1.5, O/U: 46.5)

The Texans have been rolling and keeping Watson more upright than the last few seasons. The Jaguars head to their what is seemingly more and more like a 2nd home, London. Watson has been rehabbing his left eye after getting kicked in the face while scrambling and throwing a TD last week not he says he’s fine. Watt is lost for the year so Minshew won’t have to be worried about JJ chasing him. Expect the Jags to run effectively without Watt. They are 5th in the league in average yards per game rushing as a team. Take the Texans to cover in the over, Texans 31-27.

Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles, Lincoln Financial Field, 1:00 PM (Eagles -5, O/U: 41.5)

The Bears have been under pressure to do something on offense this year. Fans and the sports media are questioning Trubisky’s ability to be a starter in the league which was evident by the boos the Bears heard going into the half last week. The Eagles avoided a 3 game skid last week with a big win over a tough Bills team in a windy matchup. The run game continued to look good between Howard and Sanders, combining for over 160 yards and 2 scores. Take the Eagles to cover in the over, Eagles 27-21.

Indianapolis Colts @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Heinz Field, 1:00 PM (Steelers -1, O/U: 40.5)

The Colts have been fairly consistent and have beaten some great teams in the last bunch of weeks on their way to a 3 game winning streak (Chiefs and Texans). Brissett is extremely cautious with the ball as he only has 3 picks in conjunction with 14 TDs. Marlon Mack has been the running back they were hoping he’d be, averaging 84 yards per game. The Steelers have done what they could in spite of not having Big Ben lead them. Mason Rudolph has been a pleasant surprise and has been a gamer helping the Steelers stay near .500 and still in the hunt for the division. They will have their hands full as the Colts travel well and will be without James Conner. Take the Colts to cover with a win, in the over, Colts 24-20.

Minnesota Vikings @ Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium, 1:00 PM (Chiefs +5.5, O/U: 46.5)

Cousins looked ugly early but the jokes about how overpaid he was, have been quieted in the last 4 games as he’s averaged 315 yards per game in the last 4 games after starting the season averaging 183 yards. In those first 4 games, he had 3 TD’s and 2 picks to recover having 10 TD’s and 1 pick in the last 4 games. The Chiefs have ruled Mahomes out for the 2nd straight week as there was some hope of him playing. Matt Moore looked surprisingly decent last week, completing 67% of this throws for 267 yards and 2 TD’s. Andy Reid has done well over his coaching career with backups (remember Kevin Kolb). Expect Moore to have a similar week with maybe 1 pick in his performance. Make no mistake, KC is a tough place to play, so also expect the fans to help their team out with some decibels. Take the Chiefs to cover in the loss, in the over, Vikings 27-24.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, 1:00 PM (Dolphins +3.5, O/U: 42.5)

The Jets haven’t done much right this season and they couldn’t even get the trade deadline right. Star safety Jamal Adams was under the impression he’d be traded and 4pm came and went with Adams still apart of Gang Green. I can’t imagine that Darnold plays any worse than the last few weeks. The Jets haven’t pushed the ball down the field much at all this season and Bell hasn’t had more than 70 yards or so per game and only averaging about 50 yards per game and even has been held to having zero runs over 20 yards. The Dolphins have been breathing signs of life with Fitzmagic under center but finishing the game is still something that eludes the Dolphins, as they’ve been outscored 130-20 in the second half. No Xavien Howard means that is one less ghost Darnold has to deal with. Take the Jets to cover in the under, Jets 20-16.

Tennessee Titans @ Carolina Panthers, Bank of America Stadium, 1:00 PM (Panthers -3.5, O/U: 42.5)

The Titans have looked much better on offense with Tannehill leading them as he’s just about caught up to Mariota in TD’s with 5 in the last 2 games (Mariota had 7 in 6 games). Tannehill has led the Titans to a 2 game win streak after starting 2-4. Having a more capable QB to pair with Derrick Henry who’s had a fairly solid season, 581 yards and 5 TD’s should make this a close game. After starting 0-2 under Cam, the Panthers ripped off 4 wins in a row under 2nd year guy Kyle Allen. Allen was brought back to earth last week, throwing his first 3 picks of his career in a drubbing by the 49ers. The Titans defense is tough but it’s no 49ers defense, nor is it a Houston defense, who Allen has beaten. Take the Panthers to cover in the over, Panthers 24-20.

Washington Redskins @ Buffalo Bills, New Era Field, 1:00 PM (Bills -10.5, O/U: 37.5)

The Redskins are rolling with rookie Dwayne Haskins this week, throwing him to the stampede of the Bills defense. Haskins in 2 games has 4 picks and zero TD’s and he’s getting thrown into his first start against a very good Bills defense. Allen has looked shaky in his second year, completing only 60% of his passes with 9 TD’s but 7 picks. Since the bye week however, he’s been more careful with 4 TD’s and zero picks. Wind will play a factor again in Buffalo as it’s blowing around 18 mph making the 40-degree weather that much more unbearable. Take the Bills to cover in the under, Bills 24-13.

Detroit Lions @ Oakland Raiders, Oakland Coliseum, 4:05 PM (Raiders -2.5, O/U: 50.5)

The Lions backfield is hurting just like the Cardinals was. The only difference is, the Cardinals actually did something about it before the trade deadline and the Lions haven’t. Latest news was that they were working out Jay Ajayi but he would obviously not be available for this week. Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic to lead the backfield. Stafford has looked good regardless as he’s over 2,000 yards and a 4:1 TD to INT ratio (16/4). The Raiders have looked extremely good, much better than predicted and has caught everyone off guard. Carr is completing 7% of his passes and has kept turnovers to a minimum. Rookie Josh Jacobs has looked fantastic with 620 yards and 4 rushing TD’s in his first 7 games. They may be 3-4 however they’ve had a tough schedule and have spent a lot of time away from Oakland with a “home” game in England. The Raiders haven’t been home since week 2! Expect the fans to make a huge difference in this one. Take the Raiders to cover in the over, Raiders 27-24.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks, CenturyLink Field, 4:05 PM (Seahawks -5.5, O/U: 53.5)

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

Cleveland Browns @ Denver Broncos, Broncos Stadium at Mile High, 4:25 PM (Broncos +4, O/U: 39.5)

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

Green Bay Packers @ Los Angeles Chargers, StubHub Center, 4:25 PM (Chargers +3.5, O/U: 48.5)

Take the Packers to cover in the over, Packers 34-21.

New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium, 8:20 PM, NBC (Ravens +3, O/U: 44.5)

Take the Patriots to cover in the under, Patriots 24-20.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5:

  • Indianapolis at Pittsburgh – Indianapolis (-1.5)
  • Detroit at Oakland – Oakland (-2.5)
  • Cleveland at Denver – Cleveland (-3.5)
  • Green Bay at LA Chargers – Green Bay (-3.5)
  • New England at Baltimore – New England (-3)

NFL Week 9: Thursday Night Football Pick & Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals, University of Phoenix Stadium. 8:20 PM, FOX/NFLN (Cardinals +10, O/U: 43.5)

Jimmy G and Nicky B are taking a red hot 8-0 show on the road to Arizona. The Cardinals are ripe for the picking as Vegas gave a super juicy line to a banged up Cardinals offense. Kyler has wheels but can they help him avoid a surging Bosa? It’s a similar line (given the 3 point swap for being home) to the Saints line last week and we saw how that went with a less dangerous defense. Take the 49ers to cover in the over, 49ers 31-17.

NFL Week 9: Thursday Night Football Pick & Prediction

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals, University of Phoenix Stadium. 8:20 PM, FOX/NFLN (Cardinals +10, O/U: 43.5)

Jimmy G and Nicky B are taking a red hot 8-0 show on the road to Arizona. The Cardinals are ripe for the picking as Vegas gave a super juicy line to a banged up Cardinals offense. Kyler has wheels but can they help him avoid a surging Bosa? It’s a similar line (given the 3 point swap for being home) to the Saints line last week and we saw how that went with a less dangerous defense. Take the 49ers to cover in the over, 49ers 31-17.

NFL Week 8: Monday Night Football Pick & Prediction

Miami Dolphins @ Pittsburgh Steelers, Heinz Field, 8:15 PM, ESPN (Steelers -14, O/U: 43.5)

The Dolphins traded away another key piece of their team this morning as they traded away Kenyon Drake for a 6th round pick that can turn into a 5th round pick if conditions are met. Ballage and Walton will be the backs behind the lines tonight. Fitzpatrick has been fiery for the Fins and has kept them in games with the equally ugly Redskins and within 10 of the Bills. Some guys play hard for primetime games especially if they are unsure of their roster status for the next season.

The Steelers get impressive young QB, Mason Rudolph back from his concussion suffered a few weeks ago. He’ll be licking his chops as he doesn’t have to face Minkah Fitzpatrick as they had pulled him away from the Dolphins in a trade. The Dolphins give up an average of 35.2 points per game which could give a moral boost for a team who only scores 20.5 points on average per game. James Conner still has yet to pick up steam and JuJu Smith-Schuster has had a very slow start to his first year as the guy on the outside. The Steelers defense is starting to pick up the pace as they have come up with 15 takeaways, 8 of them picks. Look for them to turn up the pressure on a weak Dolphins offense.

Take the Steelers to cover in the over, Steelers 31-13.

NFL Week 8: Sunday Games Picks, Predictions & Colin Cowherd’s Balzin 5

Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 1:00 PM (Saints -12.5, O/U: 48.5)

Take the Cardinals to cover but the Saints to win in the under, Saints 24-17.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Los Angeles Rams, Wembley Stadium – London, 1:00 PM (Rams -12.5, O/U: 48.5)

Take the Rams to cover in the under, Rams 28-13.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Chicago Bears, Soldier Field, 1:00 PM (Bears -3.5, O/U: 41.5)

Take the Chargers to cover but the Bears to win, in the under, Bears 17-14.

New York Giants @ Detroit Lions, Ford Field, 1:00 PM (Lions -6, O/U: 49.5)

Take the Giants to cover but the Lions to win, in the under, Lions 24-20.

New York Jets @ Jacksonville Jaguars, TIAA Bank Field, 1:00 PM (Jaguars -7, O/U: 40.5)

Take the Jets to cover but the Jaguars to win in the under, Jaguars 27-23.

Denver Broncos @ Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, 4:25 PM (Colts-5.5, O/U: 42.5)

Take the Colts to cover in the over, Colts 27-17.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills, New Era Field, 1:00 PM (Bills -1, O/U: 40.5)

Take the Bills to cover in the over, Bills 23-20.

Seattle Seahawks @ Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 1:00 PM (Falcons +7.5, O/U: 50.5)

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

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium, 1:00 PM (Titans -2.5, O/U: 45.5)

Take the Titans to cover in the under, Titans 20-17.

Carolina Panthers @ San Francisco 49ers, Levi’s Stadium, 4:05 PM (49ers -4.5, O/U: 41.5)

Take the 49ers to cover in the over, 49ers 27-21.

Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans, NRG Stadium, 4:25 PM (Texans -6.5, O/U: 52.5)

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

Cleveland Browns @ New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium, 4:25 PM (Patriots -10, O/U: 43.5)

Take the Patriots to cover in the over, Patriots 34-20.

Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium, 8:20 PM, NBC (Chiefs +4.5, O/U: 47.5)

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

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5:

  • NY Giants at Detroit – NY Giants (+6.5)
  • Oakland at Houston – Houston (-7)
  • NY Jets at Jacksonville – NY Jets (+6.5)
  • Carolina at San Francisco – Carolina (+6)
  • Denver at Indianapolis – Indianapolis (-5)

NFL Week 8: Thursday Night Football Pick & Prediction

Washington Redskins @ Minnesota Vikings, U.S. Bank Stadium, 8:20 PM, FOX/NFLN (Vikings -16.5, O/U: 41.5)

The Redskins have been a mess with the only bright spot being a win against the lowly Dolphins. Former Vikings quarterback Case Keenum gets the nod in a welcoming back to Minnesota to a place where he nearly took the Vikes to a super bowl birth just a few short years ago when he led them to an 11-3 record. Peterson and Thompson are both dealing with injuries so the Redskins will be relying heavily on Keenum. Kirk Cousins has seen a resurgence after his last prime time appearance. After being called out and apologizing to Adam Thielen, Cousins has thrown for at least 300 yards and have at least a 135 passer rating or better in three straight games, which makes him the first NFL quarterback to do so in history. The offense is firing on all cylinders these days as Cook has 5 games over 100 rushing yards and is right behind CMC in many statistical categories and Diggs has enjoyed 3 straight 100+ yard games after a slow start due to Cousins. This one is bound to get ugly. Take the Vikings to cover in the under, Vikings 31-10.

NFL Week 7: Monday Night Football Pick & Prediction

New England Patriots @ New York Jets, MetLife Stadium, 8:15 PM, ESPN (Jets +10, O/U: 43.5)

The Patriots are flying high with an unblemished record, the leagues top scoring offense and the leagues best defense (although not far ahead of the 49ers). The Patriots defense has only been backed up against their own endzone 4 times and have allowed just 1 TD. That conversion percentage equals that of the 49ers for the best in the league (25%). Brady is 6th in yards and is completing 65% of his passes. Edelman leads the receiving corps with nearly 450 yards and Michel is leading the ground works with nearly 350 yards to balance out the offense. Their defense will be key as they lead the league as the only team in double digits in picks with 14, which will be a tough test against Darnold who looked as if he hadn’t been out for a month.

The Jets had a pleasant surprise when Darnold came back and single handedly beat the Cowboys by throwing and throwing often. Darnold snapped back by completing 72% of his throws for 338 yards, 2 TD’s and a pick in a shocking win against the Cowboys last week. Robby Anderson was happy to see Sam back as he hauled in 5 of his 8 targets for 125 yards, one being a long 92 yard TD. The defense, which all season has been suspect, held Prescott to less than 300 yards, didn’t allow him to throw a TD which helped them try to focus on Elliott. The Jets have their hands full tonight however as they have to take a below average receiving corps up against the best performing secondary in the league. Adam Gase will have to try and out coach the best coach the game has ever seen. Yeah, good luck.

Take the Jets to cover but the Patriots to win in the over, Patriots 28-20.

NFL Week 7: Sunday Games Picks, Predictions & Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5

Arizona Cardinals @ New York Giants, MetLife Stadium, 1:00 PM (Giants -4, O/U: 50.5)

The Cardinals leaky defense gets Patrick Peterson back this week. Murray has had a solid start to the season even with a weak offensive line. 2-3-1 is a better than expected outcome given a rookie QB and rookie head coach. The Giants get their star running back, Saquon Barkley, back and just in time as the team is only 1 game out of 1st in the NFC East. Daniel Jones will be able to have a more balanced game behind him so that he can get back on track. Take the Giants to cover in the under, Giants 27-20.

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium, 1:00 PM (Colts -1.5, O/U: 47.5)

The Texans take their top 10 offense into Indy in a battle against a division rival for the top of the AFC South. The Texans also boast the leagues best redzone offense, converting 72% of their trips into TD’s. The Colts are a middle of the road team offensively and rarely make mistakes but are not great in the redzone and also one of the league’s worst defensively in the redzone. Both teams are careful with the ball, the Colts are one of the best teams in not turning the ball over. Expect a close one. Take the Texans to cover in the win, in the over, Texans 27-24.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Brown Stadium, 1:00 PM (Bengals +4.5, O/U: 44.5)

The Jaguars lose one of the key parts of their defense, a shutdown corner in Ramsey. Their pass defense was middle of the road with him, I can’t imagine it will get better but the rush defense holds them strong as they’ve held on to the a top 10 spot in redzone defense, allowing less than half of the trips to end up in the endzone. Minshew is holding strong, completing 64% of his throw and keeping turnovers to a minimum (TD’s and 2 picks). The Bengals bring the worst redzone offense into this matchup as their run game still hasn’t gotten off the ground. Mixon hasn’t cracked 300 yards yet and the line has allowed 22 sacks, 3rd worst in the league. Still no Green and talks of trade create doubt in the locker room about the confidence in the team, especially being 0-6. Take the Jaguars to cover in the under, Jaguars 23-17.

Los Angeles Rams @ Atlanta Falcons, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, 1:00 PM (Falcons +4, O/U: 54.5)

The Rams have been on a surprising 3 game slide. During the stretch, Goof has been slumping, throwing just 3 TD’s and 4 picks. Last week he couldn’t crack 100 yards passing. The rushing game is slacking immensely as they’ve slid out of the top 5 in most offensive categories. The Rams were in the bottom half of the league in pass defense and went out to grab Jalen Ramsey to improve that. The Falcons bring to the plate, the 2nd best passing offense in the game to test the Rams newly acquired corner. The rushing game hasn’t been there for the dirty birds, in which they’ve had to rely heavily on Matty Ice. The Falcons however, bring the worst or one of the worst defenses in the league which the Rams may recover on them. Take the Falcons to cover but the Rams to win, in the over, Rams 30-27.

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills, New Era Field, 1:00 PM (Bills -17, O/U: 41.5)

Take the Bills to cover in the under, Bills 27-9.

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions, Ford Field, 1:00 PM (Lions +2.5, O/U: 43.5)

Take the Lions to cover in the win, in the under, Lions 23-20.

Oakland Raiders @ Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field, 1:00 PM (Packers -5.5, O/U: 47.5)

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

San Francisco 49ers @ Washington Redskins, FedEx Field, 1:00 PM (Redskins +10, O/U: 39.5)

Take the 49ers to cover in the over, 49ers 31-16.

Los Angeles Chargers @ Tennessee Titans, Nissan Stadium, 4:05 PM (Titans -3, O/U: 42.5)

Take the Chargers to cover in the over, Chargers 27-20.

Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks, CenturyLink Field, 4:25 PM (Seahawks -3, O/U: 49.5)

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

New Orleans Saints @ Chicago Bears, Soldier Field, 4:25 PM (Bears -4, O/U: 37.5)

Take the Saints to cover but the Bears to win in the over, Bears 21-20.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium, 8:20 PM, NBC (Cowboys -3, O/U: 49.5)

Take the Eagles to cover and win in the over, Eagles 27-24.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5:

  • LA Rams at Atlanta – LA Rams (-2.5)
  • Houston at Indianapolis – Indianapolis (-1)
  • Arizona at NY Giants – NY Giants (-3)
  • Baltimore at Seattle – Baltimore (+3)
  • Philadelphia at Dallas – Philadelphia (+2.5)

NFL Week 7: Thursday Night Football

Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos, Broncos Stadium at Mile High, 8:20 PM, FOX/NFLN (Broncos +3, O/U: 49.5)

The Chiefs are reeling after a second straight loss after opening up the season 4-0. Mahomes had been dealing with a banged up ankle the last few weeks as well as having top receivers out with injuries. It was evident that he missed Tyreek Hill as he hit hill on a massive 46 yard TD early in the game, throwing short into double coverage as Tyreek leaped over the underneath defender to catch the ball and twist into the endzone. Hill would go on to lead the team in targets with 10, hauling in 5 for 80 yards and 2 TD’s. The Chiefs deficiencies on defense would lead to their demise however, when leading in the 2nd quarter 17-3, they allowed the Texans to score 20 unanswered points on 3 straight drives which totaled 204 yards. The Chiefs allowed nearly 500 yards of offense and allowed nearly 40 minutes of possession time keeping the high powered offense off the field and limited once they got on to the field. Regardless, the offense ranks 5th in points scored and 3rd in yardage when they are on the field.

The Broncos are coming off back to back wins after starting off 0-4. The convincing win against the roller coaster Titans was exactly what the team needed for a confidence boost heading into this matchup especially given that this offense has struggled even with the veteran Flacco and the young stud Phillip Lindsay. Flacco has been unimpressive in his 6 starts as he averages under 250 yards per game while also throwing only 6 TD’s but 5 picks. Lindsay has done what he can with his 397 yards and 4 TD’s but a poor 3rd down conversion percentage (33%) stalls drives early and puts the defense on the field for longer than they should be out there. Luckily even with all of that time spent on the field, they rank in the top 10 in points allowed (7th) and top 5 in yards allowed (4th). Still, beating a banged up Chargers team in their home isn’t special since the Chargers home games seem like road games to them and the Titans went ahead and benched Mariota even though he hadn’t thrown a pick all year coming into the game.

The Chiefs will have a tough time against the Broncos defensive front but with Hill back, don’t expect Mahomes to be under pressure all night once they start airing the ball out. Take the Chiefs to cover in the under, Chiefs 31-17.

NFL Week 6: Monday Night Football Pick & Prediction

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers, Lambeau Field, 8:15 PM, ESPN (Packers -3.5, O/U: 46.5)

The Lions are coming off an early bye week in time to head to Green Bay with 2 weeks to prepare for the new look Packers offense. The Lions have been slow out of the gate as they’ve had some tough matchups early on and faired pretty well, especially in the Chiefs game. Even so, they’re middle of the road in most team statistical categories. The Lions defense however has stepped up to the plate this year ranking 10th in points allowed and in the top half of the league in turnovers caused and stingy in the redzone only allowing 8 TD’s in 16 trips (50%). Stafford has protected the ball well early and has looked fairly sharp (62.4% completions, 1,122 yards, 9TD’s and only 2 picks. Stafford’s line has done well protecting him as well, better than in years past as he’s only been sacked 7 times and has been able to conduct 2 4th quarter comebacks with 1 game winning drive in his 4 games. They need to get Kerryon Johnson going however as he’s only rushed for 264 yards, averaging 3.4 yards per carry and only 1 rushing TD.

The Packers are coming off another emotional win in Dallas as they move back home for a divisional rival game against an always tough Lions team who have had the better of the Pack in recent years. The Packers have quietly kept in the top half of the league on offense and only recently picked up the rushing game with the explosive performance given by Aaron Jones last week that culminated in 4 TD’s. The one aspect that the Packers have been killing teams is their redzone conversions. They rank 6th with 13 TD’s on 19 trips (68.4%). Rodgers is shockingly outside of the top 10 in passing due to a slow start and having an actual rushing game to utilize more. He’s protective as always with the ball with a 6TD to 1 pick ratio. Aaron Jones may only be averaging 60 yards a game but he’s making the most of his carries averaging 4 yards per carry and more than a 4th of them gaining key first downs but the shocking stat is his league leading 8 TD’s. Davante Adams is supposedly out a few weeks with a turf toe injury so that means more opportunities coming to the rest of the receiver depth like Valdes-Scantling, Allison, Graham, Lewis. The defense bounced back after a disappointing loss to the Eagles who took Green Bay’s rush defense to the woodshed in front of their own fans. It hasn’t negated the fact that they are still a top 10 defense. They are tied for 3rd in the league with 11 turnovers (7 off picks), and top 10 in sacks with 15.

Packers home field advantage is unlike 99% of the league where Vegas gives them a 4 point advantage instead of the traditional 3. Take the Packers to cover in the over, Packers 27-23.