Tag: Colin Cowherd’s Blazing 5

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 13: Monday Night Football

Washington @ Philadelphia, 8:20p, ESPN (Eagles -6, O/U: 45)

In Colt Mccoy’s first start of the season, replacing the injured Alex Smith, he kept the Redskins in the Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys despite not having much of a supporting cast from the backfield and throwing 3 interceptions. Considering the lack of weapons to throw to, he managed to complete 63% of his passes with 2 touchdowns all while having to rely mostly on his tight ends for the bulk of the targets. McCoy isn’t known for having a deep ball so having Davis and Reed as his crutch is pretty helpful. Peterson has his ups and downs and last week was a tough matchup for the old back as the youngblood defenders of the Cowboys didn’t give him anything to work with. He’ll need to take the ball outside of the Eagles box to take advantage of a young and inexperienced secondary to get those chunk yards we’re used to seeing from him over the last decade.

The Eagles might’ve found a diamond in the rough with rookie running back Josh Adams who had a great performance (22 rushes for 84 yards and 1 TD). They’ve been looking for a consistent back to pair with Wentz to take some of the workload off of his shoulders. He’s proved that he can win and win big games but he still doesn’t look like last year’s Wentz. He’s only had 4 of his 9 games end with over 300 yards passing and still hasn’t clicked with newcomer Golden Tate. Despite this he still has a TD/INT ratio of nearly 3:1 (16/6). With Darren Sproles set to make a return along with Michael Bennett, has last week’s close call win walken them up for the tough stretch of games to close out the season and maybe make the playoffs(Redskins, Cowboys, Rams, Texans, Redskins)?

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

#beatyourbookie

Week 13: Thursday Night Football

New Orleans at Dallas, 8:20p, NFLN (Cowboys +8, O/U: 52.5)

New Orleans comes in with the league’s best offense, averaging 37.2 points per game. They’ve also only turned the ball over 9 times, tied for the league lead. Michael Thomas has 86 catches already and Kamara has been hot all year, especially the last 6 games where he has 9 touchdowns! The Saints also lead the league in rushing defense which is more than likely from teams being forced to throw more given how quick the Saints go up early in games, which has caused the pass defense to be 30th worst in the league. The rush defense will be tested tonight.

The Cowboys have really turned it up lately since Amari Cooper has come aboard eventhough he’s really only been involved in the offense starting last week on Thanksgiving with an 8 catch, 180 yards and 2 touchdown performance, looking like the first rounder he was supposed to be. Garrett will have to strategize against the Saints and do his best to keep the Saints high powered offense off the field. That means utilizing the league’s leading rusher, Zeke (1,074 rushing yards). But when the ‘Boys defense is on the field, they’ll need Lawrence to continue his wrath of the last 4 games where he’s snagged 3 of his 8.5 sacks on the season. Question is, can the Cowboys newly found 3 headed monster keep up with the Medusa (multiple weapons) offensive threat of the Saints?

Take the Saints to cover on the road in the over, Saints 36-24.

#beatyourbookie

Week 12: Sunday Games

Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1:00p, CBS (Bengals -1, O/U: 47)

Browns haven’t strung together wins in a long time. Huge win last week against the Falcons, used up a ton of energy and emotion to pull off. Bengals head a bad loss at home against the Saints but hung in there on the road against division rival Ravens. Take the Bengals to cover in the over, Bengals 31-20.

Jacksonville at Buffalo, 1:00p, CBS (Bills +3, O/U: 37)

Sacksonville will have their hands full with Allen back for the Bill’s (it’s legit this time, I actually checked before writing this). Fournette has been a difference maker for the offense and they don’t have to rely on Bortles. As I mentioned, welcome back Allen but what a tough defense to face in your first game back. It’ll be similar to the Jags at Colts earlier this season, back and forth until the end. Take the Jaguars to cover in the over, Jags 28-24.

New England at N.Y. Jets, 1:00p, CBS (Jets +13, O/U: 46.5)

Patriots were only 9.5 point favorites before Gronk was listed as active. I don’t think he’s worth that much of a swing. Jets are coming off of a bye but they looked ugly before it and I don’t think there’s much they can improve in with just more prep time, they need players on offense. Take the Patriots to cover in the under, Patriots 31-17.

N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 1:00p, FOX (Eagles -5, O/U:50)

The Giants offense is looking good as of late. Eli is completing a bunch of his passes and they’re having fun, big key. The Eagles had another key secondary injury which amounts to about a handful of starters on defense being out. Don’t get me wrong, the Eagles can still be effective on offense. Take the Giants to cover in the loss, in the over, Eagles 27-24.

Oakland at Baltimore, 1:00p, CBS (Ravens -13, O/U: 42)

I really don’t like this number on the Ravens but the Raiders are so inefficient in offense and have had close games only against bad teams. Jackson is exciting and is facing the league’s 31st worst defense against the run. Take the Ravens to cover in the under, Ravens 27-13.

Seattle at Carolina, 1:00p, FOX (Panthers -3, O/U: 47)

The Seahawks have been giving teams fits in the road the last bunch of road games but the Panthers play awesome at home and Cam has been dialed in at home, high completion percentage. Take the Panthers to cover in the over, Panthers 31-24.

San Francisco at Tampa Bay, 1:00p, FOX (Buccs -2, O/U: 54.5)

49ers can score but lose former first rounder Foster at linebacker due to domestic violence issues. Buccs have all the yards but no scores, expect that to change today. Take the Buccs to cover in the under, Buccs 28-20.

Arizona at L.A. Chargers, 4:05p, FOX (Chargers -14, O/U: 43.5)

Cards are horrific on offense, they can move it between the rookie hookup (Rosen/Kirk) but they haven’t done much outside of them. Johnson finally has started seeing some consistency. The Charges don’t play as well at home as on the road (broken record) but it’s the Cards. Take the Chargers to cover in the over, Chargers 36-17.

Pittsburgh at Denver, 4:25p, CBS (Broncos +3, O/U: 47.5)

It’s cold, they’re throwing salt down on the stands for the fans but the Steelers are a tough team and also play in the cold. The better run game wins here. Take the Broncos to cover in the loss, in the under, Steelers 21-20.

Miami at Indianapolis, 4:25p, CBS (Colts -9, O/U: 52)

Colts spank the Dolphins. Not much else to say, Colts look legit. Take the Colts to cover in the over, Colts 36-20.

Green Bay at Minnesota, 8:20p, NBC (Vikings -3, O/U: 48)

Both teams had close, though losses last week against surging teams. The Vikings didn’t look themselves on offense but Rodgers looked really good. Difference maker will be the quarterback play. Take the Packers to cover in the win, in the over, Packers 31-27.

Colin Cowherd’s Blazin 5:

  • Chicago at Detroit – Detroit (+3.5)
  • Seattle at Carolina – Carolina (-3.5)
  • Cleveland at Cincinnati – Cleveland (+3)
  • NY Giants at Philadelphia – Philadelphia (-6)
  • Green Bay at Minnesota – Green Bay (+3.5)

#beatyourbookie

Week 11: Monday Night Football

Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Rams, 8:20p, ESPN (Rams -3, O/U: 64)

This game has been circled by all fans since week 4 when these two teams have been on fire, turning out tons of points each week. No it’s not in Mexico City thanks to a rump shaking Shakira concert. If you think that will slow up the guys, think twice. The Chiefs were spending time in Denver to get their bodies used to the similar altitude that Mexico City would’ve had.

Mahomes and Goff have nearly identical numbers other than touchdowns (Mahomes 31, Goff 22) and the Chiefs have scored the most points each game on average, in the NFL. Similarly, the Rams have out paced “The Greatest Show in Turf” in most offensive categories this season. They will be without stud Cooper Kupp for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL from last week but don’t think it’ll hinder Goff too much.

This is going to be like a Madden game on easy. I’m predicting massive scoring, mostly through the air. The Rams pass rush will have their hands full chasing around Mahomes. Take the Chiefs to cover in the over (that’s right, I said over 64 points), Chiefs 42-36.

#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 4: Thursday Night Football

Minnesota at L.A. Rams, 8:20p, NFLN (Rams -7, O/U: 49.5)

This past Sunday, The Vikes got absolutely embarrassed at home by rookie Josh Allen. I mean, he literally leapt over their best linebacker with ease. The Bills took the opening kickoff and then drove the field 75 yards to a touchdown. Kirk Cousins didn’t help his teams cause or confidence by having 2 sacks fumbles that lead to 10 more points and a Bills 17-0 lead after the first. A good team being embarrassed one week basically means that they get revenge the next however it will be very tough to do so when going on the road against one of the best defenses and one of the best offenses in the league.

The Rams are on fire this year, picking up right where they left off from last year. Granted, they started off with a few softballs with the Raiders and Cardinals but had a bit of a test against a team that’s been a better road team than a home team, in the Chargers. The Rams ultimately beat them and covered the spread. Goff and his numerous weapons have gelled well with McVay’s playbook and they don’t seem to show any signs of slowing down, averaging 34 points/game on offense and only 12/game on defense.

Short week, big spread to cover but the Bills defense isn’t nearly as good as the Vikings and you see how they played in Minnesota last week. Expect the Rams to learn from what they saw Sunday and pressure Cousins all night. Take the Rams to cover in the win, in the over, Rams 31-21.

2018 NFL Kickoff: Thursday Night Football

As I sit here and watch the end of the last episode of Hard Knocks with the Browns, I have to start by mentioning how disappointing it was to not see Cajuste get a spot and how shocked I was that they let Nassib go.  I thought for sure Nassib was a lock and with Cajuste having a pretty decent offensive game in the last pre-season game, thought they might keep him but I know they already had 3 solid tight ends so the harsh reality was just seeing him cut.  Anyways, without further ado…..

Welcome to the start of the 2018 NFL season and the start of my predictions machine (hint: I am the machine haha!).

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 8:20p, NBC (Eagles: -1, O/U: 44.5):

The Falcons will play a little roll reversal coming into this game as underdogs compared to being favorites going into Philly for the NFC Divisional game last season.  The previous seasons Super Bowl champs are 12-2 in the last 14 season openers.  The average point totals in those games racked up to a whopping nearly 48 points.

The Eagles have many questions coming into this game as Foles had a bad pre-season and they are dealing with a handful of injuries to key players.  Doug Pederson will keep Foles reigned in and focused while calling plays that will be successful and suit his skill set, like he did in the playoffs.

The Falcons roster hasn’t changed much other than adding another offensive weapon via the draft, Calvin Ridley.  The only worrisome note was the drop in offensive scoring output from 33.8 points in 2016 under Shanahan to 22.1 points in 2017 under Sarkisian.  Given that it was the teams first year under Sark, they should see improvement in their consistency, from game to game, in year 2 under his watch.

The game moved 3 points after the official news that Wentz was out and Foles was in as starter for the Eagles.  To be honest, that’s scary but it also gives me what I need to know about the Eagles.  Like I said, Doug keeps Foles in line for this week and keeps the game close but take the Falcons and their high powered offense to cover +1 and win in the over, Falcons 24-21.

There you have it, game one in the predictions column.  Happy football eve everyone!  Don’t forget to thaw the dip, get the family sized bag of Tostito’s and get your order in early to your favorite wing joint…… oh, and good luck!

#beatyourbookie