Thursday, October 25, 2018

Broncos-Chiefs and Week 8 Picks!

Before we get to the Chiefs-Broncos game this week, a little housecleaning from last Thursday's 45-10 Broncos win over the Cardinals. It was fun game to watch and it was great seeing Denver cruise to a blowout win, but let's remember that the Cardinals are one of the worst teams in the league. The Broncos are not good, and we took advantage of a really bad team, so as excited as I was to watch them kick the crap out of the Cardinals, I have to take it with a grain of salt. It was fun to watch Todd Davis and Chris Harris both have pick-sixes in the first quarter. It was also great to see Emmanuel Sanders throw a TD pass on a trick play to Courtland Sutton, and then catch a 64 yard bomb to help give the Broncos a 35-3 lead going into halftime. Overall, it was nice to get the win, but let's see how it goes this week in Kansas City. Speaking of KC, I really don't give Denver much of a chance this week. Arrowhead is always a tough place to play, and the Chiefs are 6-1 and rolling along in the AFC. I think they will jump on Denver early and continue the barrage all game long. I can't see how Denver's defense will keep this game close.

Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-10) over Denver
Final Score: Chiefs-38 Broncos-10

Now onto the picks for Week 8....

Last Week's Record: 7-6-1
Overall Record: 51-46-7
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Philly (-3) over Jacksonville (London):
Two teams that are 3-4 and having disappointing seasons head over to London in a very important game. Someone will be 3-5 after this game is over, and I think the Eagles will get the win.

Seattle (+3) over DETROIT:
The Lions have rebounded to get to 3-3 and Seattle comes in at 3-3. I like the Seahawks in this spot, and I think they will do enough to get the win on the road.

CINCY (-5) over Tampa Bay:
The Bengals got thumped by the Chiefs last week and now they return home to take on the 3-3 Bucs. I see the Bengals getting back on the winning track this week with a big home win.

PITTSBURGH (-7) over Cleveland: I think the Steelers are getting their grove back and I would expect them to win at home over the Browns. I can the Steelers start to make a run at this point in the year.

Baltimore (PICK) over CAROLINA:
This is a really good game Carolina on Sunday. The Panthers are 4-2 and coming off a huge road win in Philly after being down 17-0 in the 4th quarter. The Ravens lose a tough one at home to the Saints, and I usually don't like the Ravens on the road, but I like them in this spot. I think this will be a battle that could go either way.

CHICAGO (-7) over NY Jets: I think this will be a tough one for the Jets on the road in Chicago. I like the Bears and their defense in this spot. Look for the Bears to win this game and put the Jets at 3-5.

Washington (-1) over NY GIANTS:
The Giants are a mess at 1-6, and the Redskins are 4-2 and in the lead in the NFC East. I think they will do enough to get the win on the road and get to 5-2.

OAKLAND (+3) over Indy:
The 1-5 Raiders host the 2-5 Colts. I think the Raiders will rally around and play well in this spot at home, and I think they will get their second win.

Green Bay (+9) over LA RAMS:
This is the only marquee game in the late window on Sunday afternoon. I could see the Packers getting blown out in LA, but I'm picking them because I could see Aaron Rodgers getting the backdoor cover. I think the 7-0 Rams will remain undefeated but I think the Packers will cover the number.

San Francisco (PICK) over ARIZONA:
The 1-6 Cardinals take on the 1-6 49ers. I won't watch one minute of this game. I'll take SF.

New Orleans (+3) over MINNESOTA:
This is a great game on SNF featuring the 5-1 Saints and the 4-2-1 Vikings in Minnesota. It is a rematch of last year's epic NFC Divisional Playoff won by Minnesota on the "Minnesota Miracle." I think the Saints get revenge in a great back and forth game.

New England (-13) over BUFFALO:
What an awful game for Monday Night Football. The Pats will roll over the Bills in a snoozefest.



Week 8 TNF Pick

Miami (+7) over HOUSTON

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Week 7 Picks!

Here are my picks for Week 7 in the National Football League.......

Last Week's Record: 8-6-0
Overall Record: 44-40-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Tennessee (+7) over LA Chargers (London): Interesting game in London that starts at 9:30 am EST and 6:30 am PST. I think the Titans will keep this game close. Everyone is going to pick the Chargers, but remember they played in Cleveland last week and now are over in London. I'll take the Titans as a live dog.

JACKSONVILLE (-5) over Houston: At 3-3, the Jags return home and need to get back on the winning track. I think they will overwhelm Houston at home, and their defense will play much better.

Detroit (-2) over MIAMI: I like the Lions to go on the road and get to 3-3 with a win over the Fish, who have to start Brock Osweiler for the second straight week, and I can't see him playing as well as he did last week in the win over Chicago.

Carolina (+5) over PHILLY: The Panthers head to Philly, and although I don't think Carolina is a good road team, I think they will play well here in this spot. I still think the Eagles are finding their way. Expect a close game, but look for a field goal to decide it late.

INDY (-7) over Buffalo: With Josh Allen hurt for the time being, the Bills have to go with newly signed Derek Anderson at QB because Nathan Peterman is just that bad. Now, Indy comes to town at 1-5, but very competitive the last few weeks. The Colts will get their second win of the season this week.

New England (-3) over CHICAGO: I like this game a lot in the early window. It will be interesting to see how the Bears defense matches up with the Pats offense. I was going to take the Bears, but I can't go against the Pats. I think they will be locked in.

Cleveland (+3) over TAMPA BAY: The Bucs have lost three in a row and they fired their offensive coordinator Mike Smith this week. The Browns come to town 2-3-1, but got buried at home to the Chargers last week. I'll take the Browns on the road getting the points.

Minnesota (-3) over NY JETS: The Jets have won two in a row and are 3-3. The Vikings are 3-2-1, and I think the Jets are in for it this week. This could be a tricky spot for the Vikings, but I think they will take care of business.

BALTIMORE (-2) over New Orleans: Great late game on Sunday afternoon. The Ravens are always as different team at home. I give their defense the advantage against the high-flying Saints. I'll take them at home only laying two points.
WASHINGTON (-1) over Dallas: Big game in the NFC East. I think the 3-2 Redskins will find a way to get it done at home over their bitter rivals. I'm still not sold on Dallas even after their blowout win over Jacksonville last week.

SAN FRANCISCO (+9) over LA Rams: This is the third game of a three game roadtrip for the Rams and they have to be feeling a little from the last two weeks. I think the Rams will win and get to 7-0, but look for the 49ers to be a tough out and keep it closer than people think.

Cincy (+7) over KANSAS CITY: The Chiefs will win the game at home, but look for the Bengals to keep it close. I would expect a back and forth game for awhile.

ATLANTA (-5) over NY Giants: The 1-5 Giants are done, and now they head to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. The Falcons are banged up all over the place, and injuries have taken their toll. Look for the Falcons to win and get to 3-4.




Thursday, October 18, 2018

Broncos-Cardinals TNF Pick!

The 2-4 Broncos head to Arizona to take on the 1-5 Cardinals. Not exactly the thriller that FOX had for this week's Thursday Night Football game. The Broncos need to win to keep their season somewhat meaningful. A loss tonight could put the nail in the coffin of Vance Joseph. Of course I want to see the Broncos win, but even if they win, they are doing anything this season. They head to KC next week, so they will be 3-5 after eight games. They aren't going on a run the second half of the season-especially with two games against the Chargers, one against Pitt, and one against Cincy. If they lose tonight, then maybe John Elway admits the mistake of hiring VJ, and puts him out of his misery. We'll see, but I can't trust the Broncos to win a road game since they are 1-9 under Vance Joseph and haven't won a road game since December of 2016.

Prediction: ARIZONA (+1) over Denver
Final Score: Cardinals-24 Broncos-17

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Broncos Can't Get Past Rams, Lose Fourth in a Row

The Broncos didn't get blown out on Sunday, and they were able to mount a comeback against the Rams but ultimately they fell 23-20 after they couldn't recover the onside kick in the waning moments. It was the fourth loss in a row for the Broncos and they now stand at 2-4, and the hot seat under head coach Vance Joseph just got engulfed in flames. It is starting to look like 2017 all over again, and if it doesn't get fixed soon, there are going to be heads that will roll in Denver. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game...

1) This sequence just about sums up everything that is wrong with this Broncos team. Trailing 6-0, Case Keenum hits Emmanuel Sanders for a deep ball that appears to be a touchdown. Sanders scores, then points his finger at the cornerback of the Rams, and then draws a taunting penalty. The play is reviewed and it shows that Sanders was actually down by contact at the one, but the penalty stands and now the Bronocos don't get the touchdown, and have to start from the 16 instead of having the ball at the one. Of course, Denver settles for a field goal and makes it 6-3 instead of taking a 7-6 lead.

2) The Broncos were down 13-3 with 39 seconds left in the half and they faced a 4th and 3 from the Rams 39 yard line. VJ elected to go for it, and Case Keenum got sacked. Now, the Broncos defense bailed them out by forcing a punt, but it was a risky move by VJ. I don't have that much of an issue going for it but the playcall was awful. They needed three yards, and the receivers all ran downfield routes. What an awful call and execution as Devontae Booker missed the blitzer. Just bad football all around.

3) The Broncos offensive line is pretty bad. Garrett Bolles holds every game, they can't give Keenum time, and its a bad mix. Keenum holds the ball too long and the team is terrible in the red zone. They ran a fade to Jeff Heuerman in the endzone in the 4th quarter when they were attempting to comeback. It's a bad line, with a below average QB, and spotty playcalling. That's why they are struggling on offense.

4) The Broncos run defense got gashed once again-this time by Todd Gurley. Gurley ran for 208 yards, and the Broncos simply couldn't stop him. They did a nice job on Jared Goff and the passing attack, but got overrun by Gurley, and that proved to be the difference. I can't believe how bad their run defense has been the last two weeks.

5) On a positive note, Bradley Chubb had three sacks and played well throughout. Von Miller also added a sack and the Broncos had six on the day. An interception by Darian Stewart off a deflection got the Broncos back in the game after a Keenum pick in the 3rd quarter. The defense certainly isn't where it needs to be but they did a pretty good job at times on the Rams offense.

6) I never thought the Broncos were going to win this game, but they did make it close in the 4th quarter, and they had chances throughout the game to take the lead and take the game over, but they couldn't do it. It is a fourth straight loss and at 2-4, it looks like another lost season. They head to Arizona to take on the 1-5 Cardinals this Thursday night. If they lose, I think Vance Joseph is gone, but even if they win to get to 3-4, they still have a trip to Arrowhead to take on the Chiefs next week. Do you really think this team and this coaching staff are going to turn this thing around this year? Part of me wants them to lose to see it get blown up now, but a part of me wants them to win to keep this season competitive. The sad part is the losing is becoming the norm now for Broncos fans, and that is something that hasn't ever lasted in my lifetime as a fan.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Broncos-Rams and Week 6 Picks!

The Broncos come home to Mile High after a terrible loss at the Jets last week and on a three game losing streak at 2-3. The Rams come into town 5-0 and the best team in the NFC. The Broncos are big underdogs at home and the weather is calling for snow and 30 degree temps. I think the only advantage the Broncos have in this game is the weather and the homefield. How the hell is Vance Joseph and Joe Woods going to find a way to outcoach Sean McVay and the Rams offense? I can't see it happening. The Broncos are in for a rough one, and I think the Rams will pull away in the second half and send the Broncos to their fourth straight loss.

LA Rams (-7) over DENVER

Final Score: Rams-30 Broncos-20

Now onto the picks for Week 6...
Last Week's Record: 9-5-1
Overall Record: 36-34-6
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

MINNESOTA (-9) over Arizona:
The Vikings are 2-2-1 and coming off a big win over the Eagles last week. They blew a bad one at home to the Bills earlier in the season, and I don't see it happening to the 1-4 Cards this week.

CLEVELAND (+1) over LA Chargers: Interesting game in the AFC this week. The Browns are 2-2-1 after a big win over the Ravens last week, and the Chargers are 3-2 but have to come all the way to Cleveland in the early window. I think the Browns will find a way to beat the Chargers and get to three wins.

MIAMI (+4) over Chicago: Everything points to a Bears win here, but I have a feeling that the Dolphins will pull the upset at home.

WASHINGTON (-1) over Carolina: I think the Redskins will rebound after getting blown out against the Saints last week. I think the Panthers aren't a great road team, and the Skins win a close one.

Indy (+3) over NY JETS: Andrew Luck finds a way to keep the Colts in the game and wins it late on a last minute drive.

CINCY (-2) over Pittsburgh: I think the Bengals are the best team in the AFC North and I think they prove it once again with a big home win over the Steelers.

ATLANTA (-3) over Tampa Bay: Atlanta is more desperate at 1-4 and they need the win badly. I can't see them losing three in a row at home.

Seattle (-3) over Oakland (London): The first London game of the year and the Seahawks will take care of business and send the Raiders to 1-5.

Buffalo (+10) over HOUSTON: No way this Texans team should be favored by 10 points over anyone-even the Bills.

Jacksonville (-3) over DALLAS: Jacksonville's defense will be too much for the Cowboys offense. Look for the Jags to get back on track and get to 4-2.

TENNESSEE (+3) over Baltimore: This is a pretty big game in the AFC. I like the Titans at home as a home underdog in this spot. I still don't trust the Ravens on the road.

Kansas City (+4) over NEW ENGLAND: It is hard to bet against Belichick and Brady at home on a Sunday night, but I think the Chiefs will do enough to find a way to win the game.

GREEN BAY (-9) over San Francisco: The 49ers look done at 1-4 and are probably headed for a top five pick in the draft. The Packers are shaky and Aaron Rodgers is still banged up, but they should find a way to win the game easily at home on MNF.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Eagles-Giants Week 6 TNF Pick!

Philly (-3) over NY GIANTS

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Broncos Get Embarrased by Jets 34-16, Fall to 2-3

The Broncos got buried in the Meadowlands on Sunday by the Jets 34-16. It was about as an embarrassing of a performance I have seen from them since......last year! They got gashed on the ground and they gave up big play after big play. It was another terrible road performance for this team, and it leaves them at 2-3 with the Rams coming to town on Sunday. It was a bad loss that makes me think we are headed for a repeat of 2017. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....

1) The Jets ran the ball all over the Broncos defense. They had over 500 yards in total offense, and ran for 323 yards! That is just crazy. Isaiah Crowell had 219 yards rushing and Bilal Powell had 99 yards. It was an ass-kicking up front that I haven't seen on the Broncos run defense in a long time.

2) The game turned on this sequence. After Denver recovered a Jets fumble and Case Keenum found Courtland Sutton for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead, Crowell broke a 77 yard run for a TD to tie it at 7. Then, the next series Sam Darnold hit Robbie Anderson for a 76 yard TD to take a 14-7 lead. You can't give up or even recover from giving up TD plays over 70 yards.

3) The Jets pretty much put the game away when Darnold hit Anderson with a 35 yard TD with only 1:13 left in the half. That gave the Jets a 21-10 and that was pretty much it for the Broncos.

4) The only glimpse of hope after that was when Sutton took a short pass from Keenum and raced down the sideline deep into Jets territory down 24-10 in the 3rd quarter, but the play was called back due to a ticky-tack pass interference call on Sutton.

5) This game was an embarrassment and it leaves the doubt that the Broncos are just not a good team. They are now 1-9 under Vance Joseph on the road. They have lost their road games by an average of 16 points, and they have the most double-digit losses of any NFL team in the year and a half since VJ took over. The Broncos are in a bad way right now and they are looking at a second straight awful season.

6) There is no confidence in Vance Joseph, the defensive staff, and Case Keenum right now. The Broncos defense gets outcoached every week, VJ is lost as a HC, Joe Woods is not a good fit as DC, the defensive players are openly questioning the coaching staff, and the team is a mess. Case Keenum is a backup and playing like it. He is just not the answer, and we are headed for another brutal year offensively. I know that a season can turn on a dime, but do you have any confidence in the Broncos this week-even at home-with the 5-0 Rams coming to town? Although the Rams are banged up, I can't see Sean McVay being outcoached by VJ and Joe Woods. The Broncos are in trouble once again by mid-October-just like last year.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Broncos-Jets and Week 5 Picks!

Every game in the NFL is big, but some games feel more important than others. The Broncos have one this week. They are 2-2 and coming off a tough loss on Monday Night Football to the Chiefs. Now, they have to go all the way East to take on the Jets in the Meadowlands in the early window on Sunday. Should the Broncos win this game? Yes, they should but it will be tough because the Broncos have not played well on the road in a few years. With that said, they simply can't lose to the Jets this week. With the Rams in two weeks and a trip to KC at the end of the month, the Broncos can't lose this game and fall to 2-3. They can't come out flat, they can't lose to a rookie QB, and they have to get out of there with a win on Sunday. I'm not so sure Vance Joseph and this crew can be counted on at any point.

Prediction: NY JETS (-2) over Denver
Final Score: Jets-23 Broncos-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 5................

Last Week's Record: 7-5-3
Overall Record: 27-29-5
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

CLEVELAND (+3) over Baltimore:
The Browns are 1-2-1 and could be 4-0. I think the home crowd will be pumped up, and I'm always worried about the Ravens and Joe Flacco on the road.

KANSAS CITY (-3) over Jacksonville:
Very interesting game in the AFC in Arrowhead. I think this game will be close, but I'll take the Chiefs at home to outlast the Jags.

Tennessee (-3) over BUFFALO: I still don't know how the Bills beat the Vikings a couple of weeks ago. At 1-3, they host the 3-1 Titans. I've been impressed by the Titans so far this year, and I think they keep it rolling with a road win. 

CAROLINA (-5) over NY Giants:
Nothing makes me think the 1-3 Giants are going to go into Carolina and beat the Panthers. I think the Panthers will have a field day with the Giants and take care of business at home.


PITTSBURGH (-3) over Atlanta: Huge game for both teams on Sunday. The Steelers come in at 1-2-1 and the Falcons come in at 1-3. I don't have a great feel for this game, but I just can't see the Steelers losing their third straight home game to start the year.

DETROIT (+2) over Green Bay:
At 2-1-1, I don't really love what the Packers have done so far this year. The Lions are 1-3 but have looked better since their Week 1 debacle. I have a feeling the Lions will play well this week at home and get the win.

CINCY (-5) over Miami:
Miami is 3-1 after getting killed by the Pats last week. Now, they head to Cincy to take on the 3-1 Bengals after Cincy beat the Falcons late on the road last week. I think the Bengals are just too much for the Dolphins in this game.

Oakland (+7) over LA CHARGERS:
Don't trust the Chargers with a significant point spread as a favorite. They are just too unreliable. Look at last week in their win over the Niners. The Raiders are 1-3, but I think they will keep this game close in LA.

PHILLY (-3) over Minnesota:
Good game in the NFC in the late Sunday afternoon slot. I think the Eagles will get back on track. At 2-2, everyone is worried about them, but I think they will be fine. This should be a good test, but I think they will outlast the Vikings.

Arizona (+4) over SAN FRANCISCO: I have a feeling the 0-4 Cardinals get off the hook and go into SF and beat the Niners. I think Josh Rosen gets his first win as a NFL QB, and I think the 1-3 Niners are feeling the effects of losing Jimmy G to a torn ACL. I don't see them recovering.

SEATTLE (+7) over LA RAMS:
Interesting game in the NFC West. I think the Rams win the game, but I could see Seattle giving them everything they can handle.

HOUSTON (-3) over Dallas:
The Battle of Texas is on Sunday Night Football this week. The Texans are 1-3 after a crazy OT win over the Colts last week. The Cowboys are 2-2 after a late win over the Lions. I think the Texans get to 2-3 with a win over their in-state rival.

NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Washington:
The Saints are 3-1 and look like they are rolling on offense. I think they will be too much for the Redskins to handle on Monday Night Football in the SuperDome.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Week 5 TNF Pick!

NEW ENGLAND (-8) over Indy

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Broncos Lose Heartbreaker to Chiefs 27-23, Fall to 2-2

The Broncos lost to the Chiefs 27-23 on Monday Night Football in an absolute gut-wrenching defeat to fall to 2-2. The Broncos had this game and a 23-13 lead in the 4th quarter, and they just couldn't hold off Pat Mahomes and that Chiefs offense as KC came back and won the game late. It was a great game that went back and forth and the Broncos played the Chiefs as well as anyone as played them this year, but they fell short. There are no moral victories in the NFL, and the Broncos are 2-2. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.............

1) The Broncos were able to get the ground game going. Royce Freeman had 67 yards on only 8 carries and Philip Lindsay had 69 yards on 12 carries. Freeman had a great 14 yard TD run on 3rd and 1 to tie the game at 10 with 6 minutes to go in the 2nd quarter to tie the game at 10. Lindsay scored a 1 yard TD run to give the Broncos a 20-13 late in the 3rd quarter. Both backs continue to impress and I think the Broncos need to ride these two young backs going forward the rest of the year.

2) When you think about this game you will think about how the Broncos should have closed out this game and how Pat Mahomes made so many plays in the 4th quarter to win it. They Broncos were all over all game long, and he had this amazing ability to evade the rush and throw bullets while be tackled. That is where Mahomes is different then a lot of other young QBs. His left handed throw just summed up what kind of game he had last night. Mahomes is going to be a star player in this league for awhile and the Broncos found out firsthand.

3) With the game 23-13 Denver early in the 4th quarter, the Chiefs put back-to-back drives together to win the game. One the first drive, Mahomes completed a 15 yard pass to Tyreek Hill on 3rd and 16 and then converted a 4th and 1. He also converted a 2nd and 20 to Travis Kelce and it eventually led to a Kelce TD reception. After forcing a Broncos three and out, Mahomes completed a left-handed throw to Hill on a 3rd and 5, and 23 yard completion on 2nd and 30 and a 35 yard completion on 3rd and 7 to set up the winning run by Kareem Hunt with 1:39 to go. It was unreal, but he also got the help of a non-call on a delay of game as the official missed the play clock hitting 0 before the ball was snapped. It was amazing how the Broncos could not finish this game off on defense.

4) Case Keenum  did not play terrible in the game but he finished with 0 TDs and 1 interception. He made some gutty throws and he got the Broncos in position to win the game at the end, but he missed a throw to Demaryius Thomas at the end of game and overthrew him by a few yards. If he hits Thomas, DT walks into the end zone for the game winning score. The bottom line is that Keenum needs to play better. Right now, he one of the lowest rated QBs in the NFL. He has to get better.

5) The big picture of this game is no matter how close the Broncos were to winning the game, and no matter how close they were to stopping Mahomes and the Chiefs, they still couldn't get it done. Close doesn't count in the NFL. This reminded me of one of those primetime home losses the Broncos suffered in the early 2000s with Mike Shanahan  A loss is a loss, and I still wonder if Vance Joseph and Case Keenum can win a big game against a big time opponent. This Sunday is a must win for the Broncos as they head to the Meadowlands to take on the Jets. They have to get to 3-2 with the Rams on next the week after.
















Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Broncos-Chiefs and Week 4 Picks!

The Broncos are rare home underdog as they take on the red-hot Chiefs in Denver on Monday Night Football. I read that the Broncos are home underdogs to the Chiefs for only the second time in 20 years. The Chiefs and Pat Mahomes are on fire, and it is hard to think that Denver can slow them down. The Broncos are giving up big plays in the secondary the first three weeks, and I can't see how they are going to figure out a way to stop Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce. Plus, you have Andy Reid scheming against Vance Joseph and Joe Woods. Not a good matchup in Denver's favor. The Broncos will have the advantage of being at home with that crowd noise, but I think they won't be able to keep up with the Chiefs.

Prediction: Kansas City (-3) over DENVER
Final Score: Chiefs-31 Broncos-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 4 in National Football League....

Last Week's Record: 6-9-0
Overall Record: 20-24-2
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Cincy (+5) over ATLANTA: I don't like what I have seen from the 1-2 Falcons so far this year. The Bengals are 2-1 coming off a road loss at Carolina last week, but I think they rebound and might win outright in Atlanta this week.

CHICAGO (-2) over Tampa Bay: The Bears should be able to use their homefield advantage and let that defense unleash on the Bucs offense. Both teams come into the game at 2-1 and it will be interesting to see who leaves at 3-1.

DALLAS (-3) over Detroit: Both teams come in at 1-2, so the loser is in trouble at 1-3. I don't think the Cowboys are very good, but I can see them doing enough here to win the game and get to 2-2.

GREEN BAY (-9) over Buffalo: I know the Bills went on the road and beat the Vikings, but I think that game is an anomaly. I don't believe the Bills have turned around their season. The Packers are 1-1-1, but I would think that they will do enough to get going at home and win the game comfortably.

Philly (-3) over TENNESSEE: I think Carson Wentz is the best young QB in the league, and I would take him over almost anyone else. I think he does enough to get the Eagles by with another win in a tough spot at Tennessee.

Houston (+2) over INDY: Houston has to win at some point right? Everyone is taking the Colts, but I like the Texans to get their first win and get to 1-3.

NEW ENGLAND (-6) over Miami: Miami is 3-0 but I don't think they are very good. Now, they head to NE to take on the 1-2 Pats. Until the Pats are dead and buried, I won't go against them in certain spots. I'll take them here to get to 2-2.

NY Jets (+9) over JACKSONVILLE: I know Sam Darnold is going up against that Jacksonville defense on the road, and I think the Jags will win, but I'm not taking Blake Bortles with a nine point spread. I'm just not doing that.

Cleveland (+3) over OAKLAND: I think the Raiders probably get their first win of the year, but I want to root for Baker Mayfield, and I want to root against the Raiders, so I'll go with the Browns to make it two in a row.

Seattle (-3) over ARIZONA: Josh Rosen makes his first start of his career, and the Seahawks get to tee off on him. This is probably going to be an ugly game, but I'll take Seattle to pull it out and get to 2-2.

New Orleans (-3) over NY GIANTS: The Giants saved their season with a win over Houston last week to get to 1-2. The Saints are 2-1 with a win over the Falcons last week. I think the Saints take it on the road and overwhelm the Giants and get to 3-1.

LA CHARGERS (-7) over San Francisco: Jimmy G is done for the year and so are the hopes for the Niners. The Chargers will get to 2-2 with an easy home win.

PITTSBURGH (-3) over Baltimore: Great game Sunday night featuring the 2-1 Ravens and the 1-1-1 Steelers. Classic rivalry game, and I think the line is low enough to pick the Steelers and I think they righted the ship early in this season.