I have been able to put together two great weeks out of the last three to climb myself back into the gambling race this season. I went 9-5-1 last week, and I suffered two awful beats-gambling wise. The first one was the Geno Smith pick-six to Aqib Talib to allow Denver to cover the 8.5 point spread. The second one was the Kirk Cousins pick-six to allow Arizona to cover the spread late. Both were bad beats and both were examples why you should never, ever gamble. With that said, we are hitting the middle of October, and things are coming into focus. In the AFC, it is more wide open than last year. Denver, San Diego, Indy, Cincy, Baltimore, and New England remain legitimate contenders this year. In the NFC, Dallas and Philly have emerged in the East. Chicago, Detroit, and Green Bay are battling it out in the North, nobody wants to take control of the South, and Seattle, San Francisco, and Arizona are all fighting it out in the West. It still feels like one of those crazy years where anything is going to happen. Here we go with the picks for Week 7....
Last Week's Record: 9-5-1
Overall Record:41-45-5
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
INDY (-3) over Cincy: I'm still not sold on the Bengals. I know they are good, but I need to see more from them. The Colts are coming in at 4-2, but they haven't really beaten a great team. Big game in the AFC here, but I'll take the Colts at home.
WASHINGTON (-5) over Tennessee: The Skins aren't as bad as their 1-5 record says, but they need to get RG III back healthy because Kirk Cousins has basically topped out at this point.
CHICAGO (-3) over Miami: I can't figure out the Bears this year, but they haven't won a home game yet, so I think they will break out of that slump this week.
JACKSONVILLE (+6) over Cleveland: The Browns come in flying high at 3-2 on the heels of a beatdown of the Steelers. The Jags are winless, but I have a feeling they shock the Browns here and pull the upset.
Seattle (-6) over ST. LOUIS: The Seahawks traded away Percy Harvin on Friday afternoon, but I don't think that will have much of an impact on their offense. Look for them to play a great game in St. Louis after they lost at home to Dallas last week.
Carolina (+7) over GREEN BAY: I just can't figure out the Panthers at all this year. I don't know how to pick their games. I think the Packers will win this week, but look for Carolina to keep this one close.
BALTIMORE (-6) over Atlanta: At 2-4, the Falcons look to be in a freefall, and it might cost head coach Mike Smith his job. The Ravens are 4-2, and they are always very solid at home. I can't see the Falcons pulling the upset on the road in this spot.
Minnesota (+7) over BUFFALO: I don't trust either of these teams, and I guess I'll just go with the underdog here. I'm putting my faith in Teddy Bridgewater to get the backdoor cover.
DETROIT (-2) over New Orleans: The Saints just don't look the same this year. Something is off with Drew Brees too. The Lions can't be trusted-especially after they lost at home to the Bills two weeks ago at home-but I think they get amped up for this one and put the Saints in a hole at 2-4.
SAN DIEGO (-3) over Kansas City: The Chargers will not get caught looking ahead to Denver next week, and they will take care of their AFC West rivals at home to get to 6-1.
NY Giants (+7) over DALLAS: For some odd reason, I am taking the G-Men on the road in Dallas. The Cowboys come in at 5-1 and off a huge road win at Seattle. This is classic letdown spot, and I think the Giants take advantage.
Arizona (-3) over OAKLAND: How can you pick the Raiders in this spot? Carson Palmer returned last week, and he looked pretty good for the Cards, so look for them to take care of business in the Black Hole on Sunday.
PITTSBURGH (-3) over Houston: The Steelers were embarrassed by the Browns last week, and I would expect a big-time effort from them at home on Monday Night Football. At 3-3, the Steelers are at a crossroads here, and I would expect to see them be at their best against the visiting Texans.
DENVER (-6) over San Francisco: This is going to be a very tough game for Denver because they have trouble containing QBs like Colin Kaepernick. He is going to kill them at times on Sunday night. The reason why I like the Broncos here is that they are at home in primetime, and it is a big-time opponent coming in. Also, they are facing a very beat-up 49ers team, and I think they can take advantage of that. Plus, Peyton Manning is only 3 touchdowns away from Brett Favre's all-time TD pass record. You know Manning is going all out to get that record on Sunday night in primetime.
Final Score: Broncos-28 Niners-20
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Jets-Pats TNF Pick!
NEW ENGLAND (-7.5) over New York Jets: The Jets fanbase is demoralized and despondent as they head to Foxboro at 1-5 to take on the 4-2 Patriots. This looks like an ass-kicking waiting to happen. I just can't see Brady and Patriots laying an egg here-especially when they are looking to finish off Rex Ryan and their hated rivals.
Broncos Survive Jets With 31-17
The Broncos were able to finally finish off the Jets at Metlife Stadium on Sunday 31-17 with the help of a late Aqib Talib pick-six to get the win and stand at 4-1. It wasn't easy at times, and the Broncos almost blew a 24-7 lead in the second half, but they were able to close out the Jets, and as every fan will say "A win is a win," and the Broncos are now 4-1 as they host San Francisco next Sunday night. I broke down the game on film with a little more depth than usual, and here are my extended thoughts and observations on the game....
First Quarter:
-The Broncos hit a big play to from Peyton Manning to Demaryius Thomas to start the game, but the drive stalled and Denver settled for a field goal and an early 3-0 lead. Not a bad start on the road.
-Denver's defense was all over the Jets run game on the first drive and for the entire game. Too much speed on their defense for the Jets.
-Jace Amaro killed Denver on the Jets second possession. Three big catches and a touchdown reception from Geno Smith put the Jets up 7-3 early.
-Broncos offense was awful on second drive of the quarter. Bad snap and miscommunication by Manny Ramirez and Manning got sacked by Muhammad Wilkerson. Just a bad series by the offense.
Second Quarter:
-Manning getting flushed out of the pocket again leads to a shaky throw and another punt. Also, bad holding call on Ramirez, and another sack of Manning leads to another punt. Awful series by the Broncos once again.
-After a Jets fumble on a punt return, Denver squanders the opportunity with another holding call and an awful screen setup from Manning to Ronnie Hillman.
-Denver's defense once again swallows up the Jets offense and forces a key 3 and out.
-Denver gets it going on the next drive with a sweet Manning to Emmanuel Sanders hookup on 3rd and 9. Play of day by Manning so far in the game. Good running by Hillman, who had over 100 yards on the day, sets up a sweet Manning to Demaryius Thomas 2-yard touchdown on a 3rd and Goal. Denver takes a 10-7 lead.
-A huge sack by Demarcus Ware and a great play by Bradley Roby on 3rd down force another Jets punt. The Broncos defense was locked in early on the Jets offense.
- With 3 minutes left in the half, Manning found Sanders on skinny post for a huge pass play. What a throw by Manning to thread the needle. Manning hits Demaryius for another first down, and then finds Julius Thomas on a great touchdown hookup on a skinny post to give Denver a 17-7 lead and all the momentum going into halftime.
Third Quarter:
-Another 3 and out forced by the Broncos defense, and Manning takes advantage. A big run by Hillman was aided by the Broncos recovering his fumble in Jet territory. Demaryius Thomas makes a huge catch on 3rd and 7, and that sets up an easy Manning to Julius Thomas touchdown on a quick slant to make it 24-7. The Broncos are rolling at this point.
-A big sack by Von Miller and Bradley Roby force another Jets punt.
-From here, the Broncos start to play sloppy. A false start, illegal motion penalty and a bad throw by Manning force a quick Broncos punt. They seem to lack the killer instinct in these spots so far this season.
-The Broncos got a ton of pressure on the Geno Smith all game long, but big catches by Amaro and Eric Decker keep the Jets drive alive and a field goal makes it 24-10. A great breakup by Roby forces the field goal attempt there.
-Lamin Barrow gets ejected for throwing a punch on the ensuing kick return and the Broncos start with bad field position.
Fourth Quarter:
First Quarter:
-The Broncos hit a big play to from Peyton Manning to Demaryius Thomas to start the game, but the drive stalled and Denver settled for a field goal and an early 3-0 lead. Not a bad start on the road.
-Denver's defense was all over the Jets run game on the first drive and for the entire game. Too much speed on their defense for the Jets.
-Jace Amaro killed Denver on the Jets second possession. Three big catches and a touchdown reception from Geno Smith put the Jets up 7-3 early.
-Broncos offense was awful on second drive of the quarter. Bad snap and miscommunication by Manny Ramirez and Manning got sacked by Muhammad Wilkerson. Just a bad series by the offense.
Second Quarter:
-Manning getting flushed out of the pocket again leads to a shaky throw and another punt. Also, bad holding call on Ramirez, and another sack of Manning leads to another punt. Awful series by the Broncos once again.
-After a Jets fumble on a punt return, Denver squanders the opportunity with another holding call and an awful screen setup from Manning to Ronnie Hillman.
-Denver's defense once again swallows up the Jets offense and forces a key 3 and out.
-Denver gets it going on the next drive with a sweet Manning to Emmanuel Sanders hookup on 3rd and 9. Play of day by Manning so far in the game. Good running by Hillman, who had over 100 yards on the day, sets up a sweet Manning to Demaryius Thomas 2-yard touchdown on a 3rd and Goal. Denver takes a 10-7 lead.
-A huge sack by Demarcus Ware and a great play by Bradley Roby on 3rd down force another Jets punt. The Broncos defense was locked in early on the Jets offense.
- With 3 minutes left in the half, Manning found Sanders on skinny post for a huge pass play. What a throw by Manning to thread the needle. Manning hits Demaryius for another first down, and then finds Julius Thomas on a great touchdown hookup on a skinny post to give Denver a 17-7 lead and all the momentum going into halftime.
Third Quarter:
-Another 3 and out forced by the Broncos defense, and Manning takes advantage. A big run by Hillman was aided by the Broncos recovering his fumble in Jet territory. Demaryius Thomas makes a huge catch on 3rd and 7, and that sets up an easy Manning to Julius Thomas touchdown on a quick slant to make it 24-7. The Broncos are rolling at this point.
-A big sack by Von Miller and Bradley Roby force another Jets punt.
-From here, the Broncos start to play sloppy. A false start, illegal motion penalty and a bad throw by Manning force a quick Broncos punt. They seem to lack the killer instinct in these spots so far this season.
-The Broncos got a ton of pressure on the Geno Smith all game long, but big catches by Amaro and Eric Decker keep the Jets drive alive and a field goal makes it 24-10. A great breakup by Roby forces the field goal attempt there.
-Lamin Barrow gets ejected for throwing a punch on the ensuing kick return and the Broncos start with bad field position.
Fourth Quarter:
-The Barrow penalty gives Denver bad field position, and the
Broncos don’t get much on this drive as a result. A curious decision by Manning
to dump it off to Juwan Thompson leads on 3rd and 3 leads to a punt.
Weird series by the Broncos offense.
-Geno Smith gets a big first down with a huge scramble that
sets up a Smith pass to Greg Salas, who breaks a long run on a 3rd
and 4. Now, the momentum has shifted into the Jets favor, and the Jets cap off
the drive with a Smith to Decker touchdown pass to cut the lead to 24-17.
Decker’s touchdown came off a pick play that the Broncos made famous in the
redzone with Decker last year. At 24-17, the crowd finally gets into the game
for the first time, and the Broncos are now in a dog fight.
-Andrew Caldwell tries to take the ball out of the endzone
on the ensuing kick and gets dropped at the five yard line with 7:50 left in
the game. What the hell was he thinking? What an awful decision, and now the
Broncos are in trouble.
-A false start by Orlando Franklin backs up them further,
but Manning bails them out with a ridiculous throw to Demaryius on the sideline
to set up a 3rd and 1. It was an amazing throw and an even better
catch by DT.
-On 3rd and 1, the Broncos get stuffed as Hillman
gets knocked back. Awful job by the offensive line in that spot, but give the
Jets defense credit for getting off the field.
-The Broncos defense needs to come up big again this season,
and they do on the Jets next possession. Good pressure forces a Geno Smith
throw away on 1st down. More pressure forces Smith to throw
underneath to Kerley on 2nd down, and on 3rd and 6 Aqib
Talib makes the play of the game when he breaks up a pass intended for Decker.
The Broncos defense has made key stops late in games all year long.
-With 5:10 left, the Broncos take over and a key Manning to
Hillman dumpoff produces a huge first down on a 3rd and 6. On the
next 3rd and 6, Manning throws a bullet to Wes Welker for a huge
first down at the two minute warning. Welker had been held without a catch all
day, but he saved his only catch for the biggest moment.
-With 1:13 left and no timeouts for the Jets, the Broncos
try to end the game with a pass. The problem I have with this is the decision
by Manning. Why try to fit in a skinny post to Emmanuel Sanders and risk the
incompletion? That is what exactly happens, and it stops the clock. Looking at
the game a few more times on replay, you could see Welker open in the flat, and
even if he doesn’t get the first down, at least he catches it stays in bounds
and runs more time off the clock. As a result of the misfire, the Broncos have
to punt, but Britton Colquitt bails them out by pinning the Jets at their own
five with 1:06 left.
-The Broncos defense then turned it up on the Jets to finish
off the game. They get great pressure once again and knock down a pass on 1st
down. On 2nd down, they get a sack by pressure from Ware, Miller,
and Derek Wolfe. On 3rd down, Geno Smith forces a throw and Talib
picks it off and returns it for the game-clinching touchdown and the 31-17 win.
There is nothing sweeter than a pick-six to end a game, and Talib put the
finishing touches on this one.
-It was a weird game, and one that the Broncos slept through
at times. Once again, they were sloppy at times on offense. Too many penalties
and too many mistakes led to some really bad series. Their defense completely
shut down the Jets for the most part, but once again they slowly let the Jets
get back into the game once they were ahead 24-7. The Broncos traveled across
to the East coast, played a really bad team, and had to deal with an early
start. They didn’t look great at times, but they did enough to win the game and
get to 4-1. Next week, the 49ers come to town and it will be one of the biggest
tests of the season.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Broncos Roll Past Cardinals 41-20 and Week 6 Quick Picks
The 2014 Broncos looked like the 2103 Broncos after they
dropped 41 points on the then unbeaten Arizona Cardinals in route to a 41-20
win at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday. It was a vintage
performance in which the Broncos put up a lot of points, their defense forced
some key mistakes, and they ambushed their opponent to finish the game. Here
are my thoughts and observations on the victory….
1)
The Broncos decided to forget about the running game
early, and let Peyton Manning spread out the Cards defense and pick them apart.
That is exactly what he did. Manning finished 31-47 for 479 yards with 4
touchdowns and 2 interceptions. He threw his 500th career touchdown
pass to Julius Thomas to give the Broncos the 7-3 lead early. It was vintage
Manning and it was about time that the Broncos let him do his thing.
2)
Welcome back Demaryius Thomas! Thomas broke out with an
8 catch 226 yard performance with 2 touchdowns. When Manning and Demaryius are
on their game, they are pretty much unstoppable. His 86-yard touchdown
reception was just amazing down the sideline to make it 21-13.
3)
The Broncos defense brought the pain on Sunday. We knew
backup Drew Stanton would have some trouble against the Broncos defense, but
the Broncos made sure he didn’t have too much success. Von Miller added 2 sacks
and looked like the 2012 version of Von Miller. Demarcus Ware added another
half of a sack. They pressured Stanton a lot on third down, and they forced 11
punts in the game. The Broncos defense was helped a little by some key drops on
Arizona’s part, but they cranked it up in the second half and left no doubt
that this defense is going to get better and better as the year goes on.
4)
With at 24-20 lead going into the 4th
quarter, the Broncos didn’t let the Cards hang around, and they finished them
off in style. A Brandon McManus field goal made it 27-20, then a sweet Manning
to Julius Thomas 12-yard fade made it 34-20, then Juwan Thompson capped it off
with an 8-yard touchdown run to put it away at 41-20.
5)
This was probably the most complete game the Broncos
played all year. Both units, the offense and defense, played at a high level,
and it was the type of game that they should play like at home. The receiving
corps finally clicked with all four big-play guys (Demaryius Thomas, Julius
Thomas, Wes Welker, and Emmanuel Sanders) having really good games. The Broncos
are now 3-1 and head to the Meadowlands to take on the Jets next week.
Here are my quick picks for Week 6....
Last Week's Record: 6-7-2
Overall Record: 32-40-4
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
CLEVELAND (-1) over Pittsburgh
Jacksonville (+5) over TENNESSEE
Chicago (+3) over ATLANTA
Green Bay (-3) over MIAMI
Detroit (+2) over MINNESOTA
CINCY (-5) over Carolina
New England (-2) over BUFFALO
Baltimore (-3) over TAMPA BAY
OAKLAND (+7) over San Diego
SEATTLE (-7) over Dallas
Washington (+4) over ARIZONA
NY Giants (+3) over PHILLY
San Francisco (-3) over ST. LOUIS
NY JETS (+8.5) over Denver: I think the Broncos are going to get a really tough test with the Jets this week. On the road, early start, and the Jets season is basically on the line. We know the Broncos won't be able to run the ball on them, so that will give Rex Ryan a chance to get after Peyton Manning. I just have a feeling that the Jets will somehow, someway pull the upset.
Final Score: Jets-24 Denver-22
CLEVELAND (-1) over Pittsburgh
Jacksonville (+5) over TENNESSEE
Chicago (+3) over ATLANTA
Green Bay (-3) over MIAMI
Detroit (+2) over MINNESOTA
CINCY (-5) over Carolina
New England (-2) over BUFFALO
Baltimore (-3) over TAMPA BAY
OAKLAND (+7) over San Diego
SEATTLE (-7) over Dallas
Washington (+4) over ARIZONA
NY Giants (+3) over PHILLY
San Francisco (-3) over ST. LOUIS
NY JETS (+8.5) over Denver: I think the Broncos are going to get a really tough test with the Jets this week. On the road, early start, and the Jets season is basically on the line. We know the Broncos won't be able to run the ball on them, so that will give Rex Ryan a chance to get after Peyton Manning. I just have a feeling that the Jets will somehow, someway pull the upset.
Final Score: Jets-24 Denver-22
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Thursday Night Pick: Texans/Colts
Indianapolis (-2) over HOUSTON: Normally, you take the home team in these Thursday night games, but I have a feeling that Andrew Luck and the Colts are going to take down the Texans on the short week. It is a very intriguing matchup involving two teams at 3-2, but I'm not so sure the Texans are ready to challenge the Colts.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Week 5 Picks!
This NFL season is going to be topsy-turvy. Make no mistake about it every year we hear about how "Crazy" and "Wild" the current NFL season is, but this season seems just very unpredictable. The last two undefeated teams heading into Week 5: The Cardinals and the Benglas. The Patriots are 2-2 and look very vulnerable. The Saints are struggling at 1-3. The Broncos and Seahawks are 2-1, but look like they have some weak spots. Detroit leads the NFC North over the Packers and the Bears. The Colts are 2-2. Right now, if someone said that the Chargers and Bengals would be playing in the AFC Championship Game, and the Cardinals and Lions would be squaring off in the NFC Championship, then that wouldn't be so far fetched. This year the top teams seem to be closer to the middle of the pack than in past years. It is a long season and there is still a lot of football left to be played, but it just feels like this year is going to be more unpredictable then it has been for a long time. On to the picks for Week 5....
Last Week's Record: 5-8
Overall Record: 26-33-2
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
Chicago (+3) over CAROLINA: The Bears are 2-2 after getting thrashed at home to the Packers, and the Panthers are 2-2 after starting the year 2-0. I'll take the Bears on the road in this spot because I think the Bears are the better team, but the Panthers defense against the always unreliable Jay Cutler does scare me a bit.
TENNESSEE (-2) over Cleveland: It looks like Jake Locker will be back for the Titans-who desperately need him to return. At 1-3, the Titans need a win here, and look for them to get at home over the Browns.
PHILLY (-6) over St. Louis: Easy game to pick. The Eagles are 3-1 but aren't very impressive the first four weeks. The Rams are 1-2 and coming off a bye. Look for Philly to handle their business this week.
Atlanta (+4) over NY GIANTS: I still don't trust the Giants even after they evened their record at 2-2 after a blowout win over the Redskins. Atlanta comes in 2-2 and their offensive line is in such shambles that this game could worry you. I see a close game going either way, but I'll take the Falcons as a road underdog.
NEW ORLEANS (-8) over Tampa Bay: No way the 1-3 Saints lose at home to Tampa Bay. Give the Bucs credit for coming back to beat the Steelers on the road last week. I just can't see the Saints losing at home after they were embarrassed on Sunday Night Football to the Cowboys last week.
Houston (+7) over DALLAS: Give the Cowboys credit for their 3-1 start. They absolutely dominated the Saints last week on Sunday night. They have rebounded really well after their terrible loss to the 49ers at home in Week 1. One thing about the Cowboys: They suck at being a home favorite. They should find a way to win this game, but I'll take the Texans to cover.
DETROIT (-6) over Buffalo: You have to think that Detroit will win this game at home-especially since the Bills panicked and benched E.J. Manuel for Kyle Orton this week. I'll take the Lions in a landslide.
Baltimore (+4) over INDY: A very interesting game in the AFC. The Ravens come in at 3-1 and look very impressive the last three games. The Colts come in at 2-2, but they beat Jacksonville and Tennessee in the process the last two games. I'll take the Ravens slightly over the Colts at this point.
Pittsburgh (-5) over JACKSONVILLE: I'm worried about this pick because the Steelers just don't seem right to me. How the hell did they blow that game at home to the Buccaneers last week? I'll take them this week, but I can definitely see Blake Bortles helping the Jags get their first win of the year on Sunday.
Kansas City (+7) over SAN FRANCISCO: You have to respect how the Chiefs have responded after the 0-2 start. They just manhandled the Pats on Monday night. Look for the Niners to win, but this has all the makings of a really close game.
SAN DIEGO (-6) over New York Jets: This is the easiest game of the week to pick. The 1-3 Jets head all the way out to San Diego to face the red-hot Chargers. Look for Phillip Rivers to pick the Jets apart all afternoon. The chants for Michael Vick will grow louder after this one.
Cincinnati (-1) over NEW ENGLAND: I can't pick the Pats just yet. Normally, I would take them in this spot, but I am worried about them. I think they will bounce back and win the AFC East, but I think they will take their lumps in this game. Don't get me wrong because this game will be competitive, but I think Cincy finds a way to get it done on Sunday Night Football.
Seattle (-7) over WASHINGTON: What crummy Monday Night Football game this is. I can't see Seattle laying an egg here even though they are on the road. Look for Seattle to take care of business and get out of there 3-1.
DENVER (-6) over Arizona: The Broncos comes off the bye week at 2-1 and with some more questions about their team than anticipated. They also made some news with the release of K Matt Prater, putting a whole lot of confidence in Brandon McManus. Denver also comes in healthy on defense, as they get LB Danny Trevathan back from a preseason injury. Arizona will start Drew Stanton at QB in place of the injured Carson Palmer for the third week in a row. This has all the makings of a close game, but you have to be confident in a few things if you are a Broncos fan. First, Denver and Peyton Manning had two weeks to really dig into that Arizona defense. Secondly, the Broncos defense is facing the weakest QB they have played all year long. Third, they are at home and rested and healthy. In my mind, that all adds up to a victory.
Final Score: Broncos-27 Cardinals-17
Last Week's Record: 5-8
Overall Record: 26-33-2
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
Chicago (+3) over CAROLINA: The Bears are 2-2 after getting thrashed at home to the Packers, and the Panthers are 2-2 after starting the year 2-0. I'll take the Bears on the road in this spot because I think the Bears are the better team, but the Panthers defense against the always unreliable Jay Cutler does scare me a bit.
TENNESSEE (-2) over Cleveland: It looks like Jake Locker will be back for the Titans-who desperately need him to return. At 1-3, the Titans need a win here, and look for them to get at home over the Browns.
PHILLY (-6) over St. Louis: Easy game to pick. The Eagles are 3-1 but aren't very impressive the first four weeks. The Rams are 1-2 and coming off a bye. Look for Philly to handle their business this week.
Atlanta (+4) over NY GIANTS: I still don't trust the Giants even after they evened their record at 2-2 after a blowout win over the Redskins. Atlanta comes in 2-2 and their offensive line is in such shambles that this game could worry you. I see a close game going either way, but I'll take the Falcons as a road underdog.
NEW ORLEANS (-8) over Tampa Bay: No way the 1-3 Saints lose at home to Tampa Bay. Give the Bucs credit for coming back to beat the Steelers on the road last week. I just can't see the Saints losing at home after they were embarrassed on Sunday Night Football to the Cowboys last week.
Houston (+7) over DALLAS: Give the Cowboys credit for their 3-1 start. They absolutely dominated the Saints last week on Sunday night. They have rebounded really well after their terrible loss to the 49ers at home in Week 1. One thing about the Cowboys: They suck at being a home favorite. They should find a way to win this game, but I'll take the Texans to cover.
DETROIT (-6) over Buffalo: You have to think that Detroit will win this game at home-especially since the Bills panicked and benched E.J. Manuel for Kyle Orton this week. I'll take the Lions in a landslide.
Baltimore (+4) over INDY: A very interesting game in the AFC. The Ravens come in at 3-1 and look very impressive the last three games. The Colts come in at 2-2, but they beat Jacksonville and Tennessee in the process the last two games. I'll take the Ravens slightly over the Colts at this point.
Pittsburgh (-5) over JACKSONVILLE: I'm worried about this pick because the Steelers just don't seem right to me. How the hell did they blow that game at home to the Buccaneers last week? I'll take them this week, but I can definitely see Blake Bortles helping the Jags get their first win of the year on Sunday.
Kansas City (+7) over SAN FRANCISCO: You have to respect how the Chiefs have responded after the 0-2 start. They just manhandled the Pats on Monday night. Look for the Niners to win, but this has all the makings of a really close game.
SAN DIEGO (-6) over New York Jets: This is the easiest game of the week to pick. The 1-3 Jets head all the way out to San Diego to face the red-hot Chargers. Look for Phillip Rivers to pick the Jets apart all afternoon. The chants for Michael Vick will grow louder after this one.
Cincinnati (-1) over NEW ENGLAND: I can't pick the Pats just yet. Normally, I would take them in this spot, but I am worried about them. I think they will bounce back and win the AFC East, but I think they will take their lumps in this game. Don't get me wrong because this game will be competitive, but I think Cincy finds a way to get it done on Sunday Night Football.
Seattle (-7) over WASHINGTON: What crummy Monday Night Football game this is. I can't see Seattle laying an egg here even though they are on the road. Look for Seattle to take care of business and get out of there 3-1.
DENVER (-6) over Arizona: The Broncos comes off the bye week at 2-1 and with some more questions about their team than anticipated. They also made some news with the release of K Matt Prater, putting a whole lot of confidence in Brandon McManus. Denver also comes in healthy on defense, as they get LB Danny Trevathan back from a preseason injury. Arizona will start Drew Stanton at QB in place of the injured Carson Palmer for the third week in a row. This has all the makings of a close game, but you have to be confident in a few things if you are a Broncos fan. First, Denver and Peyton Manning had two weeks to really dig into that Arizona defense. Secondly, the Broncos defense is facing the weakest QB they have played all year long. Third, they are at home and rested and healthy. In my mind, that all adds up to a victory.
Final Score: Broncos-27 Cardinals-17
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Packers-Vikings TNF Pick
GREEN BAY (-6) over Minnesota: The Teddy Bridgewater injury and uncertain status for Thursday night's game really makes me lean towards the Packers. All the Thursday night games have been awful, blowout games, so hopefully this one will be at least close and entertaining.
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