Broncos-Bengals and Week 13 Picks!

The Broncos are 5-6 after beating the Chargers and Steelers in back-to-back weeks and now they head to Cincy to take on the Bengals, who are struggling and without Andy Dalton for the rest of the season due to a thumb injury. The Broncos suddenly find themselves in the thick of the AFC playoff picture as we head into December. No one saw that coming a few weeks ago. I know Denver is the favorite here in this spot, but can you really trust the Broncos at this point? I want to and I am pumped up for Sunday's game, but I still worry this was the team that was 3-6 and played sloppy in most of the road games they had this year. I want to put my faith in them, but I'm just not ready to do it just yet. I don't want to get my hopes up and get burned.

Prediction: CINCY (+4) over Denver
Final Score: Bengals-24 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Weeks 13 in the National Football League...............

Last Week's Record: 6-8-1
Overall Record: 84-80-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Indy (-4) over JACKSONVILLE: The Colts are red-hot at 6-5 and Andrew Luck is playing like a MVP candidate. Look for the Colts to continue their winning ways as they take down the wounded Jags in Jacksonville.

Carolina (-3) over TAMPA BAY: The Panthers have lost 3 in a row and are now 6-5. They head to Tampa to take on the 4-7 Bucs. The Panthers have to win this game, and I think they will get things straightened out this week and get to 7-5.

ATLANTA (-1) over Baltimore: The Falcons are 4-7 and have been a huge disappointment this year. They are due for a convincing win and I think this is the week they will do it. The Ravens are 6-5 and Lamar Jackson has won his first two starts, but I'm skeptical of how he will fare in his first road start.

Cleveland (+6) over HOUSTON: The Browns are 4-6-1 and they have played better since they fired Hue Jackson. Baker Mayfield has also gotten hot as well. The Texans have won eight in row, and I think they are due for a loss. I'll take the Browns and the upset in this spot.

MIAMI (-4) over Buffalo: The Dolphins are 5-6 and still in the AFC Wild Card race, and they host the 4-7 Bills. I think Miami wins this weeks and keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Chicago (-4) over NY GIANTS: The Bears will probably start Chase Daniel this week for the injured Mitch Trubisky, and I think they will be fine as they take care of the 3-8 Giants.

LA Rams (-10) over DETROIT: The Rams will continue to roll and pound the 4-7 Lions in Detroit as they move to 11-1.

GREEN BAY (-13) over Arizona: The Packers are 4-6-1, and it looks like they will need to run the table to at least have a chance to make the playoffs. I think they roll the Cards this week in Lambeau.

Kansas City (-13) over OAKLAND: The Raiders have no chance this week of upsetting the Chiefs. KC is coming off a bye and that tough loss to the Rams two weeks ago. I think they take care of business easily in Oakland.

NY JETS (+8) over Tennessee: The Titans will win the game, but I think this game will be closer. The Jets have to show some fight these final five weeks. I think they will play the Titans tough in this one.

NEW ENGLAND (-4) over Minnesota: The Pats will bring their "A" game this week, and I think they will blow out the 6-4-1 Vikings. I just have a hunch the Pats will play one of their best games of the year this week in Foxboro.

SEATTLE (-10) over San Francisco: The Seahawks are 6-5 and in the Wild Card mix in the NFC, and they will easily dispose of the 49ers this week.

PITTSBURGH (-3) over LA Chargers: The Steelers will get back on track after losing last week to the Broncos. Both of these teams figure to be AFC contenders in January, and I think the Steelers will take care of business on Sunday Night Football this week.

PHILLY (-6) over Washington: The Eagles are 5-6 and they need to basically run the table to get into the playoffs. The Redskins are 5-6 and Alex Smith is gone for the season and now they are relying on Colt McCoy. I think the Eagles will win this one at home on Monday Night Football, and get to 6-6.

Saints-Cowboys Week 13 TNF Pick

New Orleans (-7) over DALLAS

Broncos Beat Steelers in a Thriller 24-17, Improve to 5-6

The Broncos provided a little more life into their season with a thrilling 24-17 win over the Steelers on Sunday in Mile High. The win puts Denver at 5-6, and it gives them more of a reason to get excited about the home stretch of the year. The Broncos are back in the playoff chase, and they actually have some meaningful games in December ahead of them. The game was back and forth, and the Broncos held on with a huge interception in the endzone by Shelby Harris to stop the Steelers on a 3rd and goal to preserve the win. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game.....

1) The Steelers moved the ball all day on the Broncos, but they were able to come up with key stops and key turnovers. This really decided the outcome. Justin Simmons blocked a field goal in the first quarter. Will Parks forced a fumble at the goal line that resulted in a touchback in the second quarter. Chris Harris intercepted Ben Roethlisberger in the third quarter, Bradley Roby forced a fumbled in Denver territory in the third quarter, and Shelby Harris intercepted him in the final minutes of the game to preserve the win. The Steelers have these type of games throughout the year, and the Broncos capitalized on their mistakes and won the game.

2) The Broncos had a 10-3 as the final seconds were ticking down in the half, and the Steelers tied it at 10 on a fake field goal as time expired in the half. Then, after the teams exchanged punts, Big Ben hit Juju Smith-Schuster on a 97 yard pass play to give the Steelers the 17-10 lead. I really thought the Broncos were done after that sequence, but they hung in and made a comeback.

3) The offense was efficient again and Case Keenum played well again with 2 TD passes and no interceptions. The key for the Broncos was that they capitalized on two big turnovers and converted it into touchdowns in the second half. They answered the Harris pick with a TD pass from Keenum to Emmanuel Sanders to tie it at 17. Then, they answered fumble by James Connor with a TD run by Philip Lindsay. The ability to convert those scores was a huge factor in the game, and Keenum was steady throughout the game.

4) Philip Lindsay had another big day. He rushed for 110 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. He gashed the Steelers defense on multiple occasions. He is so much fun to watch every single week.

5) This game had a great feel to it, and it brought excitement to Broncos Country for the first time in over a year. You could sense that just from watching it on television. It was the late window afternoon game on CBS with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo doing the commentary. The Broncos were in their color rush orange uniforms, and the crowd could feel that this could be a season defining win if they could knock off the Steelers. It even had a little Mile High magic in there at the end with Harris' interception of Ben late in the game. It was the first time in a long time that the Broncos gave their fans some real hope for something good and exciting to happen.

6) With back to back wins over the Chargers and Steelers, the Broncos are now 5-6 with the Bengals up next in Cincy. The Bengals lost Andy Dalton for the season with a thumb injury last week, so Jeff Driskell will start the game. The Broncos have a chance to get to 6-6 and really throw their hat into the AFC Wild Card ring, but they have to get by the Bengals next week. The fact that they have life in their season is great, but they have to take care of business next week.

Broncos-Steelers and Week 12 Picks

The Broncos return to Mile High on the heels of a wild, comeback win over the Steelers. At 4-6, the Broncos actually have some life in their season. The Steelers are rolling st 7-2-1, and they look like they are threats again in the AFC. This will take everything the Broncos can throw at them: Momentum, crowd noise, color rush uniforms, and that still might be enough to beat the Steelers. I think it’s a close game for awhile, but I think the Steelers take care of business and beat the Broncos.


Pittsburgh (-3) over DENVER
Final Score: Steelers-27 Broncos-13


Last Week's Record: 6-7-0
Overall Record: 78-72-8
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

Now, onto the picks for Week 12.........

Jacksonville (-3) over BUFFALO: The Jags have lost six in a row, but I think they break the losing streak with a win over the Bills in Buffalo.

CINCY (-3) over Cleveland: I want to pick Cleveland to pull the upset, but I think the Bengals will get back on track at home. I expect a close game, but I think the Bengals will pull away in the 4th quarter.

New England (-7) over NY JETS: The Pats had a week off to think about their awful performance against Tennessee two weeks ago. They will handle their business and dispatch the Jets rather easily.

PHILLY (-6) over NY Giants: The Giants have won two in a row, and the Eagles are struggling at 4-6. I think Philly will get it going this week and make easy work of the Giants at home.

TAMPA BAY (-3) over San Francisco: This is a tough game to watch and get into. In any event, take the Bucs laying three at home.

CAROLINA (-3) over Seattle: Very good game between two NFC playoff contenders. I think the Panthers get back on track after losing two in a row, and I think this game will be back and forth, but I'll go with Carolina to win it at home.

BALTIMORE (-9) over Oakland: The Ravens will be too much for the Raiders at home. It won't matter if Lamar Jackson or Joe Flacco starts. Either way, the Ravens roll.

LA CHARGERS (-11) over Arizona: The Chargers made so many mistakes last week in the loss to Denver. I think they rebound this week at home against the 2-8 Cardinals. They better.

INDY (-8) over Miami: The Colts are flying and at 5-5, they are legitimate playoff contenders. The Dolphins are 5-5, but they are not a playoff team. Look for Indy to continue their winning ways.

Green Bay (+5) over MINNESOTA: I think the Packers will play well on SNF, and they will keep this game close. I know a lot of people are off the Packers bandwagon, but I wouldn't count them out just yet.

Tennessee (+6) over HOUSTON: The Texans are due for a loss after winning seven straight games. I think this could be the week it happens.

Thanksgiving Tripleheader Picks!

CHICAGO (-3) over Detroit

Washington (+8) over DALLAS

NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Atlanta

Broncos Pull Off Shocker in LA, Beat Chargers 23-22

The Broncos won their first divisional road game since 2015 with a wild 23-22 win over the Chargers in LA on Sunday. Denver trailed 22-20 with 1:51 left in the game and the ball at their own 8. Case Keenum made two huge throws on the drive. The first one was to Emannuel Sanders for 38 yards to the Chargers 49. The second one was to Courtland Sutton for 30 yards down to the Chargers 16. It led to a Brandon McManus 34 yard field goal as time expired and the Broncos had their first AFC West road win since December of 2015. It was about as good of a win the Broncos have had in the Vance Joseph era, and it put them at 4-6 on the year and actually breathed some life into their season. Here are my thoughts and observations on the game....

1) I liked the Broncos being gutsy and going for a fake punt down 6-0 in the second quarter. The gamble paid off and Colby Wadman completed a pass to Andy Janovich for a first down, and the Broncos converted the drive with a Philip Lindsay TD run to make it 7-6.

2) I think VJ should have elected for the field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 1 inside Chargers territory later in the quarter. The Broncos got an interception from Chris Harris, and they failed to convert it into points as Lindsay was stopped on a 4th and 1. I would have taken the points there and made it 10-6.

3) The Chargers took control of the game from there and built a 19-7 lead and they were driving in Denver territory when the game turned. Von Miller read a screen pass and picked it off and returned it deep into LA territory. The Broncos capitalized with a short Royce Freeman TD run and pulled within 19-14. Denver then took the lead early in the 4th quarter on another short TD run-this time by Lindsay-and Denver had the lead at 20-19. Case Keenum didn't get in for the two-point conversion and it looked like it might come back to haunt Denver-especially after the review showed that it looked like Keenum crossed the goal line, but VJ never challenged it.

4) Down 22-20, the Broncos had a chance but Jeff Heuerman dropped a key third down pass and Denver was forced to punt with 3:53 left to play and three timeouts left. The Chargers got a first down on a 3rd and 6 and it looked like the Broncos were going to lose this one. However, the Chargers had other ideas. On a 2nd and 3 with 2:39 left, Philip Rivers had a miscommunication with Melvin Gordon and he had to take a sack. They led to the 2:00 warning. After that stoppage, Rivers came back on 3rd down and inexplicably threw an incomplete pass and it only wasted 2 seconds off the clock. Denver caught the break of the game at that moment, and that helped enable them to victory.

5) The final drive was terrific by Keenum. He made some gutty throws, and once again he showed some guts late in the game. It was a great drive and great moment for Keenum.

6) The Broncos offensive line held up and Keenum wasn't sacked all day. They did a great job in the run game as well.

7) This is the kind of game that can galvanize a team. It was the best win the VJ era and a game that no one saw coming. Yes, the Chargers and their mistakes and penalties helped them, but give the Broncos credit for hanging in there and fighting to the end.

8) The Broncos are now 4-6 and host the Steelers on Sunday in Mile High. The win gives them another week of hope and maybe they can pull off the upset of Pitt at home and really give Broncos fans a reason for hope down the stretch.

Broncos-Chargers and Week 11 Picks!

The Broncos return from the bye week at 3-6, and they head to LA to take on the 7-2 Chargers. The Broncos are holding on to very slim playoff hopes at this point, and it would take a miracle run for them to make the playoffs. Although that is highly unlikely, it would nice to see the Broncos get a win here and keep their season somewhat alive one more week. Is that likely in this spot? Most likely no. The Broncos haven't won a divisional road game since 2015, and it won't happen this week because the Chargers are red hot, and Phillip Rivers is putting together a great season. Look for the Broncos to be competitive, but they don't have enough to win this game on the road.

Prediction: LA CHARGERS (-7) over Denver
Final Score: Chargers-34 Broncos-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 11 in the NFL....

Last Week's Record: 4-9-1
Overall Record: 72-65-8
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

ATLANTA (-3) over Dallas: Both teams come in at 4-5, so this is a huge game in the NFC Wild Card race. I'll take the Falcons at home but a touchdown.

JACKSONVILLE (+6) over Pittsburgh: This is last stand type of game for the Jags. At 3-6, they need a win here to keep any playoff hopes alive. I could see the Steelers stumbling in this spot.

Carolina (-4) over DETROIT: I think the Lions are done for the year at 3-6, and I think the Panthers are going to be playoff bound. They take care of business on the road in this one.

INDY (-2) over Tennessee: Big game in the AFC South. The Colts are suddenly 4-5, and the Titans are 5-4. This will have some serious playoff ramifications. Look for a close game, but I like the Colts to win late.

Tampa Bay (+2) over NY GIANTS: I won't watch one minute of this game. This is a rough one to get into.

WASHINGTON (+3) over Houston: The Texans are riding a six-game winning streak, but I don't see them winning seven in a row. I think the Redskins will prevail at home as underdogs.

Cincy (PICK) over BALTIMORE: This game is tough to call because there is a question mark about who is going to play QB for the Ravens. Joe Flacco might not play due to a hip injury, and Lamar Jackson was sick during the week. The Ravens desperately need the win at 4-5, but the Bengals are 5-4 and need to get back on track. I'll take the Bengals with a huge win on the road.

Oakland (+4) over ARIZONA: This is another game I won't be watching on Sunday, but I have to think the Raiders will win again at some point. This might be the spot.

Philly (+8) over NEW ORLEANS: The Eagles are 4-5 and they need a win to get themselves going in the right direction for the playoffs. The Saints are 8-1 and look like the Super Bowl favorite in the NFC. I think the Saints will win at home, but look for the Eagles to keep it close.

Minnesota (+3) over CHICAGO: A good old-fashioned battle in the NFC North between these two longtime rivals. I like the Vikings to go into Chicago and pull out the win. I don't think the Bears have beaten anyone good so far this year, and I think this spot might be too much for them at this point.

LA RAMS (-2) over Kansas City: Great game on Monday Night Football. Two 9-1 teams battling it out in the famous LA Coliseum. I think we will see a lot of points and both offenses will be able to do what they want to do against these struggling defenses. I think the Rams will be a little too much for the Chiefs in what should be a very entertaining game.