Broncos-Ravens and Week 4 Picks

The Broncos are 3-0 but face their first real big test of the season. The three teams they beat (Giants, Jags, Jets) are a combined 0-9. Into Denver comes the 2-1 Ravens. The Ravens are getting some starters on defense back from the Covid list so that should bolster their lineup. This is the first time the Broncos have ever faced Lamar Jackson. It will be a tough test to contain Jackson-especially as the game goes on. The Broncos are also very banged up. They are missing Jerry Jeudy (out another month), KJ Hamler (out for the season), and probably Graham Glasgow and Dalton Risner on offense this week. It seems like it will be too tall of an order for the Broncos to win this game-even at home. I think the Ravens will win this game and send Denver to 3-1

Prediction: Baltimore (+1) over DENVER

Final Score: Ravens-27 Broncos-17

Now, onto the picks for Week 4....

Last Week's Record: 7-8-1

Overall Record: 19-24-4

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

ATLANTA (+2) over Washington: At 1-2, the WFT is just not that good and their defense is overrated. The Falcons aren't good either but will get to 2-2 with a home win here.

Detroit (+4) over CHICAGO: The Bears have issues at QB and Justin Fields struggled mightily last week. The Lions have been close to winning this year-even though they are 0-3. I think they break through this week.

Tennessee (-7) over JETS: The Jets are bad and at 0-3 are off to a rough start. The Titans are 2-1 and will get to 3-1 rather easily this week.

Cleveland (-2) over MINNESOTA: The Vikings are 1-2 but could actually be 3-0. The Browns are 2-1 and I just think they are the better teams and will come away with the road win.

Indianapolis (+2) over MIAMI: The Dolphins are 1-2 after a crushing OT loss last week in Vegas. The Colts are 0-3, but I think they get over the hump and upset the Dolphins this week in Miami.

DALLAS (-4) over Carolina: The Panthers are 3-0 but have a big test coming up this week in Dallas. The Cowboys are 2-1 and the offense looks great. Look for a good game but I'll take Dallas to prevail at home.

NEW ORLEANS (-7) over Giants: The Giants are really bad. 0-3 again for another year. Now, they head to New Orleans to take on the Saints. I think the Saints will get to 3-1 with a huge home win over the GMen.

Kansas City (-6) over PHILADELPHIA: The Chiefs got beat at home last week to the Chargers and are now 1-2. They head to Philly to take on the 1-2 Eagles. I just can't see the Chiefs losing this game this week.

Houston (+17) over BUFFALO: The Bills will win but I think the Texans will cover the spread. Another ho-hum week for Buffalo. 

RAMS (-4) over Arizona: Two 3-0 teams battling it out in the NFC West. I like the Rams at home to take care of business and get to 4-0. I like what I have seen from the Cards the first three weeks, but I think they fall to 3-1 here. 

Seattle (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO: I think the Seahawks have their backs against the wall at 1-2, and I think they will find a way to get a key road win in SF this week. The Niners are 2-1 and coming off a tough loss at home to the Packers, but I think they will stumble here and Seattle will get the big win.

GREEN BAY (-6) over Pittsburgh: Big Ben looks shot and the Steelers offense hasn't been good to start the year. I think it is dangerous to underestimate them here though. I would expect the Steelers to play well in Lambeau and keep this game tight into the 4th quarter. I think Aaron Rodgers and the Packers will put up a late score to put the game away.

Tampa Bay (-6) over NEW ENGLAND: This is definitely a must watch on Sunday night. Tom Brady returns to Foxboro to take on the Patriots and Bill Belichick. This is a can't miss game. I think the Bucs will win the game, and I think Brady will play great. I can't see Brady and the Bucs playing poorly and losing-especially after last week's beatdown to the Rams. 

CHARGERS (-3) over Las Vegas: This is huge game in the AFC West. The Raiders are 3-0 and the Chargers are 2-1 and coming off a road win in Kansas City. I give the slight edge to the Chargers and Justin Herbert in this one, but I think it is a close game regardless. 

Week 4 TNF Pick

 Jacksonville (+8) over CINICNNATI 

Broncos Shutout Jets, Get to 3-0

 The Broncos are 3-0 after a 26-0 shutout win over the New York Jets on Sunday in the home opener in Denver. This is the first time the Broncos have started 3-0 since 2016. It feels good to be 3-0 but the schedule will now get tricky. Here are my thoughts on the game...

1) The Broncos defense dominated Zach Wilson all game long. They got 2 INTS, 5 sacks, and only gave up 162 total yards in the game. 

2) The Broncos didn't have to do much offensively to win this game. Teddy Bridgewater was efficient enough and finished 19-25 for 235 yards and0 TD and 0 INT. The ground game did its' job, and Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon each had a touchdown run in the game.

3) It never felt like the Broncos were in trouble at all in this game. They led throughout, and it was smooth sailing once they got the lead. 

4) It was great to see the home crowd back in Denver again. To see the fans back in all that orange was awesome. They need to keep that energy up next week.

5) The Broncos are starting to get crushed with injuries. KJ Hamler, Dalton Risner, and Graham Glasgow all left with injuries yesterday. Couple that with the long term injuries to Bradley Chubb and Jerry Jeudy, and the Broncos are losing too many valuable players. Let's hope the three guys hurt yesterday can come back soon.

6) Denver is 3-0 but all three teams they beat are winless. Now, the true test comes next week at home against Lamar Jackson and the 2-1 Ravens. We will see where this Broncos team is at at home next Sunday.

Broncos-Jets and Week 3 Picks

The Broncos are big favorites for the first time in a long time. They host the 0-2 Jets with a rookie QB, who came off a game in which he threw 4 INTs. Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. No game is easy and there are no layups. A lot of people are going to pick the Broncos to win this game going away, but that is what makes me nervous. That scares the hell out of me. Until this team can consistently win and win big games, I'll stay away.

Prediction: Jets (+11) over DENVER

Final Score: Jets-23 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 3......

Last Week's Record: 7-6-2

Overall Record: 12-16-3

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

JACKSONVILLE (+8) over Arizona: Arizona heads down to the heat and humidity of Jacksonville to take on the 0-2 Jags. At 2-0, the Cardinals have been a surprise team. I think the Cards get to 3-0 but I think the Jags keep it closer than expected.

TENNESSEE (-4) over Indianapolis: What a comeback by Tennessee last week in the win over Seattle on the road. At 1-1, they are home to take on the 0-2 Colts. The Colts are banged up and I think the Titans take care of business.

DETROIT (+10) over Baltimore: The Lions are 0-2 but were feisty at points in both games. Now, they host the Ravens, who are coming off a huge win over the Chiefs last Sunday night. The Ravens will win, but the Lions will put up a fight.

Washington (+9) over BUFFALO: The Bills are 1-1 after crushing Miami last week. Washington is 1-1 after a wild win over the Giants. I like the Bills to win the game, but look for WFT to cover.

NEW ENGLAND (-3) over New Orleans: The Pats are 1-1 after beating the Jets last week and the Saints got thumped by the Panthers and sit at 1-1. I Think the Saints will have a tough time in Foxboro and look for the Pats to win rather convincingly.

KANSAS CITY (-6) over Chargers: The Chiefs are 1-1 after that late loss to Ravens. The Chargers are 1-1 after a tough loss to the Cowboys. This will be a showcase game for Justin Herbert to see if he can out duel Pat Mahomes in Arrowhead. I like the Chiefs to pull away late.

CLEVELAND (-7) over Chicago: Justin Fields gets his first start of his career in place of injured Andy Dalton. Both teams come in at 1-1, but I think the Browns are just way better than the Bears at this point.

PITTSBURGH (-4) over Cincinnati: The Steelers got a rude awakening at the hands of the Raiders last week. Both teams are 1-1. Big Ben is a little banged up, but perhaps he can muster enough to take care of business at home against the Bengals.

Atlanta (+3) over GIANTS: This is a Loser Leaves Town Match as the 0-2 Falcons travel to the Meadowlands to take on the 0-2 Giants. I think the Falcons are the better team and will avoid the 0-3 start.

LAS VEGAS (-3) over Miami: Tua is out with broken ribs as they head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders. The Raiders are 2-0, and they will roll past the Dolphins.

RAMS (+2) over Tampa Bay: This is a great late Sunday afternoon game. The Rams are home underdogs to the 2-0 Bucs. As great as the Bucs have looked, I like the Rams at home in this spot.

Seattle (-1) over MINNESOTA: The Vikings need a win to avoid an 0-3 start. The Seahawks are 1-1, but completely blew that game against the Titans last week. I like the Seahawks to get the huge road win.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3) over Green Bay: This is an interesting Sunday Night Football matchup. The Packers righted the ship with a blowout win over the Lions last week. SF took care of Philly on the road. The Niners come in at 2-0 and can really make a statement if they defeat the Packers in this spot. I'm taking the Niners.

DALLAS (-3) over Philadelphia: This is a good Monday Night Football game. Both teams are 1-1 but I think the Cowboys have been more impressive. I like them in this spot at home. 

Week 3 TNF Pick

 Carolina (-6) over HOUSTON

Broncos Take Care of Business over Jacksonville, Start Season 2-0

 The Broncos defeated the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Sunday 23-13 and are 2-0 to start the 2021 season. Denver is 2-0 for the first time since 2018. It is a great start for the Broncos, and it was a game that many people thought they would win and they did. Here are my thoughts on the game....

1) After a slow start in which they gave up a TD on the first drive of the game, the defense really clamped down and played well. They intercepted Trevor Lawrence twice, sacked him once, pressured him a ton, and just didn't allow many big plays. The defense has done their job the first two games of the year.

2) Give credit to Teddy Bridgewater, who played another outstanding game. He finished 26-34 for 328 yards and 2 TDs and no INT. He pushed the ball down the field at times and consistently found the open receiver. You have to be happy as a Broncos fan with what you have seen out of Teddy.

3) Courtland Sutton had a big day and looked like he might be back to normal after last year's ACL injury. He had 9 receptions for 159 yards and made some big time catches down the field.

4) The Broncos special teams continue to be a disaster. They gave up am 102 yard kick return with 5:26 left in the game when they were up 23-7. It gave Jax life when it looked like the game was over. Thankfully, Denver's defense bailed them out with a big two-point conversion stop to keep it a two score game at 23-13. Denver's offense then put the game away for good with a solid time-consuming drive to finish off the game, but the special teams has to improve.

5) Von Miller had a sack and continues to look great out there. It is so nice to see him back playing at a high level again.

6) The injuries keep piling up for the Broncos. ILB Josey Jewell looks to be done for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Bradley Chubb played but it looks like he reagrevated his ankle injury. These injuries that the Broncos keep getting every week are going to be an issue as the season goes on.

7) Great job by the Broncos in taking care of business and getting another road win to start the year. It feels great to be 2-0 and with the Jets coming up next week, that is another winnable game and a chance to get to 3-0. Plus, it is the Broncos home opener, so the fans will be back at Mile High and ready to go. Should be a fun scene on Sunday.

Broncos-Jaguars and Week 2 Picks

The Broncos are feeling good after starting 1-0 with a dominating win over the Giants on Sunday in Week 1. Now, they head to Jacksonville for another road game and they take on Urban Meyer, Trevor Lawrence and the 0-1 Jaguars, who got blown out by the Texans in Week 1. This is definitely winnable game for the Broncos, and they have the realistic possibility of starting 2-0. This is a game that Broncos fans circled as a "Win" on the schedule. I am worried about some of the injuries after Week 1. Jerry Jeudy is out 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain. Ronald Darby is out 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury, and RG Graham Glasgow is out with an irregular heartbeat. I have to think the Jags will look better than their opening game loss last week. I don't know. This is a tricky one in my opinion.

Prediction: JACKSONVILLE (+6) over Denver

Final Score: Jaguars-24 Broncos-20

Now, onto the picks for Week 2......

Last Week's Record: 5-10-1

Overall Record: 5-10-1

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

PITTSBURGH (-5) over Las Vegas: Both teams are 1-0 after wins last week. The Raiders won in overtime over the Ravens, and the Steelers outlasted the Bills. I like the Steelers defense in this matchup, and the Raiders are always notoriously bad in early games back East. 

CHICAGO (-3) over Cincinnati: How much longer are the Bears going to go with Andy Dalton over Justin Fields. I think the Bengals will have the lead in this game and Matt Nagy will turn it over to Fields, who will rally the Bears late to win the game. 

Houston (+13) over CLEVELAND: The Browns will win the game, but I'm not ready to have them lay 13 points-even to the Texans. Houston can be feisty enough to keep it under the number.

LA Rams (-3) over INDIANAPOLIS: I love the Rams in this spot. Sean McVay will have them dialed in as they head to Indy for this early window game. I didn't like anything I saw out of the Colts last week in their loss to Seattle.

Buffalo (-5) over MIAMI: I feel like everyone is going to pick the Bills in this game-especially after they are 0-1 after losing last week to Pittsburgh. The Dolphins are 1-0 after beating the Patriots last week, but the Bills dismantled the Dolphins last year, so I'll take them to continue their winning ways over the Fish.

New England (-5) over NY JETS: Both teams are 0-1. The Pats lost a tough game to Miami at home, and the Jets lost on the road at Carolina. I don't see the Pats starting 0-2 at the hands of the Jets.

San Francisco (-3) over PHILADELPHIA: I know Philly looked awesome in their blowout win over the Falcons last week, but I'm not buying them yet. I think the 49ers, 1-0 after defeating the Lions last week, will take care of business in Philly this week. 

Minnesota (+3) over ARIZONA: The Vikings lost to the Bengals in overtime last week and at 0-1, they need to win this game. The Cardinals came out and blew the doors off the Titans last week. I think Arizona continues their winning ways with a home win over the Vikes, but I can see Minnesota winning.

Atlanta (+12) over TAMPA BAY: The Falcons got blasted by the Eagles at home last week. Now, they head to Tampa to take on the 1-0 Bucs, who won a shootout over the Cowboys in Week 1. I think the Bucs will win, but I'm giving Atlanta a chance to cover.

Dallas (+3) over LA CHARGERS: Normally, the Cowboys would follow up their inspiring performance against the Bucs by shitting the bed the following week. Dallas needs a win to avoid an 0-2 start. The Chargers are 1-0 but benefitted by getting a late turnover to defeat Washington. I think Sofi Stadium will be packed with Cowboys fans, and I'm taking the Cowboys to win the game.

SEATTLE (-5) over Tennessee: I hated what I saw out of the Titans in their Week 1 loss to Arizona. On the flip side, I loved what I saw out of the Seahawks in their blowout win over the Colts. I think Seattle keeps the ball rolling here.

Kansas City (-3) over BALTIMORE: The Chiefs have owned the Ravens as of late, and I think it continues again this week on Sunday Night Football. I think the Ravens will have a tough time regrouping after a tough overtime loss in Vegas on Monday Night to the Raiders. 

Detroit (+11) over GREEN BAY: I think the Packers will win the game but I was disappointed in how they looked in their blowout loss to the Saints in Week 1. I can see the Lions keeping it close and GB pulling it out late. 

TNF Week 2 Pick

 NY Giants (+3) over WASHINGTON

Broncos Dominate Giants in Week 1 Season Opening Win

 The Broncos got off to a solid start to the 2021 season with a 27-13 road win over the Giants in Metlife Stadium on Sunday. It was the first September win for the Broncos since 2018 and it was the first win in September for Vic Fangio. The Broncos pretty much dominated the game throughout and got a great game from QB Teddy Bridgewater, and the Broncos defense snuffed out the Giants all day long. Here are my thoughts on the win....

1) Perfect start and perfect scenario for Denver in all facets. They won the game going away, Bridgewater played great, the coaching staff did a nice job, the defense played great, and outside of a fumble by Albert O and a drop by KJ Hamler, they didn't make many mistakes.

2) Give Vic Fangio credit for going for it three times on 4th down and converting all three. Those were each huge plays in the game and it was kind of surprising, but the Broncos converted all three and it almost kind of took the wind out of the sails for the Giants.

3) The end of the first half and beginning of the second half were huge. Denver scored two touchdowns on both of those possessions. The Giants were up 7-3 and just recovered a fumble deep in their own territory, but the Broncos defense forced the punt, and Bridgewater hit Tim Patrick on a short TD right before the half to make it 10-7. Denver got the ball to start the second half and went down the field and Bridgewater hit Albert O for a touchdown on a 4th and 1. The game went from 7-3 Giants to 17-7 Broncos in just two possessions

4) It was great to see Von Miller back and playing well.  Von had two sacks and was a dominating force all game long. He got pressure many times and overwhelmed Nate Solder on many snaps.

5) I love how Melvin Gordon took one 70 yards to make it 27-7 and put the game officially away in the 4th quarter. He had the same type of run last year when they beat the Jets in Metlife Stadium.

5) It was huge for the Broncos to get off to a good start. Starting 0-1 would have been a disaster. Now, they are 1-0 and have two straight winnable games at Jacksonville and home to the Jets to get to 3-0. 

Broncos-Giants and NFL Week 1 Picks

The Broncos open the 2021 campaign with a road trip to Metlife Stadium in New Jersey. The Broncos have not won a September game under Vic Fangio, so there is a pressing need to get off to a good start. The Broncos can definitely win this game, but I just can't trust them right now until they prove me wrong. I'm hoping that they will get this win on the road, but I'm ready to pick them yet.

Prediction: NY GIANTS (+3) over Denver

Final Score- Giants-23 Broncos 20

Now, onto the picks for Week 1..... 

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

ATLANTA (-3) over Philly: I like Atlanta more than most people do this year, and I think they get off a good start with a home win over the Eagles.

Pittsburgh (+7) over BUFFALO: For some reason, I think the Steelers will play well in this game. I think the Bills win, but I think it will be a close game.

Minnesota (-3) over CINCY: I think the Vikings will pounce on the Bengals early in this game and cruise to an easy opening win.

San Francisco (-6) over DETROIT: Two teams that look like they are on different paths this season. I like the 49ers to roll over the Lions.

TENNESSEE (-3) over Arizona: I think the Titans will take care of business at home this week and get off to a good start.

Seattle (-2) over INDY: I like the Seahawks in this spot over the Colts on the road.

WASHINGTON (+2) over LA Chargers: The WFT pulls the upset over the Chargers in Week 1. That might be the one real shocker of the day.

NY Jets (+5) over CAROLINA: The Sam Darnold Bowl in Carolina as Darnold faces his old team. I think the Jets will be feisty in this game keep it close until the end.

Jacksonville (-3) over HOUSTON: I think the Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence era gets off to a great start with a resounding win over the hapless Texans. 

KANSAS CITY (-6) over Cleveland: This is probably the most premier matchup of the day. The Browns head to KC to take on the Chiefs. I know a lot of people are picking the Browns, but I like the Chiefs to run away with this one.

NEW ENGLAND (-3) over Miami: The Pats unveil rookie QB Mac Jones, and he takes on his old Alabama teammate Tua Tagovailoa. I think Bill Belichick will have the Pats ready to roll and look for them to cruise to a win over the Dolphins.

Green Bay (-3) over NEW ORLEANS: This game got moved to Jacksonville because of the Hurrican Ida. I think Green Bay will take advantage of the netural site and take care of business over the Saints.

LA RAMS (-7) over Chicago: I think the Bears will keep it close on Sunday Night Football for a little while, but the Rams will pull away at the end. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bears turn to Justin Fields early in this game.

LAS VEGAS (+4) over Baltimore: The Raiders finally get to host fans in their new Vegas stadium on Monday Night Football. I think the Raiders will pull the upset and take down the Ravens.

Bucs-Cowboys TNF Season Opener Pick

 TAMPA BAY (-7) over Dallas

2021 NFL Predictions

 AFC East

1) Buffalo Bills (11-6)

2) New England Patriots (10-7)*Wild Card

3) Miami Dolphins (7-10)

4) New York Jets (5-12)

AFC North

1) Cleveland Browns (11-6)

2) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) *Wild Card

3) Baltimore Ravens (8-9)

4) Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)

AFC South

1) Tennessee Titans (11-6)

2) Indianapolis Colts (8-9)

3) Jacksonville Jaguars (7-10)

4) Houston Texans (2-15)

AFC West

1) Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)

2) Los Angeles Chargers (10-7) *Wild Card

3) Las Vegas Raiders (8-9) 

4) Denver Broncos (7-10)

NFC East

1) Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

2) New York Giants (10-7)*Wild Card

3) Washington Football Team (5-12)

4) Philadelphia Eagles (4-13)

NFC North

1) Green Bay Packers (11-6)

2) Chicago Bears (9-8)

3) Minnesota Vikings (9-8)

4) Detroit Lions (3-14)

NFC South

1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4)

2) Atlanta Falcons (9-8) 

3) Carolina Panthers (9-8)

4) New Orleans Saints (5-12) 

NFC West

1) Los Angeles Rams (12-5)

2) Seattle Seahawks (11-6)*Wild Card

3) San Francisco 49ers (10-7)*Wild Card

4) Arizona Cardinals (5-12)

2021 Playoff Predictions

AFC

1) Kansas City (14-3)

2) Cleveland (11-6)

3)Tennessee (11-6)

4) Buffalo (11-6)

5) Pittsburgh (10-7)

6) New England (10-7)

7) LA Chargers (10-7)

Wild Card Weekend

2) Cleveland over 7) LA Chargers

3) Tennessee over 6) New England

5) Pittsburgh over 4) Buffalo

Divisional Round

1) Kansas City over 5) Pittburgh

2) Cleveland over 3) Tennessee

AFC Championship

1) Kansas City over 2) Cleveland

NFC Playoff Predictions

1) Tampa Bay (13-4)

2) LA Rams (12-5)

3) Dallas (12-5)

4) Green Bay (11-6)

5) Seatle (11-6)

6) San Francisco (10-7)

7) NY Giants (10-7)

Wild Card Weekend

2) LA Rams over 7) NY Giants

6) San Francisco over 3) Dallas

4) Green Bay over 5) Seattle

Divisional Round

1) Tampa Bay over 6) San Francisco

2) LA Rams over 4) Green Bay

NFC Championship 

2) LA Rams over 1) Tampa Bay

Super Bowl 

Kansas City over LA Rams