LA CHARGERS (45) @ TENNESSEE (+6.5)
Mariota, was sacked eleven times last week. Some of those injured lineman, will return to the lineup this Sunday. So expect that Mariota, will have better pass protection, and will be able to move the offense. Tennessee, was embarrassed in that shutout loss to Baltimore, and they should be motivated to play better football in London. The Chargers running back, Melvin Gordon, tore up the grid iron, destroying Cleveland with his outside runs. This game, Gordon should be held in check, since Tennessee, has an excellent rush defense. Besides, Tennessee, has good cornerbacks, and have the edge over the Chargers in the trenches. Phillips, will be pressured and hurried. Look at the last three opponents the Chargers played. Week 4 San Francisco, Week 5 Oakland, Week 6 Cleveland. Predicted score. Tennessee 23 LA Chargers 21, Tennessee (+6.5), Under (45).
NEW ENGLAND (49.5) @ CHICAGO (+3.5)
The biggest question is, can the Bears trade points with New England? Let’s look at last week, when the Patriots played Kansas City. One can say, that the Chiefs definitely was able to trade points, and lost in the finals two minutes. So I see the Kansas City offense liken to a Mercedes-Benz. Chicago, is comparable to a Cadillac. Two luxury cars, but Kansas City has the better car. Although the Bears have the offensive weapons, Trubisky, is no Mahomes. Trubisky, still makes too many mistakes, and Bill Belichick loves to game plan against young opposing quarterbacks. If Chicago has any chance of winning, it will be with their defense. The front seven is solid, and led by Kahil Mack. So Brady can expect to be pressured, and sacked. However, the Patriot offense can beat you in so many ways. Chicago is ranked 22 nd versus the pass. New England has the playmakers to exploit their secondary. If the Patriots run the ball, they have Michel, and White. Even though the Bears rank 4[SUP]th[/SUP] against the run. Brady, since becoming a Patriot, has a record of 4-0, against the Bears. In addition, the last two meetings the Bears had with Brady, they allowed an average score of 28 points. Predicted score. New England 27 Chicago 23, New England (-3.5), Over (49.5).
CAROLINA (45.5) @ PHILADELPHIA (-4.5)
Carolina’s running game is Cam Newton. RB McCaffrey, in the last three games, has 10 or fewer carries. Philadelphia, defensively, ranks #2 against the run. This will force Newton probably into at least 30 – 40 pass attempts. If Carolina, cannot establish the run, they will have no chance winning this game. The Eagles secondary ranks 23rd versus the pass. Philadelphia, will not be able to run against the Panthers stout front seven, and lost RB Ajayi for the season. This will force QB Wentz (has been improving each week), into more passing situations, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he too will throw the football over 30 times. The biggest concern for Philadelphia, is their banged up offensive line. Wentz can exploit the Panther secondary, however, the question will be, if his offensive line, can manage to pass block the Carolina pass rush. This is an important game for both teams, more so for the Carolina Panthers, if they lose, will not recover in the NFC South, and New Orleans will win that division. Already Tampa Bay, and Atlanta are out of it. Predicted score. Philadelphia 30 Carolina 27, Carolina (+4.5), Over (45.5).
BUFFALO (43.5) INDIANAPOLIS (-7.5)
Buffalo’s Josh Allen out, Anderson in? Anderson, steps in for the injured Allen, with no reps, and offensive line that can’t block, and a quarterback that can’t run, or scramble from the pocket. The only glimmer of a bright spot, is RB Shady McCoy. However, I expect that the Colts will play eight in the box, and hold McCoy in check. Indianapolis, has their talented receivers out with injury. If TY Hilton returns this weekend, that will be a big boost. Right now, Luck can only rely on TE Eric Ebron, to pass catch. Buffalo has a stout front seven, and the Colt’s offensive line, matches up with them in the trenches. Expect Andrew Luck to pass, pass, and pass. The Colts running game is nonexistent, and the only thing Buffalo does well is defend against the run. Predicted score. Indianapolis 23 Buffalo 7, Indianapolis (-7.5), Under (43.5).
MINNESOTA (47) @ NEW YORK JETS (+3)
New York, loves their home cooking, winning their last two games at home, and avoiding traveling on the road, for three straight weeks. I never like it, when I see a road favorite, favorite by at least 3 points, and is struggling. Minnesota, fits that bill, and the underdog Jets, are playing with more confidence. The reason, is rookie QB Sam Darnold. Watching him these past 2 weeks, Darnold, has played more aggressive, and is taking more chances. Thus far, Minnesota, has depended more on their running backs offensively. Problem is, the Jets field a stout defensive seven against the run. Minnesota, has many injuries on defense, and are out matched against the Jets in the trenches. The Viking offensive line can’t block, and QB Cousins, cannot handle the pressure the pass rush brings to the pocket. The only way the Viking offense clicks, is if Cousins can take advantage of the suspect Jets secondary. Minnesota, may overlook the Jets in this contest, with New Orleans on the schedule the following week. Predicted score. Minnesota 24, New York Jets 23, NY Jets (+3.5), Over (47).
CLEVELAND (49.5) @ TAMPA BAY (-3)
As of today, I will consider Mayfield, active for Sunday’s game. The question is, will he be 100%? If Mayfield can’t scramble on that bad ankle, he will become susceptible to pressure, and won’t be able to avoid the pass rush. However, if Mayfield is ready to go, and is close to being fully healthy, he will have a field day attacking Tampa Bay’s horrid secondary. Given, that the Browns can’t run against the Buc’s front seven. AS for Tampa Bay, Winston, can beat the Browns secondary. First, he must be able to shake off Cleveland’s pass rush. Winston, can beat the Browns linebackers, that have difficulty covering running backs, and Tight Ends, in short pass coverage. Cleveland’s weakness was revealed last week. The Chargers repeatedly ran the football on the outside, and the Brows couldn’t defend the edge. Predicted score. Tampa Bay 28 Cleveland 24, Tampa Bay (-3), Over (49.5).
DETROIT (46.5) @ MIAMI (+3)
Last I learned, QB Tannehill, is a scratch for the Dolphins. So, here comes the return of backup QB Brock Osweiler. Osweiler, was a hero last Sunday, and led his team to victory over a good Chicago Bears team. The Florida heat, has a lot to do with wearing opponents out, by the fourth quarter. Looks like another heat wave in Miami, and that will only hurt Detroit’s chances. So if Chicago (with the better defense), lost to Miami, one can speculate, that Detroit’s struggling secondary, and linebackers, should also lose. Miami’s secondary, is also struggling, and Detroit has the wide outs to exploit them. QB Stafford, should get time in the pocket from his offensive line, and this game may become a shootout. Predicted score. Miami 28 Detroit 27, Miami (+3), Over (46.5)
CINCINNATI (58.5) @ KANSAS CITY (-6)
As good as the Bengals started the season, always in back of my mind, question their ability to beat a greater opponent. Kansas City, happens to be one of those better teams that plays this contest at home, before a roaring crowd. In addition, they have a confident rookie quarterback, Pat Maholmes, with a talented cast of offensive weapons that can score points almost at will. Kansas City, playmakers, will have no problems matriculating the football down field. Kansas City’s weakness, is in their defense, as witnessed last week against the Patriots, surrendering 43 points. The Chiefs defense, has trouble in the middle, or in the slot of their secondary, and should help QB Andy Dalton. The question is, can they take advantage passing the ball, without the injured Eifert? Will RB Giovani Bernard return to the line up? This can affect their offensive proficiency. However, Kansas City’s secondary still can exploited. Predicted score. Kansas City 34 Cincinnati 27, Kansas City (-6), Under (58.5).
HOUSTON (42.5) @ JACKSONVILLE (-4.5)
The Jacksonville Jaguars, were humiliated in Dallas last week, and surrendered 40 points. The week prior, they lost to Kansas City, and gave up 30 points. From the start of the season, to NFL week #5, the Jags were considered to have the cream of the crop defense. Now, the Jags play a struggling football team at home. The Texans feature a banged up rookie QB, and a nonexistent offensive line, that doesn’t provide pass protection. The offensive line is mainly to blame as to why Watson gets pummeled, and why the Texans lose. I can’t believe, that Jacksonville’s defense went south for the winter. I am sure they are motivated now, and ready to claim back their reputation. The Jags have a good secondary, and will hold the Texan wide outs in check. The Jags front seven on defense is stout enough to stop Houston’s running game. Besides all this, QB Bortles, should have no problems moving the football, and avoid making Bortles mistakes. No more excuses. Predicted score. Jacksonville 23 Houston 13, Jacksonville (-4.5), Under (42.5).
NEW ORLEANS (49.5) @ BALTIMORE (-2.5)
Two heavy weights here. Baltimore defensively, and New Orleans offensively. The number one thing that hits me when I am handicapping the Ravens, is where the game is being played. Baltimore, looking this season, and seasons past, will see that Baltimore at home, has a huge advantage. Conversely, Drew Brees, and the Saints, are not good outdoor teams. Baltimore, features the best defense in the NFL, as of week six. Did you know, they sacked the Titans last week eleven times, in their shutout victory? One can say, the Raven defense is cooking with gas. The Baltimore front seven, will pressure, and hurry, Brees the entire game. Baltimore’s pass rush, and the outdoor elements, will slow Drew Brees down. The Saints will have difficulty equaling the 36 points per game they score on the average. Flacco, is playing good football this season. He now has offensive weapons on the outside, and this is Flacco’s last year on his contract. Flacco, should have no problems exploiting the Saints poor secondary. Predicted score. Baltimore 27 New Orleans 20, Baltimore (-2.5), Under (49.5).
DALLAS (41.5) @ WASHINGTON (-1.5)
Don’t be misled by that Dallas 40-7 victory, over Jacksonville last week. The Jags simply had one of those days, where they didn’t show up, and played like they had nothing in their tank to make them go. Every NFL team experiences this syndrome, and it’s virtually unpredictable when a team will be stricken with this bug. That’s what lack of effort, and poor tackling will do for you. This a divisional rival game, and you better believe that Washington, is just going to mail this game in. The Washington Defensive line, wins in the trenches over the Cowboy offensive line. The Redskin front seven, will stop RB Ezekiel Elliott, and shut down their running game. Without Elliott help moving the chains for the Cowboys, Dak Prescott, cannot carry the load by himself. Washington, has a good offensive line, and knows how to pass block, and protect their quarterback. Dallas, will have difficulty getting to Alex Smith. Predicted score. Washington 23 Dallas 17, Washington (-1.5), Under (41.5).much better
LA RAMS (53) @ SAN FRANCISCO (-9.5)
The question is, how did CJ Bethard become a pro bowl QB overnight in Green Bay? Or is the Packer defense that bad? The true test will be on Sunday, when they take on the undefeated LA Rams. Compare Green Bay’s defensive line, to the weapons on the defensive line of the LA Rams. Hands down the Rams are the better defense that has a strong pass rush. This means CJ Bethard, will not have the luxury, to sit in the pocket, and complete his passes. Instead CJ can expect pressure all game, and will struggle from being sacked. San Francisco, simply doesn’t have a good offensive line. Look for the Rams to attack the inept 49er secondary. Overall, the Rams also have weapons on offense. The Rams offensive line is stout, and will pass protect Goff. Predicted Score. LA Rams 30 San Francisco 17, LA Rams (-9.5), Under (53).
NEW YORK GIANTS (54.5) @ ATLANTA (-4.5)
Did you see how bad the Giants played last week against the Eagles? The Giants are a bad team, and I am waiting for the other shoe to fall. Atlanta, has had injury, after injury, and will be losing more key players this Monday. The latest, place kicker Matt Bryant, won’t suit up. The status on WR Sanu is questionable. So the prolific scoring offense in Atlanta, may come to an end. Atlanta may not be able to generate a pass rush, and that will allow Eli Manning (The statue), to sit in the pocket, and locate Beckham Jr., and Shepard. Manning may actually have a good game. Imagine the Giant locker room, if he doesn’t play up to expectations, or loses the game. Eli, will be helped by Saquon Barkley, who will be able to run rough shot over a weak Falcon defensive line. Predicted score. New York Giants 27 Atlanta 24, New York Giants (+4.5), Under 54.5.
BROOKLYNWORM’S RECORD, AFTER WEEK #6 NFL.
STRAIGHT UP 74-31-2
AGAINST THE SPREAD 57-45-5
OVER/UNDER TOTAL 54-52-0
Mariota, was sacked eleven times last week. Some of those injured lineman, will return to the lineup this Sunday. So expect that Mariota, will have better pass protection, and will be able to move the offense. Tennessee, was embarrassed in that shutout loss to Baltimore, and they should be motivated to play better football in London. The Chargers running back, Melvin Gordon, tore up the grid iron, destroying Cleveland with his outside runs. This game, Gordon should be held in check, since Tennessee, has an excellent rush defense. Besides, Tennessee, has good cornerbacks, and have the edge over the Chargers in the trenches. Phillips, will be pressured and hurried. Look at the last three opponents the Chargers played. Week 4 San Francisco, Week 5 Oakland, Week 6 Cleveland. Predicted score. Tennessee 23 LA Chargers 21, Tennessee (+6.5), Under (45).
NEW ENGLAND (49.5) @ CHICAGO (+3.5)
The biggest question is, can the Bears trade points with New England? Let’s look at last week, when the Patriots played Kansas City. One can say, that the Chiefs definitely was able to trade points, and lost in the finals two minutes. So I see the Kansas City offense liken to a Mercedes-Benz. Chicago, is comparable to a Cadillac. Two luxury cars, but Kansas City has the better car. Although the Bears have the offensive weapons, Trubisky, is no Mahomes. Trubisky, still makes too many mistakes, and Bill Belichick loves to game plan against young opposing quarterbacks. If Chicago has any chance of winning, it will be with their defense. The front seven is solid, and led by Kahil Mack. So Brady can expect to be pressured, and sacked. However, the Patriot offense can beat you in so many ways. Chicago is ranked 22 nd versus the pass. New England has the playmakers to exploit their secondary. If the Patriots run the ball, they have Michel, and White. Even though the Bears rank 4[SUP]th[/SUP] against the run. Brady, since becoming a Patriot, has a record of 4-0, against the Bears. In addition, the last two meetings the Bears had with Brady, they allowed an average score of 28 points. Predicted score. New England 27 Chicago 23, New England (-3.5), Over (49.5).
CAROLINA (45.5) @ PHILADELPHIA (-4.5)
Carolina’s running game is Cam Newton. RB McCaffrey, in the last three games, has 10 or fewer carries. Philadelphia, defensively, ranks #2 against the run. This will force Newton probably into at least 30 – 40 pass attempts. If Carolina, cannot establish the run, they will have no chance winning this game. The Eagles secondary ranks 23rd versus the pass. Philadelphia, will not be able to run against the Panthers stout front seven, and lost RB Ajayi for the season. This will force QB Wentz (has been improving each week), into more passing situations, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he too will throw the football over 30 times. The biggest concern for Philadelphia, is their banged up offensive line. Wentz can exploit the Panther secondary, however, the question will be, if his offensive line, can manage to pass block the Carolina pass rush. This is an important game for both teams, more so for the Carolina Panthers, if they lose, will not recover in the NFC South, and New Orleans will win that division. Already Tampa Bay, and Atlanta are out of it. Predicted score. Philadelphia 30 Carolina 27, Carolina (+4.5), Over (45.5).
BUFFALO (43.5) INDIANAPOLIS (-7.5)
Buffalo’s Josh Allen out, Anderson in? Anderson, steps in for the injured Allen, with no reps, and offensive line that can’t block, and a quarterback that can’t run, or scramble from the pocket. The only glimmer of a bright spot, is RB Shady McCoy. However, I expect that the Colts will play eight in the box, and hold McCoy in check. Indianapolis, has their talented receivers out with injury. If TY Hilton returns this weekend, that will be a big boost. Right now, Luck can only rely on TE Eric Ebron, to pass catch. Buffalo has a stout front seven, and the Colt’s offensive line, matches up with them in the trenches. Expect Andrew Luck to pass, pass, and pass. The Colts running game is nonexistent, and the only thing Buffalo does well is defend against the run. Predicted score. Indianapolis 23 Buffalo 7, Indianapolis (-7.5), Under (43.5).
MINNESOTA (47) @ NEW YORK JETS (+3)
New York, loves their home cooking, winning their last two games at home, and avoiding traveling on the road, for three straight weeks. I never like it, when I see a road favorite, favorite by at least 3 points, and is struggling. Minnesota, fits that bill, and the underdog Jets, are playing with more confidence. The reason, is rookie QB Sam Darnold. Watching him these past 2 weeks, Darnold, has played more aggressive, and is taking more chances. Thus far, Minnesota, has depended more on their running backs offensively. Problem is, the Jets field a stout defensive seven against the run. Minnesota, has many injuries on defense, and are out matched against the Jets in the trenches. The Viking offensive line can’t block, and QB Cousins, cannot handle the pressure the pass rush brings to the pocket. The only way the Viking offense clicks, is if Cousins can take advantage of the suspect Jets secondary. Minnesota, may overlook the Jets in this contest, with New Orleans on the schedule the following week. Predicted score. Minnesota 24, New York Jets 23, NY Jets (+3.5), Over (47).
CLEVELAND (49.5) @ TAMPA BAY (-3)
As of today, I will consider Mayfield, active for Sunday’s game. The question is, will he be 100%? If Mayfield can’t scramble on that bad ankle, he will become susceptible to pressure, and won’t be able to avoid the pass rush. However, if Mayfield is ready to go, and is close to being fully healthy, he will have a field day attacking Tampa Bay’s horrid secondary. Given, that the Browns can’t run against the Buc’s front seven. AS for Tampa Bay, Winston, can beat the Browns secondary. First, he must be able to shake off Cleveland’s pass rush. Winston, can beat the Browns linebackers, that have difficulty covering running backs, and Tight Ends, in short pass coverage. Cleveland’s weakness was revealed last week. The Chargers repeatedly ran the football on the outside, and the Brows couldn’t defend the edge. Predicted score. Tampa Bay 28 Cleveland 24, Tampa Bay (-3), Over (49.5).
DETROIT (46.5) @ MIAMI (+3)
Last I learned, QB Tannehill, is a scratch for the Dolphins. So, here comes the return of backup QB Brock Osweiler. Osweiler, was a hero last Sunday, and led his team to victory over a good Chicago Bears team. The Florida heat, has a lot to do with wearing opponents out, by the fourth quarter. Looks like another heat wave in Miami, and that will only hurt Detroit’s chances. So if Chicago (with the better defense), lost to Miami, one can speculate, that Detroit’s struggling secondary, and linebackers, should also lose. Miami’s secondary, is also struggling, and Detroit has the wide outs to exploit them. QB Stafford, should get time in the pocket from his offensive line, and this game may become a shootout. Predicted score. Miami 28 Detroit 27, Miami (+3), Over (46.5)
CINCINNATI (58.5) @ KANSAS CITY (-6)
As good as the Bengals started the season, always in back of my mind, question their ability to beat a greater opponent. Kansas City, happens to be one of those better teams that plays this contest at home, before a roaring crowd. In addition, they have a confident rookie quarterback, Pat Maholmes, with a talented cast of offensive weapons that can score points almost at will. Kansas City, playmakers, will have no problems matriculating the football down field. Kansas City’s weakness, is in their defense, as witnessed last week against the Patriots, surrendering 43 points. The Chiefs defense, has trouble in the middle, or in the slot of their secondary, and should help QB Andy Dalton. The question is, can they take advantage passing the ball, without the injured Eifert? Will RB Giovani Bernard return to the line up? This can affect their offensive proficiency. However, Kansas City’s secondary still can exploited. Predicted score. Kansas City 34 Cincinnati 27, Kansas City (-6), Under (58.5).
HOUSTON (42.5) @ JACKSONVILLE (-4.5)
The Jacksonville Jaguars, were humiliated in Dallas last week, and surrendered 40 points. The week prior, they lost to Kansas City, and gave up 30 points. From the start of the season, to NFL week #5, the Jags were considered to have the cream of the crop defense. Now, the Jags play a struggling football team at home. The Texans feature a banged up rookie QB, and a nonexistent offensive line, that doesn’t provide pass protection. The offensive line is mainly to blame as to why Watson gets pummeled, and why the Texans lose. I can’t believe, that Jacksonville’s defense went south for the winter. I am sure they are motivated now, and ready to claim back their reputation. The Jags have a good secondary, and will hold the Texan wide outs in check. The Jags front seven on defense is stout enough to stop Houston’s running game. Besides all this, QB Bortles, should have no problems moving the football, and avoid making Bortles mistakes. No more excuses. Predicted score. Jacksonville 23 Houston 13, Jacksonville (-4.5), Under (42.5).
NEW ORLEANS (49.5) @ BALTIMORE (-2.5)
Two heavy weights here. Baltimore defensively, and New Orleans offensively. The number one thing that hits me when I am handicapping the Ravens, is where the game is being played. Baltimore, looking this season, and seasons past, will see that Baltimore at home, has a huge advantage. Conversely, Drew Brees, and the Saints, are not good outdoor teams. Baltimore, features the best defense in the NFL, as of week six. Did you know, they sacked the Titans last week eleven times, in their shutout victory? One can say, the Raven defense is cooking with gas. The Baltimore front seven, will pressure, and hurry, Brees the entire game. Baltimore’s pass rush, and the outdoor elements, will slow Drew Brees down. The Saints will have difficulty equaling the 36 points per game they score on the average. Flacco, is playing good football this season. He now has offensive weapons on the outside, and this is Flacco’s last year on his contract. Flacco, should have no problems exploiting the Saints poor secondary. Predicted score. Baltimore 27 New Orleans 20, Baltimore (-2.5), Under (49.5).
DALLAS (41.5) @ WASHINGTON (-1.5)
Don’t be misled by that Dallas 40-7 victory, over Jacksonville last week. The Jags simply had one of those days, where they didn’t show up, and played like they had nothing in their tank to make them go. Every NFL team experiences this syndrome, and it’s virtually unpredictable when a team will be stricken with this bug. That’s what lack of effort, and poor tackling will do for you. This a divisional rival game, and you better believe that Washington, is just going to mail this game in. The Washington Defensive line, wins in the trenches over the Cowboy offensive line. The Redskin front seven, will stop RB Ezekiel Elliott, and shut down their running game. Without Elliott help moving the chains for the Cowboys, Dak Prescott, cannot carry the load by himself. Washington, has a good offensive line, and knows how to pass block, and protect their quarterback. Dallas, will have difficulty getting to Alex Smith. Predicted score. Washington 23 Dallas 17, Washington (-1.5), Under (41.5).much better
LA RAMS (53) @ SAN FRANCISCO (-9.5)
The question is, how did CJ Bethard become a pro bowl QB overnight in Green Bay? Or is the Packer defense that bad? The true test will be on Sunday, when they take on the undefeated LA Rams. Compare Green Bay’s defensive line, to the weapons on the defensive line of the LA Rams. Hands down the Rams are the better defense that has a strong pass rush. This means CJ Bethard, will not have the luxury, to sit in the pocket, and complete his passes. Instead CJ can expect pressure all game, and will struggle from being sacked. San Francisco, simply doesn’t have a good offensive line. Look for the Rams to attack the inept 49er secondary. Overall, the Rams also have weapons on offense. The Rams offensive line is stout, and will pass protect Goff. Predicted Score. LA Rams 30 San Francisco 17, LA Rams (-9.5), Under (53).
NEW YORK GIANTS (54.5) @ ATLANTA (-4.5)
Did you see how bad the Giants played last week against the Eagles? The Giants are a bad team, and I am waiting for the other shoe to fall. Atlanta, has had injury, after injury, and will be losing more key players this Monday. The latest, place kicker Matt Bryant, won’t suit up. The status on WR Sanu is questionable. So the prolific scoring offense in Atlanta, may come to an end. Atlanta may not be able to generate a pass rush, and that will allow Eli Manning (The statue), to sit in the pocket, and locate Beckham Jr., and Shepard. Manning may actually have a good game. Imagine the Giant locker room, if he doesn’t play up to expectations, or loses the game. Eli, will be helped by Saquon Barkley, who will be able to run rough shot over a weak Falcon defensive line. Predicted score. New York Giants 27 Atlanta 24, New York Giants (+4.5), Under 54.5.
BROOKLYNWORM’S RECORD, AFTER WEEK #6 NFL.
STRAIGHT UP 74-31-2
AGAINST THE SPREAD 57-45-5
OVER/UNDER TOTAL 54-52-0
