JACKSONVILLE (37.5) @ TENNESSEE (-5)
I am still baffled on how the Jags last week, beat the Indianapolis Colts in a shutout, 6-0. They beat the Colts with their backup QB, without RB Leonard Fournette, and three offensive lineman injured? Trap alert! Anytime you see a mediocre, or a poor team dominate a game, and defeat a favorite, you can expect a letdown the following game. Especially, when the visitor has a short work week to prepare. Away teams on Thursday nights generally don’t do so well. The Titans own the Jags, almost every time they face each other. Both teams are almost identical, however, Tennessee has the better quarterback. Predicted score. Tennessee 23 Jacksonville 17, Tennessee (-5), Under 37.5.
BALTIMORE (51.0) @ KANSAS CITY (-6.5)
Normally, if RB Kareem Hunt, wasn’t cut from the Chiefs, my pick would be a no brainer. However, last Sunday, the Chiefs faced one of the worst NFL defenses, the Oakland Raiders. Although the Chiefs won, they didn’t cover the -15 point spread. KC, now leaves to outhouse, to the penthouse, to play the number one defense, in points allowed. (Baltimore 18 ppg). In addition, rookie QB Lamar Jackson, has put a charge into the Ravens, since becoming Baltimore’s signal caller. Regardless of his accuracy, he is a threat on the grid iron, with his tremendous mobility. To back Jackson up, the ravens have a steady running game behind him. The ravens game plan will be , possess the football, and control the clock. Limit KC’s offensive possessions. This is a huge game for Baltimore. They need every win they can get, to make the playoffs. Kansas City, after this game, have a short work week, and play their divisional rivals, LA Chargers, on Thursday Night. KC, may not be 100 % focused , ready, to play Baltimore. Predicted score. Baltimore 27 Kansas City 23, Baltimore (+6.5), Under (51.0).
INDIANAPOLIS (49.5) @ HOUSTON (-4.5)
Last Sunday, the Colts played a stinker of a game, and was shutout 6-0 to Jacksonville? What’s shocking is that Jacksonville, used their backup QB, lost RB Fournette due to suspension, and had three offensive linemen injured? QB Andrew Luck was pressured the entire game, and his best offensive players, TY Hilton , and Eric Ebron , were injured, and left the game. Every NFL team, has those lethargic games during the course of the season. With the playoffs looming, you better believe that Andrew luck, and the Colts, will be focused. Jacksonville, and Houston, have identical defensive front sevens, the difference playing the Texans will be, that the Colts made offensive line adjustments, and are ready to go. Expect Andrew Luck to get pass protection, and to find the open receiver. This could be a close game either way. Predicted score. Indianapolis 24 Houston 21, Indianapolis (+4.5), Under (49.5).
CAROLINA (47.0) @ CLEVELAND (+1.5)
Buyer beware! Last week, didn’t Cam Newton hurt his throwing shoulder? I noticed this, on the Hail Mary pass he threw, that came up 15 yards short of the end zone. On the second attempt, Cam was benched, and the backup threw the final Hail Mary pass that went the distance. Newton threw for four interceptions in that game. Overall, Carolina, has played terrible, and frustrating football of late. The Panthers figure ways to beat themselves. Cleveland, under the leadership of rookie QB Mayfield, have improved as a team, and appear to be on the right track. To start Cleveland owns a good secondary. Carolina, will be forced to give RB Mc Caffrey more touches, since the Browns’ rank 25[SUP]th[/SUP] on rush defense. Newton will be limited in the pocket, since the Carolina offensive line, cannot pass protect. To counter, QB Mayfield, should have a field day, versus Carolina’s awful pass coverage. Mayfield should be well protected by his offensive line. Lastly, Carolina plays awful on the road. Predicted score. Cleveland 23 Carolina 21, Cleveland +1.5, Under (47.0).
ATLANTA (50.5) @ GREEN BAY (-5)
As the season’s advances, both team appear to regress. Green Bay, just fired their head coach, Rodgers is not at 100% healthy, they have wide receivers that can’t run routes (except Davante Adams), Jimmy Graham’s broken thumb, and the offensive line in shambles, and missing starting linemen. Atlanta, many injuries on both sides of the ball, no running game, has an overall horrible defense, having trouble moving the football, they have trouble winning on the road, this game is outdoors and exposed to the seasonal elements. As you can see, both teams have issues. The bottom line is, Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, can exploit the inept GB secondary. GB, only has two wins by more than a field goal this season. GB Rodgers, should return the favor, by torching the Atlanta secondary. I see a high scoring game, if weather permits. Check weather before game time. Predicted score. Atlanta 28 Green Bay 27, Atlanta (+5), Over (50.5).
NEW YORK JETS (38.0) @ BUFFALO (-3.5)
Let’s look who will be the Jets starting QB in this game. Josh McCown started the first meeting between these two clubs, and was destroyed 40-10, at the Jets. As of the date of this post, the word is that rookie QB Darnold may start. Darnold is a rookie, and he lacks talented receivers, and offense to support him. Buffalo’s defensive front seven, will turn up the heat, and pressure Darnold into turnovers, and sacks. What could be a factor in this game, is the weather. It is expected to be in the lower 20’s. And cold. Darnold hasn’t played in below freezing temperatures this season, and the Jets do not have an effective running game to help the offense in these conditions. Buffalo, at home, has two good rushers, that can move the football. Bills RB Shady McCoy, and QB Josh Allen. That’s right! Josh Allen. In the past two games, Allen has rushed for 234 yards, and the Jets are terrible at stopping the run. Lastly, Jets head coach Bowles. He is a lame duck coach, or a dead man walking. You have to wonder at this stage in the season, if they fall behind early in the game, will they quit on their coach? Predicted score. Buffalo 20 New York Jets 17, New York Jets (+3.5), Under (38.0).
NEW ENGLAND (47.0) @ MIAMI (+8)
The host team is 13-3 in the last sixteen matchups between the teams. With four wins in their last five games at home against New England. However, the Patriots have a first round bye in their sites and this is more than just a divisional game for New England to win. Kansas City (10-2), the front runner for the #1 seed, New England (9-3), the number two seed both games have a one o’clock start, and Baltimore, is capable of beating KC. You better believe there will be scoreboard watching. If the Chiefs lose, and the Patriots win, New England gets the number one seed, since the Pats beat KC earlier in the year. As for this game. The Patriot offensive line is healthy since their loss to Tennessee. The Jets will attempt to blitz Brady often, and get to him like the Titans did a month ago. Problem with that idea, Miami doesn’t have the defensive talent, to execute a game plan of this magnitude. Brady will dink and dunk to Gronk, and James White, and follow up with RB Sony Michel, to torch the Dolphins rush defense. Miami’s only strong point is, that they can run the football. However, the Patriots rank 10[SUP]th[/SUP] defensively against the rush. Lastly, QB Tannehill, hasn’t any pass protection from his offensive line, and all of his talented receivers are banged up, or injured. Predicted score. New England 30 Miami 20, New England (-8), Over (47.0).
LOS ANGELES RAMS (51.5) @ CHICAGO (+3)
Chicago QB Trubisky returns to the starting lineup. Trubisky, has an outstanding offensive line, and they will need to pass block LAR Donald with 16.5 sacks on the season. So keeping the Ram defensive front seven honest, Trubisky has the legs, and mobility to avoid sacks in the pocket, when under pressure. His quickness, can extend a play, and matriculate the football. Any of the teams that had success against the Rams defense, had quarterbacks that had mobility. LA Rams versus the run, can be exploited, and the Bears have Cohen, and Howard in their backfield, to run the rock. The LA Rams have RB Todd Gurley, who will go up against the best defensive line in the NFL versus the run. The weather forecast for game day is 27 degrees, and cold. The rams face the best defense in the NFL. The showdown clashes Chicago’s ferocious defensive front seven, versus the Ram’s superior offensive line. Chicago, has an outstanding secondary, and Goff has two playmakers at wide receiver. I expect the the team with the better defense, and ground game, will make the difference. Predicted score. Chicago 27 LA Rams 24, Chicago (+3), Under (51.5).
NEW YORK GIANTS (41.0) @ WASHINGTON (+3.5)
Washington is now down to their third string QB, the inept Mark Sanchez. Not only he doesn’t have the arm to throw deep, he is always checking down, and throwing short passes. On top of quarterback issues, the Redskins practically lost their offensive line. The New York Giants, are playing better football since their bye week. In their last four games, the G-men have scored and average of 29 ppg.Their offensive line has improved. Barkley, and Beckham Jr., continue move this offense. I expect a big day from barkley, since Washington cannot stop the run. Beckham, the last time he played Washington, he caught 8 passes, for 136 yards. Lastly, the Giants want to revenge their earlier defeat to the Redskins. Predicted score. New York 23 Washington 17, New York Giants (-3.5), Under (41.0).
DENVER (45.5) @ SAN FRANCISCO (+4)
San Francisco QB Nick Mullens, hasn’t played well since his NFL debut weeks ago. San Francisco, will face one of the best NFL defenses. So if this is the case, SF, will have difficulty to sustain consistent drives. The 49ers lost Reuben Foster, and their secondary is missing in action. Denver’s QB Keenum, should be good enough to exploit their secondary. Emmanuel Sanders injured himself at practice during the week. Defensively, stopping the run, is San Francisco’s forte. The difference makers for Denver is RB Phillip Linsday. When you have two lousy starting quarterbacks, going head, to head, the total points in that game, is never covered. Based on Denver’s good defense, this should be the difference maker. Predicted score. Denver 24 San Francisco 16, Denver (-4), Under (45.5).
CINCINNATI (47.5) @ LA CHARGERS (-14).
Right off, the Cincinnati Bengals rank next to last in all defensive categories. LA, has scored 78 points, the last two games they played. The Bengals lost AJ Green for the rest of the season, Backup, rookie QB Jeff Driskel, is a bust, The O-Line is overwhelmed with injuries , and are outmatched against the Chargers front seven on defense, led by Boas, and Ingram. In most probability, the bengals will abandon the run, because they won’t be able to match point for point with the Chargers. Once QB Driskel is exposed, this will force him to make mistakes, and commit turnovers.keep in mind this. Cincinnati may be two touchdown underdogs, however, last week, the Chargers beat Pittsburgh in a huge game, and they are ready for a letdown, especially, the Chargers are looking ahead 4 days later, to play their divisional rival, the KC Chiefs. Predicted score. Los Angeles Chargers 30 Cincinnati 17, Cincinnati (+14), Under (47.5).
NEW ORLEANS (55.0) @ TAMPA BAY (-8)
You know that New Orleans is going to come out swinging, to avenge last week’s loss to Dallas, on national TV. Give some credit to Dallas’s defense that held Brees, and his mighty offense in check. Don’t let Vegas, dangle the plus eight points, to trick you into taking the dog. Tampa bay’s defense is nowhere near the quality of play of the Cowboys. A matter of fact, Tampa’s defense is in shambles, and is one of the worst in the NFL. Let’s go back to week #1, when these two clubs met. Brees, threw three touchdowns, and for 439 yards. That was against a healthy Tampa bay secondary. I see no reason why the Saints can’t romp the Bucs again, and light up the scoreboard. Predicted score. New Orleans 40 Tampa Bay 27, New Orleans (-8), Over (55.0).
DETROIT (40.5) @ ARIZONA (+3)
Did you hear the news? Arizona won the super bowl in Green Bay last week. The Cardinals beat Rodgers, and there is pandemonium in the state of Arizona. The truth is, Arizona is living on a high, and by week 14, will be ready for a letdown. Remember my golden rule, if a bad team upsets a team ranked as a favorite in that game, that bad team comes out flat the following week. Let’s examine the negatives of both bad teams, to come to a conclusion on whom to pick for Sunday. Arizona’s rookie QB Rosen, still making rookie mistakes, Rosen lost his deep vertical playmaker receiver, the only playmaker Rosen has is Larry Fitzgerald, the Arizona running game , will be held in check, since Detroit acquired “Snacks” Harrison, and Arizona’s offensive line has too many holes due to injuries. Detroit, suffers with the same issue with their poor offensive line, Detroit’s only offensive threat is WR Golladay, Tate’s traded, and the other injured, Detroit’s QB Stafford, doesn’t have a quick release, and could be an easy target for the Cardinals pass rush. On the positive side, Detroit has a running game that can exploit the Cardinals defensive front seven that is terrible versus the run. Detroit, plays their best football against bad teams. Predicted score. Detroit 21 Arizona 17, Detroit (-3), Under (40.5).
PHILADELPHIA (44.0) @ DALLAS (-3.5)
Normally, I would jump off the cowboy band wagon, after their upset win over New Orleans. However, the circumstances, has changed all that. Philadelphia, has been badly hit by the injury bug. The Eagle defense, has fallen on bad times, and they are susceptible to the run, or pass. Don’t let Philadelphia’s win over Washington mislead you. Recall, the Redskins started their backup QB McCoy, and was seriously injured, and carted off the field. His replacement, third string QB Mark Sanchez. Now keep in mind how bad the Eagle defense is. Sanchez, couldn’t do anything to move the chains. He was only capable of short passes, and check downs at the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia, played eight in the box, to hold RB Adrian Peterson in check. Even with a full boat of defenders guarding against the run, Adrian Peterson, still busted one 90 yard run for a touchdown. Other than this touchdown run for a score, Washington did absolutely nothing against a bad Philadelphia defense. Now both divisional rivals meet, in a huge game, for playoff rights. Philadelphia, isn’t going to have a cake walk on defense, like they did against the Redskins, and on offense, the eagles will have difficulty against one of the better NFL defenses. Dallas has the playmakers to win, Elliott, Cooper, and Prescott, and they will exploit the Eagle secondary. If Dallas takes away the Wentz- Tate connection, they can actually shutdown the Eagle offense. Predicted score. Dallas 27 Philadelphia 20, Dallas (-3.5), Over (44.0).
PITTSBURGH (51.0) @ OAKLAND (+11)
Well, Pittsburgh, has to travel to the west coast without one of their key playmakers, RB Connors. There is no injury replacement, only running back by committee. His replacements will face an inept defensive front seven, that can’t stop the run. It’s unknown how the Steeler running game will perform under these conditions. Oakland, doesn’t have a pass rush, and you know Roethlisberger, loves the aerial game, and you can expect Big Ben, to throw the football at a 2 to 1 ratio. Expect big games from receivers Brown, and Ju Ju. As of late, the Steeler secondary has been suspect against the pass. However, QB Car, doesn’t have the offensive weapons to throw too. This is a tough one. We know that Pittsburgh will defeat the Raiders. The question is, by how much? The west coast trip, without their starting QB, and they may looking ahead to the New England game the following week. This can take its toll. Predicted score. Pittsburgh 30 Oakland 20, Oakland (+11), Under (51.0).
MINNESOTA (45.5) @ SEATTLE (-3)
The best way to break this game down, is to find the team that’s playing up to their expectations. Minnesota, is overrated, and Seattle is underrated. Take Minnesota’s defense one year ago. The Vikings defense was outstanding. This season, Minnesota has weaknesses in their defense, and injuries, have affected their cornerback coverage. The Vikings, haven’t any talented linebackers, to defend the run, and they have major issues to their offensive line. Their new quarterback Cousins, still hasn’t won any big games. As for the Seahawks, entering this season, they were expected to flop, after the “Legion of Boom”, went their separate ways. However, head Coach Pete Carroll, save the day, and made this team good enough to compete for a playoff spot. Seattle, still has offensive line issues, and it’s something they lived with for years. QB Russell Wilson, while under pressure, has the quickest legs, and feet, to escape the pocket, and extend a play. He also has that running back ability, to run with the football. Seattle’s pass rush will put the heat on Cousins, and will force him into mistakes. Minnesota, will attempt to keep the ball on the ground, versus Seattle’s 20[SUP]th[/SUP] ranked rush defense. Bottom line is this. Seattle is the better team, Seattle, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are hot, Minnesota has only beaten losing teams under .500, Minnesota is 0-4 against the above .500 teams that they played. Predicted score. Seattle 24 Minnesota 17, Seattle (-3), Under (45.5).
I am still baffled on how the Jags last week, beat the Indianapolis Colts in a shutout, 6-0. They beat the Colts with their backup QB, without RB Leonard Fournette, and three offensive lineman injured? Trap alert! Anytime you see a mediocre, or a poor team dominate a game, and defeat a favorite, you can expect a letdown the following game. Especially, when the visitor has a short work week to prepare. Away teams on Thursday nights generally don’t do so well. The Titans own the Jags, almost every time they face each other. Both teams are almost identical, however, Tennessee has the better quarterback. Predicted score. Tennessee 23 Jacksonville 17, Tennessee (-5), Under 37.5.
BALTIMORE (51.0) @ KANSAS CITY (-6.5)
Normally, if RB Kareem Hunt, wasn’t cut from the Chiefs, my pick would be a no brainer. However, last Sunday, the Chiefs faced one of the worst NFL defenses, the Oakland Raiders. Although the Chiefs won, they didn’t cover the -15 point spread. KC, now leaves to outhouse, to the penthouse, to play the number one defense, in points allowed. (Baltimore 18 ppg). In addition, rookie QB Lamar Jackson, has put a charge into the Ravens, since becoming Baltimore’s signal caller. Regardless of his accuracy, he is a threat on the grid iron, with his tremendous mobility. To back Jackson up, the ravens have a steady running game behind him. The ravens game plan will be , possess the football, and control the clock. Limit KC’s offensive possessions. This is a huge game for Baltimore. They need every win they can get, to make the playoffs. Kansas City, after this game, have a short work week, and play their divisional rivals, LA Chargers, on Thursday Night. KC, may not be 100 % focused , ready, to play Baltimore. Predicted score. Baltimore 27 Kansas City 23, Baltimore (+6.5), Under (51.0).
INDIANAPOLIS (49.5) @ HOUSTON (-4.5)
Last Sunday, the Colts played a stinker of a game, and was shutout 6-0 to Jacksonville? What’s shocking is that Jacksonville, used their backup QB, lost RB Fournette due to suspension, and had three offensive linemen injured? QB Andrew Luck was pressured the entire game, and his best offensive players, TY Hilton , and Eric Ebron , were injured, and left the game. Every NFL team, has those lethargic games during the course of the season. With the playoffs looming, you better believe that Andrew luck, and the Colts, will be focused. Jacksonville, and Houston, have identical defensive front sevens, the difference playing the Texans will be, that the Colts made offensive line adjustments, and are ready to go. Expect Andrew Luck to get pass protection, and to find the open receiver. This could be a close game either way. Predicted score. Indianapolis 24 Houston 21, Indianapolis (+4.5), Under (49.5).
CAROLINA (47.0) @ CLEVELAND (+1.5)
Buyer beware! Last week, didn’t Cam Newton hurt his throwing shoulder? I noticed this, on the Hail Mary pass he threw, that came up 15 yards short of the end zone. On the second attempt, Cam was benched, and the backup threw the final Hail Mary pass that went the distance. Newton threw for four interceptions in that game. Overall, Carolina, has played terrible, and frustrating football of late. The Panthers figure ways to beat themselves. Cleveland, under the leadership of rookie QB Mayfield, have improved as a team, and appear to be on the right track. To start Cleveland owns a good secondary. Carolina, will be forced to give RB Mc Caffrey more touches, since the Browns’ rank 25[SUP]th[/SUP] on rush defense. Newton will be limited in the pocket, since the Carolina offensive line, cannot pass protect. To counter, QB Mayfield, should have a field day, versus Carolina’s awful pass coverage. Mayfield should be well protected by his offensive line. Lastly, Carolina plays awful on the road. Predicted score. Cleveland 23 Carolina 21, Cleveland +1.5, Under (47.0).
ATLANTA (50.5) @ GREEN BAY (-5)
As the season’s advances, both team appear to regress. Green Bay, just fired their head coach, Rodgers is not at 100% healthy, they have wide receivers that can’t run routes (except Davante Adams), Jimmy Graham’s broken thumb, and the offensive line in shambles, and missing starting linemen. Atlanta, many injuries on both sides of the ball, no running game, has an overall horrible defense, having trouble moving the football, they have trouble winning on the road, this game is outdoors and exposed to the seasonal elements. As you can see, both teams have issues. The bottom line is, Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, can exploit the inept GB secondary. GB, only has two wins by more than a field goal this season. GB Rodgers, should return the favor, by torching the Atlanta secondary. I see a high scoring game, if weather permits. Check weather before game time. Predicted score. Atlanta 28 Green Bay 27, Atlanta (+5), Over (50.5).
NEW YORK JETS (38.0) @ BUFFALO (-3.5)
Let’s look who will be the Jets starting QB in this game. Josh McCown started the first meeting between these two clubs, and was destroyed 40-10, at the Jets. As of the date of this post, the word is that rookie QB Darnold may start. Darnold is a rookie, and he lacks talented receivers, and offense to support him. Buffalo’s defensive front seven, will turn up the heat, and pressure Darnold into turnovers, and sacks. What could be a factor in this game, is the weather. It is expected to be in the lower 20’s. And cold. Darnold hasn’t played in below freezing temperatures this season, and the Jets do not have an effective running game to help the offense in these conditions. Buffalo, at home, has two good rushers, that can move the football. Bills RB Shady McCoy, and QB Josh Allen. That’s right! Josh Allen. In the past two games, Allen has rushed for 234 yards, and the Jets are terrible at stopping the run. Lastly, Jets head coach Bowles. He is a lame duck coach, or a dead man walking. You have to wonder at this stage in the season, if they fall behind early in the game, will they quit on their coach? Predicted score. Buffalo 20 New York Jets 17, New York Jets (+3.5), Under (38.0).
NEW ENGLAND (47.0) @ MIAMI (+8)
The host team is 13-3 in the last sixteen matchups between the teams. With four wins in their last five games at home against New England. However, the Patriots have a first round bye in their sites and this is more than just a divisional game for New England to win. Kansas City (10-2), the front runner for the #1 seed, New England (9-3), the number two seed both games have a one o’clock start, and Baltimore, is capable of beating KC. You better believe there will be scoreboard watching. If the Chiefs lose, and the Patriots win, New England gets the number one seed, since the Pats beat KC earlier in the year. As for this game. The Patriot offensive line is healthy since their loss to Tennessee. The Jets will attempt to blitz Brady often, and get to him like the Titans did a month ago. Problem with that idea, Miami doesn’t have the defensive talent, to execute a game plan of this magnitude. Brady will dink and dunk to Gronk, and James White, and follow up with RB Sony Michel, to torch the Dolphins rush defense. Miami’s only strong point is, that they can run the football. However, the Patriots rank 10[SUP]th[/SUP] defensively against the rush. Lastly, QB Tannehill, hasn’t any pass protection from his offensive line, and all of his talented receivers are banged up, or injured. Predicted score. New England 30 Miami 20, New England (-8), Over (47.0).
LOS ANGELES RAMS (51.5) @ CHICAGO (+3)
Chicago QB Trubisky returns to the starting lineup. Trubisky, has an outstanding offensive line, and they will need to pass block LAR Donald with 16.5 sacks on the season. So keeping the Ram defensive front seven honest, Trubisky has the legs, and mobility to avoid sacks in the pocket, when under pressure. His quickness, can extend a play, and matriculate the football. Any of the teams that had success against the Rams defense, had quarterbacks that had mobility. LA Rams versus the run, can be exploited, and the Bears have Cohen, and Howard in their backfield, to run the rock. The LA Rams have RB Todd Gurley, who will go up against the best defensive line in the NFL versus the run. The weather forecast for game day is 27 degrees, and cold. The rams face the best defense in the NFL. The showdown clashes Chicago’s ferocious defensive front seven, versus the Ram’s superior offensive line. Chicago, has an outstanding secondary, and Goff has two playmakers at wide receiver. I expect the the team with the better defense, and ground game, will make the difference. Predicted score. Chicago 27 LA Rams 24, Chicago (+3), Under (51.5).
NEW YORK GIANTS (41.0) @ WASHINGTON (+3.5)
Washington is now down to their third string QB, the inept Mark Sanchez. Not only he doesn’t have the arm to throw deep, he is always checking down, and throwing short passes. On top of quarterback issues, the Redskins practically lost their offensive line. The New York Giants, are playing better football since their bye week. In their last four games, the G-men have scored and average of 29 ppg.Their offensive line has improved. Barkley, and Beckham Jr., continue move this offense. I expect a big day from barkley, since Washington cannot stop the run. Beckham, the last time he played Washington, he caught 8 passes, for 136 yards. Lastly, the Giants want to revenge their earlier defeat to the Redskins. Predicted score. New York 23 Washington 17, New York Giants (-3.5), Under (41.0).
DENVER (45.5) @ SAN FRANCISCO (+4)
San Francisco QB Nick Mullens, hasn’t played well since his NFL debut weeks ago. San Francisco, will face one of the best NFL defenses. So if this is the case, SF, will have difficulty to sustain consistent drives. The 49ers lost Reuben Foster, and their secondary is missing in action. Denver’s QB Keenum, should be good enough to exploit their secondary. Emmanuel Sanders injured himself at practice during the week. Defensively, stopping the run, is San Francisco’s forte. The difference makers for Denver is RB Phillip Linsday. When you have two lousy starting quarterbacks, going head, to head, the total points in that game, is never covered. Based on Denver’s good defense, this should be the difference maker. Predicted score. Denver 24 San Francisco 16, Denver (-4), Under (45.5).
CINCINNATI (47.5) @ LA CHARGERS (-14).
Right off, the Cincinnati Bengals rank next to last in all defensive categories. LA, has scored 78 points, the last two games they played. The Bengals lost AJ Green for the rest of the season, Backup, rookie QB Jeff Driskel, is a bust, The O-Line is overwhelmed with injuries , and are outmatched against the Chargers front seven on defense, led by Boas, and Ingram. In most probability, the bengals will abandon the run, because they won’t be able to match point for point with the Chargers. Once QB Driskel is exposed, this will force him to make mistakes, and commit turnovers.keep in mind this. Cincinnati may be two touchdown underdogs, however, last week, the Chargers beat Pittsburgh in a huge game, and they are ready for a letdown, especially, the Chargers are looking ahead 4 days later, to play their divisional rival, the KC Chiefs. Predicted score. Los Angeles Chargers 30 Cincinnati 17, Cincinnati (+14), Under (47.5).
NEW ORLEANS (55.0) @ TAMPA BAY (-8)
You know that New Orleans is going to come out swinging, to avenge last week’s loss to Dallas, on national TV. Give some credit to Dallas’s defense that held Brees, and his mighty offense in check. Don’t let Vegas, dangle the plus eight points, to trick you into taking the dog. Tampa bay’s defense is nowhere near the quality of play of the Cowboys. A matter of fact, Tampa’s defense is in shambles, and is one of the worst in the NFL. Let’s go back to week #1, when these two clubs met. Brees, threw three touchdowns, and for 439 yards. That was against a healthy Tampa bay secondary. I see no reason why the Saints can’t romp the Bucs again, and light up the scoreboard. Predicted score. New Orleans 40 Tampa Bay 27, New Orleans (-8), Over (55.0).
DETROIT (40.5) @ ARIZONA (+3)
Did you hear the news? Arizona won the super bowl in Green Bay last week. The Cardinals beat Rodgers, and there is pandemonium in the state of Arizona. The truth is, Arizona is living on a high, and by week 14, will be ready for a letdown. Remember my golden rule, if a bad team upsets a team ranked as a favorite in that game, that bad team comes out flat the following week. Let’s examine the negatives of both bad teams, to come to a conclusion on whom to pick for Sunday. Arizona’s rookie QB Rosen, still making rookie mistakes, Rosen lost his deep vertical playmaker receiver, the only playmaker Rosen has is Larry Fitzgerald, the Arizona running game , will be held in check, since Detroit acquired “Snacks” Harrison, and Arizona’s offensive line has too many holes due to injuries. Detroit, suffers with the same issue with their poor offensive line, Detroit’s only offensive threat is WR Golladay, Tate’s traded, and the other injured, Detroit’s QB Stafford, doesn’t have a quick release, and could be an easy target for the Cardinals pass rush. On the positive side, Detroit has a running game that can exploit the Cardinals defensive front seven that is terrible versus the run. Detroit, plays their best football against bad teams. Predicted score. Detroit 21 Arizona 17, Detroit (-3), Under (40.5).
PHILADELPHIA (44.0) @ DALLAS (-3.5)
Normally, I would jump off the cowboy band wagon, after their upset win over New Orleans. However, the circumstances, has changed all that. Philadelphia, has been badly hit by the injury bug. The Eagle defense, has fallen on bad times, and they are susceptible to the run, or pass. Don’t let Philadelphia’s win over Washington mislead you. Recall, the Redskins started their backup QB McCoy, and was seriously injured, and carted off the field. His replacement, third string QB Mark Sanchez. Now keep in mind how bad the Eagle defense is. Sanchez, couldn’t do anything to move the chains. He was only capable of short passes, and check downs at the line of scrimmage. Philadelphia, played eight in the box, to hold RB Adrian Peterson in check. Even with a full boat of defenders guarding against the run, Adrian Peterson, still busted one 90 yard run for a touchdown. Other than this touchdown run for a score, Washington did absolutely nothing against a bad Philadelphia defense. Now both divisional rivals meet, in a huge game, for playoff rights. Philadelphia, isn’t going to have a cake walk on defense, like they did against the Redskins, and on offense, the eagles will have difficulty against one of the better NFL defenses. Dallas has the playmakers to win, Elliott, Cooper, and Prescott, and they will exploit the Eagle secondary. If Dallas takes away the Wentz- Tate connection, they can actually shutdown the Eagle offense. Predicted score. Dallas 27 Philadelphia 20, Dallas (-3.5), Over (44.0).
PITTSBURGH (51.0) @ OAKLAND (+11)
Well, Pittsburgh, has to travel to the west coast without one of their key playmakers, RB Connors. There is no injury replacement, only running back by committee. His replacements will face an inept defensive front seven, that can’t stop the run. It’s unknown how the Steeler running game will perform under these conditions. Oakland, doesn’t have a pass rush, and you know Roethlisberger, loves the aerial game, and you can expect Big Ben, to throw the football at a 2 to 1 ratio. Expect big games from receivers Brown, and Ju Ju. As of late, the Steeler secondary has been suspect against the pass. However, QB Car, doesn’t have the offensive weapons to throw too. This is a tough one. We know that Pittsburgh will defeat the Raiders. The question is, by how much? The west coast trip, without their starting QB, and they may looking ahead to the New England game the following week. This can take its toll. Predicted score. Pittsburgh 30 Oakland 20, Oakland (+11), Under (51.0).
MINNESOTA (45.5) @ SEATTLE (-3)
The best way to break this game down, is to find the team that’s playing up to their expectations. Minnesota, is overrated, and Seattle is underrated. Take Minnesota’s defense one year ago. The Vikings defense was outstanding. This season, Minnesota has weaknesses in their defense, and injuries, have affected their cornerback coverage. The Vikings, haven’t any talented linebackers, to defend the run, and they have major issues to their offensive line. Their new quarterback Cousins, still hasn’t won any big games. As for the Seahawks, entering this season, they were expected to flop, after the “Legion of Boom”, went their separate ways. However, head Coach Pete Carroll, save the day, and made this team good enough to compete for a playoff spot. Seattle, still has offensive line issues, and it’s something they lived with for years. QB Russell Wilson, while under pressure, has the quickest legs, and feet, to escape the pocket, and extend a play. He also has that running back ability, to run with the football. Seattle’s pass rush will put the heat on Cousins, and will force him into mistakes. Minnesota, will attempt to keep the ball on the ground, versus Seattle’s 20[SUP]th[/SUP] ranked rush defense. Bottom line is this. Seattle is the better team, Seattle, Russell Wilson and the Seahawks are hot, Minnesota has only beaten losing teams under .500, Minnesota is 0-4 against the above .500 teams that they played. Predicted score. Seattle 24 Minnesota 17, Seattle (-3), Under (45.5).
