Top Picks of the Week:
Denver Broncos (3-3) at Cleveland Browns (3-3) -2
The Broncos have cooled off after their 3-0 starting, dropping their last three games. Teddy Bridgewater has had success moving the ball through the air the past two weeks, but four interceptions and subpar defensive performances have sunk Denver.
The Browns come into this Thursday Night Matchup beaten and battered. A blowout loss to the Cardinals had them leaving last week without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back (RB) Kareem Hunt. Add that to injuries to both starting receivers and crucial linemen, the Browns look vulnerable on a short week.
A Bridgewater led offense has shown signs of life, but now it is up to a Denver defense to hold it down and secure the win. With Case Keenum filling in under center with all top offensive weapons dealing with injuries, the Broncos defense should be able to hold them off.
Pick: Broncos +2
Kansas City Chiefs (3-3) -5.5 at Tennessee Titans (4-2)
The Chiefs rebounded from an embarrassing loss at the hands of the Buffalo Bills by torching Washington. The vaunted offense continued to do its part, but it was the defense who finally showed up. They allowed under 30 points for the first time this season and forced two turnovers.
Tennessee spent their Monday night disposing of the previously mentioned Bills, as Derrick Henry continued his historic campaign recording over 150 yards and scoring three touchdowns. At the end of the game, the defense stopped Josh Allen at the goal line to secure a signature win.
With the Chiefs posting one of the worst rushing defenses in the league, expect “King Henry” to run rampant once again. The Chiefs have the same elite level passing attack that the Bills had, but the Titans were able to make the stops when needed. If they can do the same this week, they should be able to keep Kansas City at bay.
Pick: Titans +5.5
New York Jets (1-4) at New England Patriots (2-4) -7
The Jets had a week to recover and adjust after a London trip in which they watched rookie tight end Kyle Pitts have his breakout performance, going for 119 yards and a touchdown. Fellow rookie Zach Wilson did not have the same success for the Jets, failing to crack 200 yards passing and throwing an interception.
The Patriots week did not go any better, as they dropped a heartbreaker to the Dallas Cowboys. New England does have the advantage with their rookie quarterback Mac Jones continuing to impress with his stellar play.
The Pats will get a second crack at a Jets team that they dismantled in week two, 25-6. Bill Belicheck has continued his dominance of rookie quarterbacks, with victories this year over Wilson and Davis Mills. He looks to improve his record against first year signal callers to 24-6.
Pick: Patriots -7
Carolina Panthers (3-3) -3 at New York Giants (1-5)
Another team that has cooled down from their 3-0 start, the Panthers are dealing with some frustration. With back-to-back heartbreaking losses and the news that star running back Christian McCaffrey will be out an additional three weeks, Carolina finds themselves on the ropes.
If the Panthers are on the ropes, the Giants can consider themselves outside of the ring. Already without offensive stars Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepherd, losing first round pick Kadrious Toney leaves the offense pretty barron.
The Panthers have lost three straight games by one possession, so there is a world where this team finds itself with a much better record. A solid defense will look to put their disastrous performance against Minnesota behind them and roll past a depleted Giants team.
Pick: Panthers -3
Philadelphia Eagles (2-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (4-2) -3
The Eagles dropped a game to the Buccaneers on Thursday night by a score of 28-22. While the score is close, what it does not show is how the Tampa Bay offense moved the ball with relative ease and dominated time of possession. After the game Philadelphia embraced their roles as sellers, trading away long time tight end Zach Ertz.
The Raiders rallied around the controversy and turmoil that rained over the franchise with a victory over the Broncos. Derek Carr continued to dazzle, but the Raiders backfield duo of Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake stole the show with three touchdowns.
Both teams find themselves going in different directions. The Eagles seem to have punted on the season while the Raiders have rallied together to hopefully build up some momentum.
Pick: Raiders -3
Certified Stay Away Game of the Week:
Indianapolis Colts (2-4) at San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
The Colts find themselves with a disappointing record of 2-4. A team with playoff aspirations have kept it close with fellow playoff hopeful teams they have faced, but have failed to finish the job. Their only wins have come against some of the league’s worst.
The 49ers are dealing with the injury bug and are struggling to find out who they are. The offense has been erratic with running backs dropping like flies. Even a return of starting QB Jimmy Garropolo doesn’t inspire much hope for their offense to find their footing.
Both teams have started off the season shaky with neither able to take wins against the league’s top teams. Something has got to give between the two. Don’t find yourself on either side when one does give.
Rest of the Week
Washington Football Team at Green Bay Packers- Packers -8.5
Cincinnati Bengals (4-2) at Baltimore Ravens (5-1) - Bengals +6.5
Atlanta Falcons (2-3) at Miami Dolphins (1-5)- Falcons -2.5
Detroit Lions (0-6) at Los Angeles Rams (5-1)- Rams -15
Houston Texans (1-5) at Arizona Cardinals (6-0)- Cardinals -17.5
Chicago Bears (3-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1)- Bears +12.5
New Orleans Saints (3-2) at Seattle Seahawks (2-4)- Saints -4.5
Picks of the Week Record- 8-7
Overall Record- 28-15
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