| Bears |
over |
Panthers |
We're starting the week off on an absolute clunker. Young, the running game, receiving corps and O-line have all been limited or inconsistent for Carolina. Whether it's Bagent or Fields, the Bears can go after the Panthers defense well through the rushing attack and a motivated Moore in the passing game. |
| Colts |
over |
Patriots |
Minshew is taking hits in the passing game, but he's been helped out by Taylor and Moss running every week while the defense gets better. Jones has been more competent with more diverse weapons and the running game is improving, but he's still missing throws and making a few key mistakes. |
| Bengals |
over |
Texans |
Stroud is red-hot as a former Ohio State QB. Burrow is also sizzling as a former Ohio State QB. Stroud and the offense hasn't been the same on the road and Cincy has a tough pass defense with its strong CBs and bookend pressure. Burrow picks apart Houston's pass defense inside out. |
| Saints |
over |
Vikings |
This will be a close one; coinflip. The Saints' offense is finally starting to gel, with some hiccups last week, but they got some big plays from Taysom as well as five turnovers from Bagent to get the win. Dobbs brings the support the Vikings need after losing Cousins, but I think the NOLA defense pressures him enough to make winning this matchup just out of reach. |
| Steelers |
over |
Packers |
Steelers' defense will be primed to jump on a limited Packers offense with Love still fighting through it. Watt will be ready to tear into Green Bay's O-line and Pittsburgh's run blocking should keep both Harris and Warren hot. Pickett won't need QB heroics here. |
| Buccaneers |
over |
Titans |
Another coinflip game. If Levis can play like he did against Atlanta, the Titans have a good shot in this one. But this Bucs defense has been legit for most of the season. Baker also has the receivers to give the Titans' corners trouble. |
| 49ers |
over |
Jaguars |
Given that San Fran has to go cross-country on this one, I'm calling this my "upset". Purdy should be sharper from the bye with better weapons around him. Look for the Niners' pass rush to rev up with more help and do enough for Purdy to outduel Lawrence on the road. |
| Ravens |
over |
Browns |
Probably a low-scoring divisional matchup given these two teams' great defenses. Garrett and crew tend to play much better defense at home; not the case this week. Baltimore brings a nasty pass rush and secondary. Watson still isn't playing well and he'll make too many mistakes under pressure. |
| Cardinals |
over |
Falcons |
Bird battle. Murray should be back this week. Heinicke and the Falcons offense continues to lose any rushing or passing identity. If Murray plays, the Falcons' defense has proved the past two weeks it doesn't respond well to QB curveballs, either with athleticism or a big arm. |
| Lions |
over |
Chargers |
The Lions will have their offense at full strength after a bye around Goff and St. Brown. The defense will chase Herbert as L.A. gets too one-dimensional with limited weapons. The Chargers' pass rush will be held in check while St. Brown goes off to lead a big scoring charge. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Giants |
The Giants have lost Jones and Taylor, leaving them with DeVito and Barkley. That doesn't feel good against Dak and a defense that beat them up 40-0 in the first meeting in Week 1. Dallas will take out its disappointment at Philly by ripping into another, much weaker NFC East rival. |
| Seahawks |
over |
Commanders |
Commanders go from Washington D.C. to Washington state, hoping to keep playing well on the road with Howell. Seattle is coming back from getting blasted in Baltimore and won't mind a get-well game. Smith plays much better, while Howell gets rattled a few too many times. |
| Raiders |
over |
Jets |
Jets are coming off a short week to play another AFC West opponent. The Raiders are playing more inspired defense with a tough running game at home under interim coach Pierce, having just ripped into a much worse New York team. The Raiders can hang in there with a run-heavy, physical approach. |
| Bills |
over |
Broncos |
Ungulate battle. Wilson is playing well and at 3-5, the Broncos were inspired enough to think their offense can put them back in the playoff picture. Denver does have confidence with the defense playing well and just having dusted K.C. before the bye. But Buffalo is ready to bump off a lesser team at home after losing to New England and Cincy. |
LOL... I'm so bad at this.
7-7 last week, bringing me to 76-60 on the season.
Whatever, on to week 10.
Thursday
CAR @ CHI - Shit, man. What do I know? This game is either going to be awesome, or so bad it's good.
Sunday
IND @ NE - Jesus, watching the Patriots fall has been a bit of a trip that I'm still not used to.
CLE @ BAL - It's easy to pick the Ravens here given the tear they have been on in recent weeks, even if two of those wins were against the Seahawks and Cardinals. The Browns are not going to be pushovers by any means, and I can see them squeaking out a win, but I think the Ravens have the edge.
HOU @ CIN - Underdog pick of the week, of the century!
SF @ JAX - Two weeks ago I predicted that the Niners wouldn't drop three in a row before losing to the Bengals. This week, I predict they won't drop four in a row coming off their bye. But I'll be glad to be wrong.
NO @ MIN - The Saints have been too unpredictable for me to pick with any confidence, so I guess I'm all aboard the Dobbs hype train. Choo choo!
GB @ PIT - The Steelers have just looked like the better team this season.
TEN @ TB - Titans seem to have found their QB.
ATL @ AZ - I don't know what the problem is with the Cards, but I don't think it was Josh Dobbs.
DET @ LAC - In spite of their win on Monday night, the Chargers haven't looked real sharp this season, and the Lions are coming off their bye.
NYG @ DAL - The Cowboys should have this one, but you know, Cowboys.
WA @ SEA - The Seahawks should have this one, but you know, Seahawks.
NYJ @ LV - If the Jets can figure out their O-Line issues, they could get a win here. The Raiders on the other hand seem to have figured out their coaching issues.
Monday
DEN @ BUF - As rough as the Bills have looked in recent weeks, the Broncos have looked worse. But damn, not by much. The Broncos winning here wouldn't be the most surprising thing for me.
Byes: KC, LAR, MIA, PHI