ATLANTA (51.5) TAMPA BAY (+3.5)
Tampa Bay, and Winston, has looked terrible this season. Just look how Carr passed for over 500 yards last week, against their secondary. Julio Jones may be banged up, however, Atlanta has enough talent to go around to exploit the Buc’s defense. TB, quarterback Winston, has been inconsistent, and my own personal QB rating on him , ranks him 31[SUP]st[/SUP] out of 32 starting quarterbacks. True, Winston doesn’t have playmakers around him. His only target is Evans, and he will draw the best cornerback coverage this weekend. Another issue with Tampa Bay, is their running back position. Their go to back, Jacquizz Rodgers is out, and the Bucs will have their fourth, or fifth starter, at running back. The only positive things I can say about Tampa Bay, Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith, coached Atlanta, and is familiar with their schemes. TB, won last three straight games over Atlanta, and that includes beating the Falcons in week one this season. A bad trend for Tampa bay, is that they are 7 – 19, as a home dog team. PREDICTED SCORE: ATLANTA 27 TAMPA BAY 21, TAKE ATLANTA -3.5, AND PLAY UNDER 51.5.
JACKSONVILLE (45.5) KANSAS CITY (-9)
Jacksonville, looks like they gave up as a team last week, and threw in the towel. They fired one of their coaches, and QB Bortles, hasn’t been held accountable for his bad play. Besides all these rumblings, Jacksonville, hasn’t any playmakers on offense, and not much can be said for their offensive line, since they can’t run block for their terrible running game. Defensively, their pass rush, to pressure the opposing QB, went south. Kansas City has some issues of their own. They too don’t really have any playmakers on the outside. They rely on their Tight End, and running game to matriculate the football. Problem is, the Jags only strong point on defense, is that they blanket Tight Ends in coverage. So expect Kansas City, to run, run, run, the football. Especially with the status of their QB Alex Smith. In conclusion, Jacksonville, has yet to face a team in the top 10, and KC has a winning record of 5-2. The only thing that the Jags may have going for them, is to avenge their embarrassing loss last week, on national TV. However, I think at this point, it’s like kicking a dead horse. PREDICTED SCORE: KANSAS CITY 27 JACKSONVILLE 13, TAKE KANSAS CITY -9, AND PLAY THE UNDER 45.5.
DETROIT (41.0) MINNESOTA (-6)
Did to wheels fall off the cart in Minnesota? Has that great start, now come to an end? The Vikings offensive struggles continues. They have no offensive line that can pass, or run block. So not only does Bradford have trouble passing the football, they don’t have a running back to keep the opposing defenses honest. Let’s face it. Bradford, is who he is. Just a mediocre quarterback, in a system that lacks playmakers. Bradford’s only weapon is Wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Detroit’s defense is battered with injuries, and their secondary is suspect. The question will be if Bradford, can get his offense kick started, and take advantage of the Lions woes. Looking at Detroit’s offense, they too lack a running game. The difference, QB Stafford, has four receivers that he can throw to. The key in this matchup, will Minnesota’s stout front seven, overcome Detroit’s banged up offensive line, and get after Bradford in the pocket. If Minnesota can cause havoc defensively, Detroit will not have a chance. I expect the Vikings to show their pride, and overcome that embarrassing loss on Monday Night to the Bears. If it weren’t for the Vikings offensive issues, I would clearly lay the 6 points. I see the Vikes winning, but coming up short vs. the spread. PREDICTED SCORE: MINNESOTA 20 DETROIT 17, TAKE DETROIT +6, AND PLAY THE UNDER 41.0.
PHILADELPHIA (43.0) NEW YORK GIANTS (-2.5)
Quarterback Wentz, has been on a steady decline, since facing good opposing team defenses. The Eagles, may get a break here, against the Giant defense, and get back on track. The Giants haven’t a pass rush, to rattle Wentz’s cage in the pocket. Give wentz time to throw, and you see what he can do. Philadelphia, lack playmakers at the receiver position that can catch deep vertical passes. The Eagle, offensive approach is, to throw short, to intermediate passes, and run the football. The Eagles can run on the Giants, since New York lacks defensive support at the Linebacker position. The Giants offensive line has trouble pass protecting Manning, and Philadelphia has an excellent pass rush. Manning, is a stand in the pocket QB that needs time in the pocket, to be successful. Look at Manning to be pressured the entire game. The Giants have the worst running game in the NFL, and the Eagles will tee off, once they force the Giants in third and longs. Manning’s only hope is Beckham, and I am sure the Eagles coaching staff realizes that. PREDICTED SCORE: PHILADELPHIA 27 NEW YORK GIANTS 21, TAKE PHILADELPHIA +2.5, AND PLAY THE OVER 43.0.
DALLAS (47.0) CLEVELAND (+7.5)
The touts, earlier in the week, all point to this game as a “trap game”. They see Dallas letting down on the road, after a huge emotional victory over Philadelphia. This may be true, and the line was in favor of Dallas 7.5. However, keep in mind, this is the winless Cleveland Browns, that can’t hold double digit leads. Dallas did just lose two key secondary players, for this contest. Cleveland, gets back QB Kessler, and Wide receiver Corey Coleman. Coleman is a playmaker that has been out since week two. He now teams up with the other playmaker, Terrelle Pryor. So you can see, that they can challenge the Cowboys suspect secondary. The other boost this week. The Browns obtained in a trade from the Patriots, LB Jamie Collins, a playmaker that could make the difference on defense. Dallas has an average defensive front seven, that can be ran on. So Cleveland has two possible avenues to matriculate the ball on Dallas, one if by land, two if by air. Cleveland’s secondary is awful, however, another playmaker appears back from injury, Joe Haden, at cornerback. He should provide the needed coverage against Dez Bryant. As for the Cowboy running game. The question will be if the newly acquired LB Collins, will make a difference defensively, to stop RB Ezekeil Elliott? If so, that could be the difference in this game. Lastly, this trend is something to consider. Dallas is 9-20 when favorites after a win. I don’t like this play, but I will go along for the ride, and give the Browns a chance to cover. PREDICTED SCORE: DALLAS 27 CLEVELAND 21, TAKE CLEVELAND +7.5, PLAY THE OVER 47.0.
NEW YORK JETS (44.5) MIAMI (-3.5)
Miami, is living off the fruits, and labor, of Jay Ajayi. Jay, ran for over 200 yards in their last two consecutive games, and provided victories. However, keep your golf clap to a minimal. Jay now face a Jet front seven, which is excellent at stopping the rush. If Ajayi is held in check, the Jets have a chance to win this game. I see the game resting on QB Tannehill’s shoulders. He will face a bad jet secondary, however, Tannehill seems to always get in his own way, throwing interceptions, or making poor decisions, when the game is on the line. Miami’s secondary isn’t good at all, and Fitzpatrick, has the playmaking receivers to make a difference. Jet RB Forte, should have a good game, versus a troubling Miami rush defense. Here are some trends to consider. The Jets at Miami are 4-0 since 2012, and 12-0 (Discounting London). Miami is 7-21 against the spread as favorites 3.5 points or more since 2008, Miami is 10-34, against the spread, playing at home, against losing teams since 2003. I see a close game, and like the Jets in this spot. PREDICTED SCORE: NEW YORK JETS 23 MIAMI 20, TAKE THE NY JETS +3.5, AND PLAYTHE UNDER 44.5.
PITTSBURGH (43.0) BALTIMORE (-2.5)
Last that I heard, Roethlisberger is practicing, and should play this Sunday. I will take Big Ben, over Joe Flacco , any day of the week. Baltimore has roster problems with all their injuries. The Ravens right now, lack a pass rush, and they cannot afford Roethlisberger, to sit pretty in the pocket, and look for his receivers. In addition, don’t forget RB Bell that is going up against a depleted Raven front seven, and should find daylight running the football. Flacco, is playing with a bad shoulder, and look for the Steelers to pressure him as much as they can in the pocket. A key defensive player returns for the Steelers. Cameron Heyward. Heyward should bolster Pittsburgh’s run defense. Baltimore, gets Steve Smith back at receiver, which is a big plus for their anemic offense. Lastly, consider these trends. The Ravens at home when they play Pittsburgh is 3-0 since 2013, and Baltimore is 20-11 versus the spread in November home games since 2000. I can see this game going either way, and much depends on the status of Big Ben, and how he plays. PREDICTED SCORE: PITTSBURGH 20 BALTIMORE 17, TAKE PITTSBURGH +2.5, AND PLAY UNDER 43.0.
NEW ORLEANS (51.0) SAN FRANCISCO (+3)
This could become a big letdown game for the Saints, after upsetting Seattle last week. Both teams have abominable defenses, and anything could happen. Immediately, Saint’s QB Brees, should have a field day, passing the football at will. Maybe a 400 yard game is in the cards perhaps? SF has no pass rush to pressure him. The Niners, may lose their only playmaker this Sunday. Looks like RB Carlos Hyde, is struggling with a shoulder injury. So expect SF QB Kaepernick, passing for short to intermediate range with his weak arm, and using his mobility to run the football. This trend I found interesting. Favorites after playing Seattle are 10-27 against the spread. New Orleans, is laying 3 on the road. PREDICTED SCORE: SAN FRANCISCO 28 NEW ORLEANS 27, TAKE SAN FRANCISCO +3, AND PLAY OVER 51.0.
CAROLINA (45.0) LOS ANGELES (+3)
I don’t get it? Newton finally has a big day, and everyone is jumping on his band wagon? News flash, Newton, has been struggling, and inconsistent with his play. What happened last Sunday, was that they took advantage of a fatigued Arizona team that just came off a physical overtime game against Seattle. So the Cardinals came out flat, and the final score wasn’t indicative, as to Carolina’s triumph. Now Carolina travels to the West coast, and take on a good LA defensive squad at home. Trumaine Johnson, returns to the secondary, and the defense gets a big boost. The matchup to consider, Carolina’s offensive line, has trouble pass blocking defensive ends, pass rushing on the edge. Newton, will not have time to set in the pocket. Carolina showed a good pass rush against the Cardinals last week. However, in this contest Los Angeles, has much better offensive line to pass, and run. The Rams should be able to take advantage of Carolina’s poor secondary. I believe the Rams are a much better team than perceived by others. How about this trend. LA Head Coach Jeff Fisher, is 5-0 against the spread off a bye week, as coach of the Rams. PREDICTED SCORE: LOS ANGELES 20 CAROLINA 17, TAKE LOS ANGELES +3, PLAY THE UNDER 45.0.
INDIANAPOLIS (54.0) GREEN BAY (-7)
Face it! QB Andrew Luck, is this entire team. All the Colt playmakers are banged up, or out. The glimmer of hope for the Colts, and Luck, is to successfully attack the Packers poor secondary. He will look for his Tight End, or TY Hilton if available. The Colts have no running game to speak of, and GB stops the run. Expect Rodgers to have a breakout game. The Colts top corners are out, and they are using taxi squad players in their secondary. Look what KC backup Quarterback did to them last week. Indianapolis, doesn’t even have a pass rush, so Rodgers should have all day in the pocket. No more excuses for Rodgers. Will the real Aaron Rodgers please stand up? Regardless, I am not a big fan of this game. I will side with Green Bay, since they are home, and the Colts are that bad. PREDICTED SCORE: GREEN BAY 34 INDIANAPOLIS 23, TAKE GREEN BAY -7, AND PLAY OVER 54.0.
TENNESSEE (47.0) SAN DIEGO (-5)
The Titans are slowly improving, and will have their hands full against Phillip Rivers. You have an elite QB, faces a secondary, and linebacker corps that is terrible. Tennessee isn’t the same lowly Jacksonville team they played last week. Rivers isn’t Bortles, and the Titans will be challenged. The only drawback, Tennessee has an excellent pass rush, and San Diego has issues protecting their quarterback. In addition, Joey Bosa’s return, has given his team a shot in the arm, and are playing better defense. However, the Titan’s offensive line is solid, and they should limit Bosa’s ability to rush the QB. Look for the Titans to run the ball at least 60-40. Try to keep the football out of River’s hands, and time manage the clock. This was something interesting. SD will be for the first time this season, facing a mobile quarterback. The Titans have been competitive every game this season, and San Diego is coming off a huge emotional loss. This should be a good contest to watch, and I like both sides. However, you must pick the winner, so with that said. PREDICTED SCORE: SAN DIEGO 24 TENNESSEE 21, TAKE TENNESSEE +5, PLAY THE UNDER 47.0.
DENVER (44.0) OAKLAND (-1)
One thing for sure, Carr isn’t facing the Tampa Bay secondary, that allowed him to throw over 500 yards. Also, Denver Broncos, cannot be beaten, if you commit record breaking penalties (Raiders 23 last week). So let’s not give Oakland too much credit over their performance, although they improved this season. Denver’s defense is outstanding from head to toe. Look how they held San Diego from scoring a winning touchdown last week on their own goal line. So if they are outstanding now, imagine when De Marcus Ware is activated this Sunday, to play defense. So expect Carr’s passing feats to be curtailed. Without a running game, there is no play action, which means Carr will be under constant pressure in the pocket. Oakland’s secondary is improved, however, they have injuries to deal with this game, and can give the Bronco receivers an advantage. I expect Denver, to run the football often, and exploit the Raiders run defense. Consider these trends. Oakland is 0-2 vs. teams with winning records this season. Oakland is 14-28 against the spread, after a win since 2009. The road team has won 8 out of the 9 games in this series. I Really like Denver in this spot. PREDICTED SCORE: DENVER 23 OAKLAND 17, TAKE DENVER +1, AND PLAY THE UNDER 44.0.
BUFFALO (44.0) SEATTLE (-7)
Did the odds makers in Vegas, make Seattle 7 point favorites, based on their home crowd, and the 12[SUP]th[/SUP] Man? Seattle has played poorly, and I can list the reason why not to side with Seattle this game. QB Russell Wilson is still not at 100%, he has lost his mobility escaping the pocket while under pressure. Wilson’s injured knee, is effecting his throwing ability, the Seahawk offensive line provides him with no pass protection, and Seattle lost maybe two defensive playmakers Michael Bennett, and Kam Chancellor for this game. Lastly, they don’t have Marshawn Lynch anymore to run the football. Buffalo, needs to win, and have played competitive the entire season. You better believe Rex Ryan will make sure they don’t forget, and show up to play. Buffalo has a pass rush, and that spells doom for the Seahawk offense. To compensate at wide receiver, Buffalo signed WR Percy Harvins. Don’t forget, Percy was a Seahawk at one time, and might be able to tip Seattle’s tendencies. The most important element for the Bills, is the return of RB Shady McCoy, who sat out last week’s game with a hamstring. Looks like he will be activated for this game, keep your eye on this. I almost forgot. Buffalo QB Taylor, is a mobile quarterback, and will cause problems for the Seattle defense. I really like Buffalo all the way, even if the game is in hostile Seattle. PREDICTED SCORE: BUFFALO 20 SEATTLE 17, TAKE BUFFALO +7, AND PLAY UNDER 44.0.
Tampa Bay, and Winston, has looked terrible this season. Just look how Carr passed for over 500 yards last week, against their secondary. Julio Jones may be banged up, however, Atlanta has enough talent to go around to exploit the Buc’s defense. TB, quarterback Winston, has been inconsistent, and my own personal QB rating on him , ranks him 31[SUP]st[/SUP] out of 32 starting quarterbacks. True, Winston doesn’t have playmakers around him. His only target is Evans, and he will draw the best cornerback coverage this weekend. Another issue with Tampa Bay, is their running back position. Their go to back, Jacquizz Rodgers is out, and the Bucs will have their fourth, or fifth starter, at running back. The only positive things I can say about Tampa Bay, Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith, coached Atlanta, and is familiar with their schemes. TB, won last three straight games over Atlanta, and that includes beating the Falcons in week one this season. A bad trend for Tampa bay, is that they are 7 – 19, as a home dog team. PREDICTED SCORE: ATLANTA 27 TAMPA BAY 21, TAKE ATLANTA -3.5, AND PLAY UNDER 51.5.
JACKSONVILLE (45.5) KANSAS CITY (-9)
Jacksonville, looks like they gave up as a team last week, and threw in the towel. They fired one of their coaches, and QB Bortles, hasn’t been held accountable for his bad play. Besides all these rumblings, Jacksonville, hasn’t any playmakers on offense, and not much can be said for their offensive line, since they can’t run block for their terrible running game. Defensively, their pass rush, to pressure the opposing QB, went south. Kansas City has some issues of their own. They too don’t really have any playmakers on the outside. They rely on their Tight End, and running game to matriculate the football. Problem is, the Jags only strong point on defense, is that they blanket Tight Ends in coverage. So expect Kansas City, to run, run, run, the football. Especially with the status of their QB Alex Smith. In conclusion, Jacksonville, has yet to face a team in the top 10, and KC has a winning record of 5-2. The only thing that the Jags may have going for them, is to avenge their embarrassing loss last week, on national TV. However, I think at this point, it’s like kicking a dead horse. PREDICTED SCORE: KANSAS CITY 27 JACKSONVILLE 13, TAKE KANSAS CITY -9, AND PLAY THE UNDER 45.5.
DETROIT (41.0) MINNESOTA (-6)
Did to wheels fall off the cart in Minnesota? Has that great start, now come to an end? The Vikings offensive struggles continues. They have no offensive line that can pass, or run block. So not only does Bradford have trouble passing the football, they don’t have a running back to keep the opposing defenses honest. Let’s face it. Bradford, is who he is. Just a mediocre quarterback, in a system that lacks playmakers. Bradford’s only weapon is Wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Detroit’s defense is battered with injuries, and their secondary is suspect. The question will be if Bradford, can get his offense kick started, and take advantage of the Lions woes. Looking at Detroit’s offense, they too lack a running game. The difference, QB Stafford, has four receivers that he can throw to. The key in this matchup, will Minnesota’s stout front seven, overcome Detroit’s banged up offensive line, and get after Bradford in the pocket. If Minnesota can cause havoc defensively, Detroit will not have a chance. I expect the Vikings to show their pride, and overcome that embarrassing loss on Monday Night to the Bears. If it weren’t for the Vikings offensive issues, I would clearly lay the 6 points. I see the Vikes winning, but coming up short vs. the spread. PREDICTED SCORE: MINNESOTA 20 DETROIT 17, TAKE DETROIT +6, AND PLAY THE UNDER 41.0.
PHILADELPHIA (43.0) NEW YORK GIANTS (-2.5)
Quarterback Wentz, has been on a steady decline, since facing good opposing team defenses. The Eagles, may get a break here, against the Giant defense, and get back on track. The Giants haven’t a pass rush, to rattle Wentz’s cage in the pocket. Give wentz time to throw, and you see what he can do. Philadelphia, lack playmakers at the receiver position that can catch deep vertical passes. The Eagle, offensive approach is, to throw short, to intermediate passes, and run the football. The Eagles can run on the Giants, since New York lacks defensive support at the Linebacker position. The Giants offensive line has trouble pass protecting Manning, and Philadelphia has an excellent pass rush. Manning, is a stand in the pocket QB that needs time in the pocket, to be successful. Look at Manning to be pressured the entire game. The Giants have the worst running game in the NFL, and the Eagles will tee off, once they force the Giants in third and longs. Manning’s only hope is Beckham, and I am sure the Eagles coaching staff realizes that. PREDICTED SCORE: PHILADELPHIA 27 NEW YORK GIANTS 21, TAKE PHILADELPHIA +2.5, AND PLAY THE OVER 43.0.
DALLAS (47.0) CLEVELAND (+7.5)
The touts, earlier in the week, all point to this game as a “trap game”. They see Dallas letting down on the road, after a huge emotional victory over Philadelphia. This may be true, and the line was in favor of Dallas 7.5. However, keep in mind, this is the winless Cleveland Browns, that can’t hold double digit leads. Dallas did just lose two key secondary players, for this contest. Cleveland, gets back QB Kessler, and Wide receiver Corey Coleman. Coleman is a playmaker that has been out since week two. He now teams up with the other playmaker, Terrelle Pryor. So you can see, that they can challenge the Cowboys suspect secondary. The other boost this week. The Browns obtained in a trade from the Patriots, LB Jamie Collins, a playmaker that could make the difference on defense. Dallas has an average defensive front seven, that can be ran on. So Cleveland has two possible avenues to matriculate the ball on Dallas, one if by land, two if by air. Cleveland’s secondary is awful, however, another playmaker appears back from injury, Joe Haden, at cornerback. He should provide the needed coverage against Dez Bryant. As for the Cowboy running game. The question will be if the newly acquired LB Collins, will make a difference defensively, to stop RB Ezekeil Elliott? If so, that could be the difference in this game. Lastly, this trend is something to consider. Dallas is 9-20 when favorites after a win. I don’t like this play, but I will go along for the ride, and give the Browns a chance to cover. PREDICTED SCORE: DALLAS 27 CLEVELAND 21, TAKE CLEVELAND +7.5, PLAY THE OVER 47.0.
NEW YORK JETS (44.5) MIAMI (-3.5)
Miami, is living off the fruits, and labor, of Jay Ajayi. Jay, ran for over 200 yards in their last two consecutive games, and provided victories. However, keep your golf clap to a minimal. Jay now face a Jet front seven, which is excellent at stopping the rush. If Ajayi is held in check, the Jets have a chance to win this game. I see the game resting on QB Tannehill’s shoulders. He will face a bad jet secondary, however, Tannehill seems to always get in his own way, throwing interceptions, or making poor decisions, when the game is on the line. Miami’s secondary isn’t good at all, and Fitzpatrick, has the playmaking receivers to make a difference. Jet RB Forte, should have a good game, versus a troubling Miami rush defense. Here are some trends to consider. The Jets at Miami are 4-0 since 2012, and 12-0 (Discounting London). Miami is 7-21 against the spread as favorites 3.5 points or more since 2008, Miami is 10-34, against the spread, playing at home, against losing teams since 2003. I see a close game, and like the Jets in this spot. PREDICTED SCORE: NEW YORK JETS 23 MIAMI 20, TAKE THE NY JETS +3.5, AND PLAYTHE UNDER 44.5.
PITTSBURGH (43.0) BALTIMORE (-2.5)
Last that I heard, Roethlisberger is practicing, and should play this Sunday. I will take Big Ben, over Joe Flacco , any day of the week. Baltimore has roster problems with all their injuries. The Ravens right now, lack a pass rush, and they cannot afford Roethlisberger, to sit pretty in the pocket, and look for his receivers. In addition, don’t forget RB Bell that is going up against a depleted Raven front seven, and should find daylight running the football. Flacco, is playing with a bad shoulder, and look for the Steelers to pressure him as much as they can in the pocket. A key defensive player returns for the Steelers. Cameron Heyward. Heyward should bolster Pittsburgh’s run defense. Baltimore, gets Steve Smith back at receiver, which is a big plus for their anemic offense. Lastly, consider these trends. The Ravens at home when they play Pittsburgh is 3-0 since 2013, and Baltimore is 20-11 versus the spread in November home games since 2000. I can see this game going either way, and much depends on the status of Big Ben, and how he plays. PREDICTED SCORE: PITTSBURGH 20 BALTIMORE 17, TAKE PITTSBURGH +2.5, AND PLAY UNDER 43.0.
NEW ORLEANS (51.0) SAN FRANCISCO (+3)
This could become a big letdown game for the Saints, after upsetting Seattle last week. Both teams have abominable defenses, and anything could happen. Immediately, Saint’s QB Brees, should have a field day, passing the football at will. Maybe a 400 yard game is in the cards perhaps? SF has no pass rush to pressure him. The Niners, may lose their only playmaker this Sunday. Looks like RB Carlos Hyde, is struggling with a shoulder injury. So expect SF QB Kaepernick, passing for short to intermediate range with his weak arm, and using his mobility to run the football. This trend I found interesting. Favorites after playing Seattle are 10-27 against the spread. New Orleans, is laying 3 on the road. PREDICTED SCORE: SAN FRANCISCO 28 NEW ORLEANS 27, TAKE SAN FRANCISCO +3, AND PLAY OVER 51.0.
CAROLINA (45.0) LOS ANGELES (+3)
I don’t get it? Newton finally has a big day, and everyone is jumping on his band wagon? News flash, Newton, has been struggling, and inconsistent with his play. What happened last Sunday, was that they took advantage of a fatigued Arizona team that just came off a physical overtime game against Seattle. So the Cardinals came out flat, and the final score wasn’t indicative, as to Carolina’s triumph. Now Carolina travels to the West coast, and take on a good LA defensive squad at home. Trumaine Johnson, returns to the secondary, and the defense gets a big boost. The matchup to consider, Carolina’s offensive line, has trouble pass blocking defensive ends, pass rushing on the edge. Newton, will not have time to set in the pocket. Carolina showed a good pass rush against the Cardinals last week. However, in this contest Los Angeles, has much better offensive line to pass, and run. The Rams should be able to take advantage of Carolina’s poor secondary. I believe the Rams are a much better team than perceived by others. How about this trend. LA Head Coach Jeff Fisher, is 5-0 against the spread off a bye week, as coach of the Rams. PREDICTED SCORE: LOS ANGELES 20 CAROLINA 17, TAKE LOS ANGELES +3, PLAY THE UNDER 45.0.
INDIANAPOLIS (54.0) GREEN BAY (-7)
Face it! QB Andrew Luck, is this entire team. All the Colt playmakers are banged up, or out. The glimmer of hope for the Colts, and Luck, is to successfully attack the Packers poor secondary. He will look for his Tight End, or TY Hilton if available. The Colts have no running game to speak of, and GB stops the run. Expect Rodgers to have a breakout game. The Colts top corners are out, and they are using taxi squad players in their secondary. Look what KC backup Quarterback did to them last week. Indianapolis, doesn’t even have a pass rush, so Rodgers should have all day in the pocket. No more excuses for Rodgers. Will the real Aaron Rodgers please stand up? Regardless, I am not a big fan of this game. I will side with Green Bay, since they are home, and the Colts are that bad. PREDICTED SCORE: GREEN BAY 34 INDIANAPOLIS 23, TAKE GREEN BAY -7, AND PLAY OVER 54.0.
TENNESSEE (47.0) SAN DIEGO (-5)
The Titans are slowly improving, and will have their hands full against Phillip Rivers. You have an elite QB, faces a secondary, and linebacker corps that is terrible. Tennessee isn’t the same lowly Jacksonville team they played last week. Rivers isn’t Bortles, and the Titans will be challenged. The only drawback, Tennessee has an excellent pass rush, and San Diego has issues protecting their quarterback. In addition, Joey Bosa’s return, has given his team a shot in the arm, and are playing better defense. However, the Titan’s offensive line is solid, and they should limit Bosa’s ability to rush the QB. Look for the Titans to run the ball at least 60-40. Try to keep the football out of River’s hands, and time manage the clock. This was something interesting. SD will be for the first time this season, facing a mobile quarterback. The Titans have been competitive every game this season, and San Diego is coming off a huge emotional loss. This should be a good contest to watch, and I like both sides. However, you must pick the winner, so with that said. PREDICTED SCORE: SAN DIEGO 24 TENNESSEE 21, TAKE TENNESSEE +5, PLAY THE UNDER 47.0.
DENVER (44.0) OAKLAND (-1)
One thing for sure, Carr isn’t facing the Tampa Bay secondary, that allowed him to throw over 500 yards. Also, Denver Broncos, cannot be beaten, if you commit record breaking penalties (Raiders 23 last week). So let’s not give Oakland too much credit over their performance, although they improved this season. Denver’s defense is outstanding from head to toe. Look how they held San Diego from scoring a winning touchdown last week on their own goal line. So if they are outstanding now, imagine when De Marcus Ware is activated this Sunday, to play defense. So expect Carr’s passing feats to be curtailed. Without a running game, there is no play action, which means Carr will be under constant pressure in the pocket. Oakland’s secondary is improved, however, they have injuries to deal with this game, and can give the Bronco receivers an advantage. I expect Denver, to run the football often, and exploit the Raiders run defense. Consider these trends. Oakland is 0-2 vs. teams with winning records this season. Oakland is 14-28 against the spread, after a win since 2009. The road team has won 8 out of the 9 games in this series. I Really like Denver in this spot. PREDICTED SCORE: DENVER 23 OAKLAND 17, TAKE DENVER +1, AND PLAY THE UNDER 44.0.
BUFFALO (44.0) SEATTLE (-7)
Did the odds makers in Vegas, make Seattle 7 point favorites, based on their home crowd, and the 12[SUP]th[/SUP] Man? Seattle has played poorly, and I can list the reason why not to side with Seattle this game. QB Russell Wilson is still not at 100%, he has lost his mobility escaping the pocket while under pressure. Wilson’s injured knee, is effecting his throwing ability, the Seahawk offensive line provides him with no pass protection, and Seattle lost maybe two defensive playmakers Michael Bennett, and Kam Chancellor for this game. Lastly, they don’t have Marshawn Lynch anymore to run the football. Buffalo, needs to win, and have played competitive the entire season. You better believe Rex Ryan will make sure they don’t forget, and show up to play. Buffalo has a pass rush, and that spells doom for the Seahawk offense. To compensate at wide receiver, Buffalo signed WR Percy Harvins. Don’t forget, Percy was a Seahawk at one time, and might be able to tip Seattle’s tendencies. The most important element for the Bills, is the return of RB Shady McCoy, who sat out last week’s game with a hamstring. Looks like he will be activated for this game, keep your eye on this. I almost forgot. Buffalo QB Taylor, is a mobile quarterback, and will cause problems for the Seattle defense. I really like Buffalo all the way, even if the game is in hostile Seattle. PREDICTED SCORE: BUFFALO 20 SEATTLE 17, TAKE BUFFALO +7, AND PLAY UNDER 44.0.