Another slate of exciting games means another round of picks to make. Be sure yours are on the right side this week.
Top Picks of the Week:
New Orleans Saints (2-2) at Washington Football Team (2-2)
The Saints are coming off an upset loss to the Giants. Daniel Jones carved through the New Orleans defense, throwing for over 400 yards. Alvin Kamara had a big game on the ground, but for the first time in his career was held without a target in the passing game.
Washington had a thrilling victory against Atlanta. Taylor Heinicke played very well, but that was against a putrid Falcons defense. On the other side of the ball, Washington allowed Cordalle Patterson to run wild on the ground and through the air. Expect Kamara to look to do the same thing.
New Orleans has shown a pattern to alternate between impressive performance and a complete dud. They should be expected to cycle back into dominance.
Picks: Saints -1.5
New England Patriots (1-3) at Houston Texans (1-3)
The Patriots were not able to spoil Tom Brady’s return to Foxborough. A bright spot was found, however, with Mac Jones shining on Sunday Night. The rookie quarter played extremely well, completing 19 consecutive passes at one point.
This is the Texans team that was expected before the season. After an encouraging week one win against Jacksonville, the Texans have lost their last three games by a total of 65 points.
Don’t let the records fool you, these teams are not on the same level. The Texans are an absolute mess. Expect Bill Belicheck to have his way against a rookie quarterback where he is 22-6 lifetime against first year playcallers.
Pick: Patriots -9.5
Green Bay Packers (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
The Packers have silenced any concerns people had after their week one flop. They easily disposed of the Pittsburgh Steelers en route to their third straight victory. Randall Cobb had a vintage performance, bringing in both of Aaron Rodgers’s touchdown passes on the day.
The Bengals continue their impressive start to the season. Sophomore QB Joe Burrow has bounced back from his torn ACL to be the franchise guy the team envisioned when they selected him number one last year.
Cincinnati let an atrocious Jaguars team jump out to an early lead and just barely was able to steal the game in the final seconds. A fired up Packers team won’t be as forgiving if given the same leeway.
Pick: Packers -3
Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-1)
The Eagles got Mahomes’d last week, watching the former MVP throw for a handful of touchdowns. It was not just through the air, as they allowed the Chiefs to run for 200 yards. Three straight losses for Philadelphia may have the Eagles reeling.
The Panthers suffered their first loss of the season last week. That was without star running back, who is expected to make his return this week to give the Carolina offense a shot in the arm. The defense will also be extra hungry after not recording a sack or turnover for the first time this season.
Pick: Panthers -3.5
San Francisco 49ers (2-2) at Arizona Cardinals (4-0)
Starting 49er QB Jimmy Garropollo will miss this week’s game, meaning number three overall pick Trey Lance will make his first career start. Lance was a mixed bag in his performance against the Seahawks. He has all the physical tools, but still may be a bit too raw at this point.
The Cardinals made a statement against a Rams team that was considered the team to beat in the conference. The offense was effective in the running and passing game, while the defense blanketed Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay all afternoon.
Arizona is running on all cylinders right now. Kyler Murray is continuing to build on his early season MVP case. Expect him to keep going against a 49ers team with injuries all over their secondary.
Pick: Cardinals -5.5
Certified Stay Away Game of the Week:
New York Jets (1-3) at Atlanta Falcons (1-3)
Zach Wilson and Robert Saleh picked up their first victories in a stunning upset over the Titans. Wilson bounced back from two horrible performances, connecting with Corey Davis four times for 111 yards. The Jets defense still gave up a lot of yards, but were able to stop the Titans offense before too much damage was done.
The Falcons were on the other side of a barnburner, losing to the Washington Football team. Their defense allowed 12 points to Washington in a three minute span, fumbling their fourth quarter lead. Cordarelle Patterson continues to be a revelation at the running back position, scoring three touchdowns.
Atlanta has a knack for keeping games unpredictable, which is a gambling nightmare. Add in the New York Jets and the fact that this game is being played all the way in London. All these factors are enough to keep this game off all playcards.
Rest of the Week:
Los Angeles Rams (3-1) at Seattle Seahawks (2-2)- Rams -2
Detroit Lions (0-4) at Minnesota Vikings (1-3)- Lions +7.5
Miami Dolphins (1-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)- Buccaneers -10.5
Tennessee Titans (2-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)- Titans -4
Denver Broncos (3-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3)- Broncos +1.5
Chicago Bears (2-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-1)- Raiders -5.5
Cleveland Browns (3-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)- Chargers -1
New York Giants (1-3) at Dallas Cowboys (3-1)- Giants +7
Buffalo Bills (3-1) at Kansa City Chiefs (2-2)- Bills +3
Indianapolis Colts (1-3) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)- Colts +6.5
Picks of the Week Record: 1-4
Total Record: 9-6
Comment
Comments