Fall is here, the cool night air, changing leaves, and halloween decorations are all around. This is the meat of the NFL season. Teams who are, starts to show themselves. While teams that aren’t, wither away like the fall leaves. So let’s see who continue to step up, and who fall away from the pack.
This week I will be having a my brother pick with me.
(2-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers v (1-3) Atlanta Falcons
It was like a few weeks ago we were seeing the Buccaneers running up the score board. Yet here we are with them sitting 2-2 and going into Atlanta. Jameis Winston is back and he will look to prove why he deserves to not only be the starter, but remain the franchise quarterback. Atlanta really, really, needs a win. Another loss at home, especially to a division rival, puts them in a tougher position to compete for a playoff spot. As much as I want to say this is the week they will turn it around, it is hard to bet on them. Their defense is full of holes, and the pieces just are not clicking. Plus It do not help that they lost a couple of close games. I am going with Tampa Bay to win this game.
Defensive injuries have killed Atlanta. Fitzmagic has faded away, same old Bucs. Atlanta wins barely…Falcons 33, Buccaneers 30
(2-2-1) Pittsburgh Steelers v 4-1 Cincinnati Bengals
Last week Pittsburgh destroyed the Falcons. But I don’t know if it is so much a result of them getting their stuff together, as they beat the Falcons. But they will get a chance to show that they figured things out, and are ready to take their rightful place in the division, as they play the Bengals. Up until this year, seeing this matchup was an easy pick for the Steelers. But this is not that same Steelers team. Something just isn’t right, and that something is the D. Pittsburgh was known for their defense, and that is missing this year. A lot of that have to do with them losing a lot of their key veterans to retirement or free agency. But until they rebuild their identity, they will not be right. That said, I see this game being a close one. But I will be taking the Bengals in this one.
This will be physical, rough, and even borderline dirty… This might be one of the most entertaining games of the week. I think it will be super close, but I like Cincinnati being at home. Bengals 28, Steelers 27
(3-2) LA Chargers v (2-2-1) Cleveland Browns
Watching the Cleveland Browns in Hard Knocks caused a weak spot for me. I feel for them and really want to see them right the ship. This resulted in me picking them at times when I probably shouldn’t. And I am unfortunately going to do it again. I am taking the Browns.
The Browns have not been the team we’ve been used to seeing. Chargers are playing well, very well. I don’t think Cleveland gives them too much trouble. Chargers 30, Browns 14
(2-3) Buffalo Bills v (2-3) Houston Texans
Those Texans are on a bit of a streak, 2 game streak. Both the Bills and the Texans are teams that are looking for a win to get to .500. But I do not see either team being a playoff team. That said, I am taking the Texans.
Bills have come a long way from how they looked in Week 1. Rookie quarterback versus a great defense. I think they will give Mr. Allen all he can handle. Texans 28, Bills 13
(3-1) Chicago Bears v (3-2) Miami Dolphins
The Bears are looking good this year. They are a team I think will continue to give teams problems for the rest of this season. And they could potentially go deep into the playoffs. The Dolphins will continue to get wins and remain competitive, but I do not see them as a playoff team just yet. They will have to go through New England, and the last time they played them they lost. I still think the Dolphins will continue to remain a tough team to play. But this win I am giving to the Bears.
Bears have a top 3 defense.. easy. Miami has speed for days but will Tannehill be able to stand up to get them the ball? I have my doubts… Mack Attack in full effect. Bears 21, Dolphins 15
(1-4) Arizona Cardinals v (2-2-1) Minnesota Vikings
We started the season talking about how good the Vikings were. But now, as we get to week 6, I do not think they are contenders. They are at a point in their season where they are going to have to determine the team they want to be. Right now they are looking like an average team. But that will not be good enough to get them back to the playoffs, and definitely not good enough to win the Super Bowl. But they should beat the Cardinals. This game, at home, against the rebuilding Cardinals should be an easy win. Though I could see this being the upset game of the week, I am going with the Vikings.
I think Minnesota makes it look easy. Josh Rosen against that defense. He won’t be able to keep up with the Vikings scoring. Vikings 35, Cardinals 10
(1-4) Indianapolis Colts v (2-3) New York Jets
Two subpar teams will be playing in a matchup that was once legendary. Both the Jets and the Colts are going through a rebuilding period. The Jets are preparing Sam Darnold, while the Colts continue to build around Andrew Luck. I think Sam Darnold will have a better game in this one and will help his team get the win. I am going with the Jets.
I could see either team winning this game. Neither are world beaters in my options. But… Luck > Darnold. Makes the choice a bit easier. Colts 28, Jets 17
The London Matchup: (2-3) Seattle Seahawks v (1-4) Oakland Raiders
The best way to get the rest of the world excited by football is to send them the Raiders and Seahawks (*sarcasm). Now both teams have a history of championships, the most recent being Seattle. But right now, neither team looks like the teams of their successful pasts. That said, I am taking Russell Wilson to be the difference in this game. I expect Marshawn Lynch to run hard against his former team, but that will not be enough. I like Seattle.
The Raiders are tanking. They should not have a win on their record. Seahawks aren’t the old team either and no Earl Thomas… they still win though. Seahawks 21, Raiders 10
(3-1) Carolina Panthers v (2-2) Washington Redskins
This is going to be a good game. And one that will challenge that Carolina defense. Washington may not feel as confident after the beat down they took by New Orleans. I expect Washington to have something to prove after that loss. I want to see how the Carolina defense handle this team. Will they be able to contain this offense, as well as establish a balanced game? I think the Panthers will play a good game, but I am giving the slight edge to Washington.
Panthers are playing well, Redskins just got embarrassed. I’m picking Carolina even if we played all back ups.. Homer pick. Panthers 28, Redskins 17
(5-0) Los Angeles Rams v (2-3) Denver Broncos
Two teams are still undefeated in the NFL, and one of them is the Rams. They will travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. With how good the Rams have been playing, I would expect them to win this game. But something is telling me that they might have an off week this game. The question is, if a bad week enough for the Broncos to benefit. The Rams are not just good on offense, they have a good defense as well. And they are probably going to end up being the team to beat to get to the big game. I am thinking Rams, but my gut is saying go with Denver. So I will take the Broncos. I think, somehow, the Broncos will upset the Rams in this game.
Todd Gurley is my MVP right now. Goff playing out of his mind and the Broncos aren’t the same defense anymore. Keenum doesn’t have enough for that D. Rams 38, Broncos 21
(3-2) Jacksonville Jaguars v (2-3) Dallas Cowboys
Jacksonville’s plays solid on the defensive side of the ball, but their offense can use some help. At time the offense looks competitive and at other times they are needing to lean heavily on their defense. Thankfully they are playing a Cowboys team with little to no deep threat. Everything is going through Dak and Zeke. Because of the struggles of the Cowboys’ offense, I am taking the Jaguars.
I cannot see Dallas scoring very much. Elliott won’t be able to run against the 8 9-man fronts Jacksonville will probably show, and dare Dak to beat them. We have yet to see Dak do much against a defense like this. Jaguars 20, Cowboys 3
(3-2) Baltimore Ravens v (3-2) Tennessee Titans
Here is the big game that both teams were waiting for. A defensive matchup that will determine how good these teams really are, especially the Titans. And if the Titans are wanting to prove that they are a good team, they are going to have to win this game. This game is going to come down to which offense can make the least amount of mistakes. I am going to pick the Titan’s for the second week in a row. Now, if they lose and then win after I go back to picking against them, I will know that I am having some weird effect on their season.
Which Tennessee team will show up? One who beat the Jags or lost to the Bills? With the Titans being home I will take them ever so slightly. Titans 17, Ravens 14
Sunday Night Game: (5-0) Kansas City Chiefs vs (3-2) New England Patriots
This game could be the changing of the guard from Tom Brady to Patrick Mahomes. This have the making of a good game. And now that Tom Brady have another weapon in Josh Gordon, this will help Tom to truly spread the ball around. But the Chiefs have their own passing game, and the rookie quarterback will get to see the mastermind of Bill Belichick go to work to try and confuse him. Last time I picked the Patriots in a big game they lost. This feel like a sure fire pick for the Chiefs. And I know I will be kicking myself come Monday, but I am taking the Pats.
This is the game everyone is circling. AFC Championship game preview? The chances are good. For now, no quarterback Mahomes age has won in Foxborough against Bill and crew. I wanna go against the grain and drink the Kansas City juice but… I can’t. Patriots 31, Chiefs 24
Monday Night Game: (1-4) San Francisco 49ers v (2-2-1) Green Bay Packers
I will not make a pick because of my bias as a 49ers fan. When the NFL was forming this game a few months ago, I bet they were expecting to have a Jimmy G led offense for a team on the rise vs Aaron Rogers and the Packers. And both teams would either be leading their division, or be in the mix. Instead we have two teams that would like to hit the reset button on their season. The Packers went South since that historic comeback against the Bears, while they watch the Bears ascend from that point. Now both teams are looking for a spark. The 49ers now have a built-in excuse with Jimmy G being hurt. But that do not explain their poor defense. They really need to show me something to believe in the direction our defense is going. Personally, I think we will see the same defensive blunders that led me to want a change at defensive coordinator. The Packers may have a hurt Aaron Rogers but that is not an enough of an excuse for fans. If he was able to play like a legend against the Bears being hurt, then limping or not, he should be able to play well against these other teams. Especially subpar teams. I personally do not see how my niners will be able to win this game. But as a faithful fan, I am still going to root for my niners. Go Niners!
I very rarely pick against Aaron Rodgers. Jimmy G is gone and the 49ers have not been consistent since. Packers 28, 49ers 21
1 comment