It’s week 5 already. The NFL season flies by. Anyway, after an awful day of picking college games yesterday, I am ready to redeem myself by picking some winners today. Here goes.
Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals (-6, 48): The Bengals get Joe Mixon back which is a huge boast to their offense. Miami came back to earth last week in a 38-7 loss to the Patriots. Reality has set in. That’s why I like the Bengals at home. They are the better team.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Kansas City Chiefs (-3, 49): The Chiefs are virtually unbeatable at home. -3 is a nice low number to take a home favorite. The Jaguars defense will give the Chiefs some problems but Kansas City is too explosive on offense to be stopped. Take the Chiefs.
New York Giants (+6.5, 43.5) at Carolina Panthers: The Giants struggled on offense last week against the Saints but will look to bounce back against the Panthers. Carolina is tough at home and I think they will win this game but only by a field goal. Take the Giants as a road dog.
Denver Broncos (+1, 42.5) at New York Jets: The Jets are struggling mightily on offense and Denver’s defense is good enough to shut them down. I think this will be a low scoring affair with the Broncos pilling it out and covering as a road favorite.
Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, 57.5): A must win for both teams if they want to stay in playoff contention. This will be a shootout. Both defenses are banged up and struggling right now. The spread for this game could almost be even. The Steelers get the edge because they are at home. That is why I’m taking them in this one.
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns (+3, 45.5): i am a believer in Baker Mayfield and I believe he will play well in his first start at home. Baltimore had a nice win on the road last week in Pittsburgh but they are primed for a let down. I’m taking the Browns as a home dog.
Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills (+5.5, 40) The Titans defense has had all kinds of problems particularly their secondary. I think the Bills will exploit those match ups and get a win at home. I’m putting my money on Buffalo as a home dog.
Green Bay Packers (+1, 51) at Detroit Lions: The Lions always play the Packers tough at home. Green Bay lost in Detroit last season without Aaron Rodgers but A Rod is back and I think he will be the difference in what should Another close game between these rivals. I like Green Bay by a field goal.
Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers (-5, 52.5): This is essentially a home game for the Raiders whose fans are expected to by up most of the tickets available at Stub Hub Stadium. Unfortunately for them, it is not going to matter because the Oakland defense will have a hard time stopping the Chargers offense. That’s why I’m going with the Bolts at home by two scores.
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (-3.5, 40.5): The Niners are the no brainer pick here in what could be an ugly game. The Cardinals are already shopping some of their veterans so they are punting on the 2018 season. All that means in gambling terms is, pick against them every week moving forward.
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles (-3, 47): The Vikings have a lot of issues defensively. Sure, they can score but they can’t stop anyone right now. This is another game that has shootout potential and if that’s the case, I’m taking the Eagles at home. I think they win by a touchdown.
Los Angeles Rams at Seattle Seahawks (+7.5, 50): The Rams are rolling right now but Century Link is a tough place to play and despite the Seahawks struggles this season, I think they will play the Rams tough. Give me the Seahawks as a home dog.
Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans (-3.5, 45.5): I think the Texans win in Indy last week was the start of a turnaround. That’s why I’m picking them at home tonight against the Cowboys. Dallas’ offense is struggling right now and the Texans defense is coming off their best performance of the season. All of that adds up to Houston winning and covering.
Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints (-6, 52.5): Drew Brees breaks Peyton Manning’s passing yard record and the Saints win and cover against an inconsistent Redskins team coming off a bye.