NFL Picks (Record 16-15)
Green Bay @ Detroit
The sudden surge of the Lions makes this Thursday night’s matchup a tad difficult to pick. Aaron Rodgers was playing through numbness in his throwing hand last week and couldn’t put the W up against the Bears. Rodgers hasn't looked like himself in the past two weeks, throwing for over just 200 yards in each showing. Detroit looks to sweep the season series. I’ll take Stafford and the points at home.
PICK: Detroit (+3.5)
Miami @ Baltimore
Last week I said Landry would be the difference, well, he did have a score and 165 yards. Matt Schaub played great for a Baltimore offence with multiple key injuries. I like the Brent Grimes vs. Kamar Aiken matchup for the Fins. The Dolphins rush defence may be one of the worst in the NFL, but they aren’t up against much. Tannehill will get back on track here.
PICK: Miami (-3.5)
Houston @ Buffalo
If healthy, DeAndre Hopkins may have a field day against the 22nd ranked passing defence of Buffalo. Watch for JJ Watt and the defensive line to contain Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy on the ground, forcing them to use the air.
PICK: Houston (+3.5)
San Francisco @ Chicago
The Bears showed up last week in primetime against a good Packers team. With Matt Forte back it looks as though their offence is gaining some steam. He may be in store for a big game against the 25th ranked rushing defence, who is lacking a quarterback.
PICK: Chicago (-6.5)
Cincinnati @ Cleveland
The Browns lost in the most Cleveland-ish way possible last week: A potential game-winning field goal blocked and brought back to the house. The Bengals got back on track against a solid St. Louis team and will stymie the Cleveland offence and their third string quarterback.
PICK: Cincinnati (-9.5)
Seattle @ Minnesota
The Seahawks defence ranks 5th in the NFL, allowing just 92.9 rushing yards per game. Adrian Peterson may have himself a tough day going against a stingy defence. I’ll put my money on Russell Wilson to make the difference in a pick ‘em.
PICK: Seattle (pick ‘em)
New York Jets @ New York Giants
The Giants are allowing an NFL-high 419.6 yards per game. Going against Chris Ivory and the 14th ranked rushing offence may be a bad mix for the G-men.
PICK: Jets (-1.5)
Arizona @ St. Louis
I’ve been on the Todd Gurley train the last couple of weeks, my stop is next, though, and I’m hopping off. Despite Chris Johnson being sidelined I believe this could be a defensive game, if so, I have the Cardinals and their 5th ranked overall defence.
PICK: Arizona (-5.5)
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
The Falcons are on a four-game losing streak, but to be the underdog against the Bucs is just disrespect to a team that started the season 5-0. The Falcons lost to Tampa to begin their downward spiral, in overtime. Jones had 162 yards in the loss, look for much of the same this week. Matt Ryan will right the ship.
PICK: Atlanta (+2.5)
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Watch out for the Jaguars, and more importantly, Julius Thomas. The tight end that made waves across the league last year has finally established chemistry with Blake Bortles. He caught a touchdown against the Titans in week 11 and eventually beat them 19-13.
PICK: Jacksonville (+2.5)
Kansas City @ Oakland
The Raiders are making a strong case for a playoff spot this season. They are going up against a tough Chiefs team that are finding their stride with Spencer Ware taking over the backfield.
PICK: Kansas City (-1.5)
Denver @ San Diego
The Broncos just knocked off one of the last remaining undefeated teams in the Patriots, which is a difficult feat. Brock Osweiler seems to be the guy while CJ Anderson is getting it going on the ground, you have to like Denver in this matchup.
PICK: Denver (-3.5)
Carolina @ New Orleans
Transitioning to the only team yet to lose, it’s the Panthers time to continue their unbeaten streak against one of the worst defences in the NFL. I see Newton and Jonathan Stewart shredding a team that can’t stop the ball on the ground.
PICK: Carolina (-6.5)
Philadelphia @ New England
If its one thing I know about Brady, it’s that he hates to lose. Coming off his first loss of the season against Denver may give him the fuel he needs. But, he needs a car to drive with all this extra gasoline. No Gronkowski, no Edelman, I can’t see him, alone, covering this spread.
PICK: Philadelphia (+10.5)
Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh
The Colts are 4-0 this season when Matt Hasselbeck takes over. But, with Ben Roethlisberger probable to play, I see him and Antonio Brown getting ahead early and not looking back. It’s going to be tough for the Colts offence to try and keep pace with the Steelers’ in this one.
PICK: Pittsburgh (-6.5)
Dallas @ Washington
The Cowboys just can’t win without Tony Romo. They are 0-7 this season without him. Cousins has been nearly perfect during his five-game win streak in Washington. Matt Cassel will get the start, he is 0-4 this year.
PICK: Washington (-4.5)
