NFL Picks Week 6
Last week, my picks did better. Even with some surprises, I went 9-6. I did better with the pick'em leagues I am in. Go
figure. Well, let me try to gain some more momentum with the 15 games this week.
Fantasy football people, please note, bye
weeks continue! What…two teams on bye AGAIN this week? This is crazy. The NFL
schedule-maker is dumb. This scheduling makes no sense.
Season to date: 34-41 after five weeks....not good. Not good at all, but it is improving.
Bonus picks: 24-13 to this point. The baseball picks did not do well, with both top seeds and the Dodgers falling in the division series. My NASCAR picks were good, especially with Logano winning again to advance to the final 8 automatically. Seeing Brad K, Dale Jr. and Jimmie Johnson all finish in the rear of the field at Kansas was a surprise. They all must finish high at Charlotte for everyone knows Talledega is a wild-card kind of track.
Teams with the Week 6 bye:
1.
Kansas City (2-3): The Chiefs make
no sense. They have not looked good at all since starting 9-0 last year. They
lost twice to Denver and then choked a huge lead on the road to the Colts in
the wild-card game. True, injuries is a major factor in this tailspin, as it
always is with this team, but the decision-making of coach Andy Reid is a
factor too. They have quality wins over Miami and struggling New England at
home, but they also lost to Tennessee and choked away a win at San Francisco
and Denver. The schedule gets no easier for the Chiefs, so they need to get
going if they hope to make the playoffs again. Will they and/or can they is the
question.
2.
New Orleans (2-3): The Saints are a
typical dome team. Great indoors, especially in the Superdome, but not so good
outdoors on the road. Though they did get by Minnesota on the road outdoors,
they already lost dome road games at Atlanta in OT and at Dallas and barely got
past Tampa Bay in OT at home. Worse yet, they go to Detroit next week after
they bye. The good thing is that they have six home games left after Detroit, but
they also have 4 road outdoor road games as well. As long as future HOF QB Drew
Brees is upright, the Saints have a chance, especially since Green Bay will
come to New Orleans and they don’t play Seattle and the final road game (Week
17) is at Tampa Bay. However, to make the playoffs even as a wild card, the
Saints must win no less than 7 or 8 of those 11 games (preferably the 8
conference games over the 3 non-conference games…not liking the Saints winning
at Pittsburgh or at Chicago (Week 15 Sunday night unless another games is
flexed into this slot). Especially with no easy games the rest of the way until
the Tampa finale, this will be a tough schedule to navigate to make a
wild-card, but the Saints could do it.
Thursday Night Football (NFL
Network/CBS): Indianapolis at Houston: Huge game! These two teams are tied for
the division lead and this division is all about them. With most of the AFC at
either 3-1, 3-2, 2-2 or 2-3, including themselves, every game matters a lot.
Only one team can win the division. The other can win a wild-card berth, but that
will not be as easy task. The Texans have not totally rode their defense,
especially all-world DE J.J. Watt, all year but that is not far from the truth.
Indianapolis had a couple of tough losses to start but are starting to find
their mojo. Houston is their one real hurdle to another division title, so
winning now is important.
Who wins? Short
and sweet…This will be a fight! Great offense with QB Andrew Luck versus great
defense led by Watt and LB Brian Cushing. Luck is one of the few QBs who has
the game (and the versatility within it) to put up points on this defense….but
can he do it on the road? Yes. Can the Houston offense score enough with QB
Ryan Fitzpatrick, especially with RB Arian Foster hurting (as usual?) Having
Colts WR Reggie Wayne back is just barely enough to tip the scales. I am taking
the Colts, but barely.
Indianapolis 24 Houston 20
Update: Well..I really didn't expect that much scoring. But at least it wasn't a blowout...though perhaps it should have been. Imagine if the Colts' defense was half as good as Houston's to add to Luck and his weapons on offense. One word: SCARY! Still, that was a big win on the road. Good for the Colts.
Sunday's games:
Carolina at Cincinnati: I am not
sure what to say about this game. Carolina looked poised to move up in the NFC
but scandal, injury and poor play have rattled them and now they are in a fight
for the NFC South (and/or a wild card berth. I know , it is early), though they
still have a one game lead. Cincinnati looked on fire early, but watching them
get destroyed by the seeming already destroyed Patriots on SNF, plus the rise
of the Ravens from the ashes makes them staring at the ENTIRE AFC North right
on their heels (Only the Bengals have had a bye so far). Honestly, I am not
which team will show up for this game…ON EITHER SIDE!
Who wins? Both teams have nice QBs and tough defenses, for the most
part, though their recent games make that questionable. The difference is the
running game. The Bengals have a couple of nice running backs who both can do damage. Carolina can’t
seem to find a healthy one to put on the field, forget about ability. I am
doubting that either of their top running backs will be
playing this week (FB Mike Tolbert was recently put on IR), which puts all the pressure on QB Cam Newton. Even with his
great running skill, Carolina is most one-dimensional on offense and the
Bengals will eat that up….forgive the pun….especially in Cincinnati. Bengals
win.
Cincinnati 30 Carolina 20
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: This game has gotten bigger with both teams actually in the division race for once. The Steelers have looked better after their blowout loss at Baltimore weeks ago and with the Bengals' first loss last week, that gives hope to the entire division. The Browns are feeling good after their NFL-record comeback win at Tennessee last week. A win over the hated Steelers would be big. Cleveland QB Brian Hoyer is again giving a spark the Browns have needed for years.
Who wins? Too close to call. The Steelers have more weapons, but it is hard to stop moxie and crazy karma. The Browns are also very dangerous at home. I am taking the home team in a upset.
Cleveland 27 Pittsburgh 24
New England at Buffalo: Buffalo was able to escape with a win over Detroit at the buzzer that left a lot of bad feelings afterwards, though one has to figure the lingering injury to Detroit WR Calvin Johnson may have had a lot to do with that more than veteran QB Kyle Orton replacing young Bills QB E.J. Manuel as the starter. They also have the good feeling with their new owners being officially introduced as well. The Patriots showed emphatically that their apparent demise (offensively, that is) was premature with a resounding win at home after being blasted on MNF at Kansas City two weeks ago. You can never count out NE QB Tom Brady. This game is huge with the race in the AFC East closer than usual to this point.
Who wins? Buffalo got a nice win last week and are at home this week, but NE is a different animal to take on than a hard to figure out Lions squad. After last week, I don't see how the Bills win this without a perfect game and/or the Patriots reverting back to the team that barely beat Oakland and was humbled in Kansas City. Patriots win, but in a close one.
New England 27 Buffalo 24.
Jacksonville at Tennessee: This will be a yawner of a game. The Jaguars continue to try to figure out what they have in rookie QB Blake Bortles. The Titans are basically doing the same across the board. Few will watch or care about this division game with two teams going nowhere this year.
Who wins? The Jaguars are not going 0-16, and this is one of the more likely chances to prevent that, but Tennessee could blow them out at home. I am taking the Jags in a surprise in a low-scoring game.
Jacksonville 23 Tennessee 21
Green Bay at Miami: The Packers may be starting to hit their stride again and at a good time with their division rivals faltering. Miami returns to action after their win in London and their bye rested and looking to pull a upset to stay in a wide-open AFC East race (for now). This is a test for both teams to show what kind of team they are.
Who wins? Miami has weapons and has proven they can upset teams at home. However, Green Bay and QB Aaron Rodgers have too many weapons and too much experience to let down now, knowing they don't want to have to rally in the last weeks to make the NFC playoffs. Games like this one are must wins. Packers win again.
Green Bay 30 Miami 23
Detroit at Minnesota: Detroit is in disarray again after blowing a winnable game to Buffalo at home. Worse yet, WR Calvin Johnson, hobbled by a ankle sprain for weeks is almost surely out this week (and likely longer) to rest and heal. Minnesota is showing life without "suspended" RB Adrian Peterson. His ongoing legal matters look more likely to sideline him for the season (perhaps forever as far as the Vikings are concerned), but the return of rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater may spark this Viking offense. Playing outdoors always hurts Detroit, so there is a opportunity for Minnesota to steal another win and make some noise in the NFC North, for once.
Who wins? With or without Johnson, Detroit is more like kittens rather than lions outdoors. Other injuries don't help either. Minnesota has nothing to lose and everything to gain. If Detroit cannot score, they won't win with their defense. Sorry. Minnesota wins again.
Minnesota 28 Detroit 20
Denver at the New York Jets: The Jets are crashing hard, having lost 4 straight since their Opening Day win (barely) over Oakland. Their QBs are in disarray, and it is unlikely that coach Rex Ryan survives this year as coach unless a miracle finish (and playoff berth) occurs. But they now get QB Peyton Manning and the Broncos with QB Tom Brady and New England looming this coming Thursday. The Jets are unlikely to win either one, but stranger things can happen. Manning can come close to tying or breaking future HOF QB Brett Favre's all-time career TD record if he throws like he did last week. I am not sure he will on the road, but the Jets' defense is not that great. Denver will erase some of the bad taste of their Super Bowl loss last February here in New York, but beating Seattle at home would have done more...but that did not happen.
Who wins? The Jets only win if 1) Manning gets hurt early AND 2) the Jets as a whole, especially embattled QB Geno Smith plays like he is Manning and not Smith and 3) the Jets get at least 2 pick-sixes or fumble returns for scores. Seriously...that will NOT happen. No way. Broncos win easily.
Denver 30 New York Jets 19
Chicago at Atlanta: Atlanta is a awesome team at home and they suck on the road. The Bears can play well at times, but are inconsistent. You all know the offensive weapons on both sides.This may be a shootout, but Chicago cannot keep up with the Falcons in the Georgia Dome...period. Get real.
Who wins? Read the above. Barring major injuries, this is a game the Falcons will win and must win if they want to make the playoffs. Like the Saints, this dome team must be perfect at home to have a chance. They will get this one. Falcons win.
Atlanta 34 Chicago 27
Dallas at Seattle: The Cowboys' shocking early start continues, but their bigger challenges begin now. You know the weapons on offense that they have. Will they able to handle the Seattle defense and the 12th man? Better yet, can the Cowboys defense even hope to slow down RB Marshawn Lynch and/or QB Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense? Unlikely.
Who wins? If Dallas can control the clock with RB DeMarco Murray and QB Tony Romo throws a perfect game, keeping Seattle's vaunted defense and the Legion of Boom secondary on the field and the Seattle offense off the field, Dallas could pull off the upset. Otherwise....Based on history, I cannot see that happening. I have to take Seattle here.
Seattle 30 Dallas 28
Baltimore at Tampa Bay: The Ravens seem to be doing fairly well...so far. The bigger question comes later when they must face their division and conference rivals with playoff spots on the line, especially after losing last week. But to get there, you need to win so-called games you should win like this one. Tampa Bay has been a train wreck so far, but the late upset win over the Steelers and near win at New Orleans (OT loss last week) gives some hope to their season with QB Mike Glennon under center. This is Tampa's first home game in a while (lost to Newton-less Panthers on Opening Day). Good luck, Bucs.
Who wins? Tampa is excited to be home, but the Ravens are good on the road and experienced where it matters most. Tampa's offense, riddled with injury and some lack of talent will not win a shootout with these Ravens. Sorry. Ravens win, but another late upset win would not surprise me.
Baltimore 28 Tampa Bay 24
Washington at Arizona: The Redskins still look horrible, but hope is coming with the possibility that injured starting QB Robert Griffin III will be available for the game at Dallas in a few weeks. After hanging with the champs on MNF before falling, they travel west to face the surprising Cardinals, who continue to have murkiness at QB. Injured QBs Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton both appear to possibly be available to play. As of now (1130am Sunday EDT), I have no idea who is starting and we won't know until game time. For the Redskins, that does not matter if the defense cannot cause pressure and stop the run game. The Redskins can control the clock with RB Alfred Morris and QB Kirk Cousins does run the offense well, maybe better than Griffin (in his limited time before he got hurt). This will be a interesting game, for a lot of reasons.
Who wins? Arizona got away with 3 wins, despite the injuries they seem to keep incurring. Can they win another one? They could, but which Washington team will show up? If the Redskins defense shows up, I see the Redskins scoring the upset. If they don't, Arizona should win again. I am taking Washington, but honestly, even a tie would not surprise me.
Washington 23 Arizona 21
San Diego at Oakland: San Diego is on fire and is a contender in the AFC West, but they have had their issues against the Raiders. The Raiders return from their London loss and their bye with interim coach (OC) Tony Sparano and WR Kendrell Tompkins, signed after being waived by the Patriots earlier this week. Can they upset the Chargers? Maybe. New England and the Jets needed luck and help to beat this team in their house. This team is dangerous for anyone at home.
Who wins? Forget the records. Oakland is a spoiler team that should scare everyone. This is also their first of 6 division games (plus the four games against the NFC West later). This year's schedule is hell on this division and the NFC West. 0-16 is possible, but I see upsets coming. Here is the first. Rivers is rolling, but I see the Chargers looking past these Raiders. Big mistake. Raiders win.
Oakland 28 San Diego 27
Sunday Night Football: New York Giants at Philadelphia: This will be a war! The Giants have rallied to 3-2 after looking clueless in preseason and in the first two games. The Eagles look shaky, especially after failing to win at San Francisco. More importantly for both, the schedule gets harder from here (like two games each versus Dallas). The winner could get a small leg up on Dallas, unless they upset the champs earlier in the evening. Every game matters from here.
Who wins? This will be a war of offenses. Eagles QB Nick Foles has not looked as good as he did last year, and Giants QB Eli Manning looks more like himself, and he finally has 1st round pick WR Odell Beckham, Jr. on the field (scored a big TD last week). Can Philly get RB LeSean McCoy going in the running game? We will see. This is going to be one of the best games of the year....period. I am taking the Giants due to their momentum. The Eagles need a dominant performance to ease concerns. It will not happen here. Giants win in OT. (Don't worry folks. It is a federal holiday tomorrow for most of us! Stay up late!)
New York Giants 30 Philadelphia 27 (OT)
Monday Night Football: San Francisco at St. Louis: The Rams get a gift of a home MNF game after a decent season despite injuries last year. Unfortunately, they have more injuries this year and the gift has the Niners coming in. Nightmare. The Niners have looked shaky, but they have started to get it going fast. This is a must win for San Francisco, for they are still looking up to Seattle and Arizona, who both could (maybe should) win today. For the Rams home fans, this game and Seattle later, is their playoff games. Don't look past them.
Who wins? Niners coach Jim Harbaugh will make sure QB Colin Kaepernick and company takes this game seriously. TE Vernon Davis may not play, but that will not matter. Sorry, St. Louis, there will be no win here. You can focus on your baseball team trying to win in (ironically) San Francisco against the Giants in Game 3 Tuesday in the NLCS. The Niners will not choke this one, but it will be close.
San Francisco 28 St. Louis 23
Bonus picks:
1. American League Championship Series: Kansas City at Baltimore: Both teams have not been to the World Series since the mid-80s when they each won a title. Now, the other stands between a chance to win it all. KC has momentum and the underdog status all the way. Ultimate feel good story. Baltimore has recent success but not in the playoffs. Two contrasting styles, two contrasting teams, different types of momentum. This will make for a great ALCS.
Who wins? Baltimore has home-field, experience at manager and a lot of weapons, despite multiple injuries and suspensions in the regular season. Kansas City has that "it" factor, a lot of mojo, and that underdog mentality that is infectious. This team has no fear and doesn't care where the game is. Bottom line...I think Baltimore can pull this out....but they will need 7 games. (Honestly, I sense that KC may steal this, though). Whoever wins this series will win the World Series.
Baltimore wins in 7 games (4 extra-inning games)
2. National League Championship Series: San Francisco at St. Louis: Two experienced teams, two recent champion teams. Tested teams, strong rosters. This will be a tough series as well. Not much else to say right now.
Who wins? Too close to call. These teams are too close in skills, talent and managing to give one team a decided advantage over the other. I have to say, then, the home-field advantage is the difference. St. Louis has it. But if the Giants steals game 1 and/or 2, they can steal the series. But I don't think that will happen. I am taking St. Louis in 7 games.
St. Louis wins in 7 games
3. NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup: Race 5: Contender Round: Charlotte (Saturday night): This race is a big race for the Contender 12. Finishing well is vital for everyone, except for Logano, who won last week to qualify for the next round. Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. crashed out and finished way back at Kansas. A top ten finish, if not a win, is vital to have a chance at Talledega next week for those three. Everyone else can finish in the top 20 and be okay. But the focus must be on tonight. Simple as that.
Prediction: I think that all 12 Chase drivers will do decently well at Charlotte. I don't see more than two or three of them finishing outside the top 20. I don't think it will be the three drivers I mentioned above, especially Johnson, who loves racing at Charlotte. But if any of them (or any Chase drivers other than Logano) finish below 35th in this race, they are screwed. The ironic part is that, next week's race at Talledega could (more likely will) change everything. Better win tonight...for who knows what may happen next Sunday.
4. College football: I predict at least two upsets this Saturday. UCLA will win, as will Florida State over Syracuse on the road. But I fear one or both Mississippi teams will lose after gaining the top 5 ranking with big wins last week. I hope I am wrong, for I love underdogs. But I kind of see it coming. Sorry.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland: This game has gotten bigger with both teams actually in the division race for once. The Steelers have looked better after their blowout loss at Baltimore weeks ago and with the Bengals' first loss last week, that gives hope to the entire division. The Browns are feeling good after their NFL-record comeback win at Tennessee last week. A win over the hated Steelers would be big. Cleveland QB Brian Hoyer is again giving a spark the Browns have needed for years.
Who wins? Too close to call. The Steelers have more weapons, but it is hard to stop moxie and crazy karma. The Browns are also very dangerous at home. I am taking the home team in a upset.
Cleveland 27 Pittsburgh 24
New England at Buffalo: Buffalo was able to escape with a win over Detroit at the buzzer that left a lot of bad feelings afterwards, though one has to figure the lingering injury to Detroit WR Calvin Johnson may have had a lot to do with that more than veteran QB Kyle Orton replacing young Bills QB E.J. Manuel as the starter. They also have the good feeling with their new owners being officially introduced as well. The Patriots showed emphatically that their apparent demise (offensively, that is) was premature with a resounding win at home after being blasted on MNF at Kansas City two weeks ago. You can never count out NE QB Tom Brady. This game is huge with the race in the AFC East closer than usual to this point.
Who wins? Buffalo got a nice win last week and are at home this week, but NE is a different animal to take on than a hard to figure out Lions squad. After last week, I don't see how the Bills win this without a perfect game and/or the Patriots reverting back to the team that barely beat Oakland and was humbled in Kansas City. Patriots win, but in a close one.
New England 27 Buffalo 24.
Jacksonville at Tennessee: This will be a yawner of a game. The Jaguars continue to try to figure out what they have in rookie QB Blake Bortles. The Titans are basically doing the same across the board. Few will watch or care about this division game with two teams going nowhere this year.
Who wins? The Jaguars are not going 0-16, and this is one of the more likely chances to prevent that, but Tennessee could blow them out at home. I am taking the Jags in a surprise in a low-scoring game.
Jacksonville 23 Tennessee 21
Green Bay at Miami: The Packers may be starting to hit their stride again and at a good time with their division rivals faltering. Miami returns to action after their win in London and their bye rested and looking to pull a upset to stay in a wide-open AFC East race (for now). This is a test for both teams to show what kind of team they are.
Who wins? Miami has weapons and has proven they can upset teams at home. However, Green Bay and QB Aaron Rodgers have too many weapons and too much experience to let down now, knowing they don't want to have to rally in the last weeks to make the NFC playoffs. Games like this one are must wins. Packers win again.
Green Bay 30 Miami 23
Detroit at Minnesota: Detroit is in disarray again after blowing a winnable game to Buffalo at home. Worse yet, WR Calvin Johnson, hobbled by a ankle sprain for weeks is almost surely out this week (and likely longer) to rest and heal. Minnesota is showing life without "suspended" RB Adrian Peterson. His ongoing legal matters look more likely to sideline him for the season (perhaps forever as far as the Vikings are concerned), but the return of rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater may spark this Viking offense. Playing outdoors always hurts Detroit, so there is a opportunity for Minnesota to steal another win and make some noise in the NFC North, for once.
Who wins? With or without Johnson, Detroit is more like kittens rather than lions outdoors. Other injuries don't help either. Minnesota has nothing to lose and everything to gain. If Detroit cannot score, they won't win with their defense. Sorry. Minnesota wins again.
Minnesota 28 Detroit 20
Denver at the New York Jets: The Jets are crashing hard, having lost 4 straight since their Opening Day win (barely) over Oakland. Their QBs are in disarray, and it is unlikely that coach Rex Ryan survives this year as coach unless a miracle finish (and playoff berth) occurs. But they now get QB Peyton Manning and the Broncos with QB Tom Brady and New England looming this coming Thursday. The Jets are unlikely to win either one, but stranger things can happen. Manning can come close to tying or breaking future HOF QB Brett Favre's all-time career TD record if he throws like he did last week. I am not sure he will on the road, but the Jets' defense is not that great. Denver will erase some of the bad taste of their Super Bowl loss last February here in New York, but beating Seattle at home would have done more...but that did not happen.
Who wins? The Jets only win if 1) Manning gets hurt early AND 2) the Jets as a whole, especially embattled QB Geno Smith plays like he is Manning and not Smith and 3) the Jets get at least 2 pick-sixes or fumble returns for scores. Seriously...that will NOT happen. No way. Broncos win easily.
Denver 30 New York Jets 19
Chicago at Atlanta: Atlanta is a awesome team at home and they suck on the road. The Bears can play well at times, but are inconsistent. You all know the offensive weapons on both sides.This may be a shootout, but Chicago cannot keep up with the Falcons in the Georgia Dome...period. Get real.
Who wins? Read the above. Barring major injuries, this is a game the Falcons will win and must win if they want to make the playoffs. Like the Saints, this dome team must be perfect at home to have a chance. They will get this one. Falcons win.
Atlanta 34 Chicago 27
Dallas at Seattle: The Cowboys' shocking early start continues, but their bigger challenges begin now. You know the weapons on offense that they have. Will they able to handle the Seattle defense and the 12th man? Better yet, can the Cowboys defense even hope to slow down RB Marshawn Lynch and/or QB Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense? Unlikely.
Who wins? If Dallas can control the clock with RB DeMarco Murray and QB Tony Romo throws a perfect game, keeping Seattle's vaunted defense and the Legion of Boom secondary on the field and the Seattle offense off the field, Dallas could pull off the upset. Otherwise....Based on history, I cannot see that happening. I have to take Seattle here.
Seattle 30 Dallas 28
Baltimore at Tampa Bay: The Ravens seem to be doing fairly well...so far. The bigger question comes later when they must face their division and conference rivals with playoff spots on the line, especially after losing last week. But to get there, you need to win so-called games you should win like this one. Tampa Bay has been a train wreck so far, but the late upset win over the Steelers and near win at New Orleans (OT loss last week) gives some hope to their season with QB Mike Glennon under center. This is Tampa's first home game in a while (lost to Newton-less Panthers on Opening Day). Good luck, Bucs.
Who wins? Tampa is excited to be home, but the Ravens are good on the road and experienced where it matters most. Tampa's offense, riddled with injury and some lack of talent will not win a shootout with these Ravens. Sorry. Ravens win, but another late upset win would not surprise me.
Baltimore 28 Tampa Bay 24
Washington at Arizona: The Redskins still look horrible, but hope is coming with the possibility that injured starting QB Robert Griffin III will be available for the game at Dallas in a few weeks. After hanging with the champs on MNF before falling, they travel west to face the surprising Cardinals, who continue to have murkiness at QB. Injured QBs Carson Palmer and Drew Stanton both appear to possibly be available to play. As of now (1130am Sunday EDT), I have no idea who is starting and we won't know until game time. For the Redskins, that does not matter if the defense cannot cause pressure and stop the run game. The Redskins can control the clock with RB Alfred Morris and QB Kirk Cousins does run the offense well, maybe better than Griffin (in his limited time before he got hurt). This will be a interesting game, for a lot of reasons.
Who wins? Arizona got away with 3 wins, despite the injuries they seem to keep incurring. Can they win another one? They could, but which Washington team will show up? If the Redskins defense shows up, I see the Redskins scoring the upset. If they don't, Arizona should win again. I am taking Washington, but honestly, even a tie would not surprise me.
Washington 23 Arizona 21
San Diego at Oakland: San Diego is on fire and is a contender in the AFC West, but they have had their issues against the Raiders. The Raiders return from their London loss and their bye with interim coach (OC) Tony Sparano and WR Kendrell Tompkins, signed after being waived by the Patriots earlier this week. Can they upset the Chargers? Maybe. New England and the Jets needed luck and help to beat this team in their house. This team is dangerous for anyone at home.
Who wins? Forget the records. Oakland is a spoiler team that should scare everyone. This is also their first of 6 division games (plus the four games against the NFC West later). This year's schedule is hell on this division and the NFC West. 0-16 is possible, but I see upsets coming. Here is the first. Rivers is rolling, but I see the Chargers looking past these Raiders. Big mistake. Raiders win.
Oakland 28 San Diego 27
Sunday Night Football: New York Giants at Philadelphia: This will be a war! The Giants have rallied to 3-2 after looking clueless in preseason and in the first two games. The Eagles look shaky, especially after failing to win at San Francisco. More importantly for both, the schedule gets harder from here (like two games each versus Dallas). The winner could get a small leg up on Dallas, unless they upset the champs earlier in the evening. Every game matters from here.
Who wins? This will be a war of offenses. Eagles QB Nick Foles has not looked as good as he did last year, and Giants QB Eli Manning looks more like himself, and he finally has 1st round pick WR Odell Beckham, Jr. on the field (scored a big TD last week). Can Philly get RB LeSean McCoy going in the running game? We will see. This is going to be one of the best games of the year....period. I am taking the Giants due to their momentum. The Eagles need a dominant performance to ease concerns. It will not happen here. Giants win in OT. (Don't worry folks. It is a federal holiday tomorrow for most of us! Stay up late!)
New York Giants 30 Philadelphia 27 (OT)
Monday Night Football: San Francisco at St. Louis: The Rams get a gift of a home MNF game after a decent season despite injuries last year. Unfortunately, they have more injuries this year and the gift has the Niners coming in. Nightmare. The Niners have looked shaky, but they have started to get it going fast. This is a must win for San Francisco, for they are still looking up to Seattle and Arizona, who both could (maybe should) win today. For the Rams home fans, this game and Seattle later, is their playoff games. Don't look past them.
Who wins? Niners coach Jim Harbaugh will make sure QB Colin Kaepernick and company takes this game seriously. TE Vernon Davis may not play, but that will not matter. Sorry, St. Louis, there will be no win here. You can focus on your baseball team trying to win in (ironically) San Francisco against the Giants in Game 3 Tuesday in the NLCS. The Niners will not choke this one, but it will be close.
San Francisco 28 St. Louis 23
Bonus picks:
1. American League Championship Series: Kansas City at Baltimore: Both teams have not been to the World Series since the mid-80s when they each won a title. Now, the other stands between a chance to win it all. KC has momentum and the underdog status all the way. Ultimate feel good story. Baltimore has recent success but not in the playoffs. Two contrasting styles, two contrasting teams, different types of momentum. This will make for a great ALCS.
Who wins? Baltimore has home-field, experience at manager and a lot of weapons, despite multiple injuries and suspensions in the regular season. Kansas City has that "it" factor, a lot of mojo, and that underdog mentality that is infectious. This team has no fear and doesn't care where the game is. Bottom line...I think Baltimore can pull this out....but they will need 7 games. (Honestly, I sense that KC may steal this, though). Whoever wins this series will win the World Series.
Baltimore wins in 7 games (4 extra-inning games)
2. National League Championship Series: San Francisco at St. Louis: Two experienced teams, two recent champion teams. Tested teams, strong rosters. This will be a tough series as well. Not much else to say right now.
Who wins? Too close to call. These teams are too close in skills, talent and managing to give one team a decided advantage over the other. I have to say, then, the home-field advantage is the difference. St. Louis has it. But if the Giants steals game 1 and/or 2, they can steal the series. But I don't think that will happen. I am taking St. Louis in 7 games.
St. Louis wins in 7 games
3. NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup: Race 5: Contender Round: Charlotte (Saturday night): This race is a big race for the Contender 12. Finishing well is vital for everyone, except for Logano, who won last week to qualify for the next round. Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. crashed out and finished way back at Kansas. A top ten finish, if not a win, is vital to have a chance at Talledega next week for those three. Everyone else can finish in the top 20 and be okay. But the focus must be on tonight. Simple as that.
Prediction: I think that all 12 Chase drivers will do decently well at Charlotte. I don't see more than two or three of them finishing outside the top 20. I don't think it will be the three drivers I mentioned above, especially Johnson, who loves racing at Charlotte. But if any of them (or any Chase drivers other than Logano) finish below 35th in this race, they are screwed. The ironic part is that, next week's race at Talledega could (more likely will) change everything. Better win tonight...for who knows what may happen next Sunday.
4. College football: I predict at least two upsets this Saturday. UCLA will win, as will Florida State over Syracuse on the road. But I fear one or both Mississippi teams will lose after gaining the top 5 ranking with big wins last week. I hope I am wrong, for I love underdogs. But I kind of see it coming. Sorry.
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