-Originally published 10/1/21-

This week we have a lot of top-tier games and a lot of stinkers. Even our check-in middle tier “lower grove” games could be bumped up or down to top-watch (fresh squeezed) or skippable (rotten) viewing.

Fresh Squeezed
1pm – Panthers (3-0) @ Cowboys (2-1)
Pick: Cowboys
Christian McCaffrey is out for the Panthers but the offense will continue to move without him against the Cowboys defense. Carolina’s offense has real weapons to compete with Dallas for a while and the defense has real players but the Boys are a field goal from the Bucs away from being 3-0.
1pm – Browns (2-1) @ Vikings (1-2)
Pick: Browns
The Browns will control the pace with the top run game in the league and the Vikings will have to win by outscoring Cleveland. They won’t but they’ll pick on the secondary.
4pm – Cardinals (3-0) @ Rams (3-0)
Pick: Rams
A massive divisional game occurring the same time as Seahawks/49ers. Two top offenses and Arizona looks promising on defense so far but LA is better on both sides of the ball right now.
4pm – Seahawks (1-2) @ 49ers (2-1)
Pick: 49ers
A huge game for Seattle to try and avoid going 1-3.
4:25pm – Ravens (2-1) @ Broncos (3-0)
Pick: Broncos
Denver’s opponents are a combined 0-3 but they’re showing traits of a top notch team. Baltimore has been rolling as Lamar allows and welcomes in rookie Rashad Bateman and Miles Boykin at receiver for the first time this season. Three defensive starters are back off IR after missing last week as well.
8:20pm – Buccaneers (2-1) @ Patriots (1-2)
Pick: Buccaneers
This will be billed as a huge contest but Mac Jones and the Patriots are struggling on offense. The Buccaneers defense has been struggling but Brady will exploit NE’s secondary.
MNF – Raiders (3-0) @ Chargers (2-1)
Pick: Chargers
Two teams on fire offensively.

Lower Grove
1pm – Washington (1-2) @ Falcons (1-2)
Pick: Falcons
Neither squad has looked impressive but the Falcons offense is still developing and Washington might see itself on a bit of a downslide.
1pm – Colts (0-3) @ Dolphins (1-2)
Pick: Dolphins
The Colts are in rough shape and neither offense is impressive. This could go either way but Jacoby Brissett might be the better QB and he’s playing at home.
1pm – Chiefs (1-2) @ Eagles (1-2)
Pick: Chiefs
KC has defensive issues but they’ll recover against the Eagles who go destroyed by the Cowboys last week.
4:25pm – Steelers (1-2) @ Packers (2-1)
Pick: Packers
The only afternoon game not in my top tier and it’ll draw the most viewship. Rogers had no problem putting the Packers in position for a game winner last week and the offense has looked good the past two weeks. Pittsburg is detreating at the QB spot with no other options.

Rotten
TNF – Jacksonville (0-3) @ Cincinnati (2-1)
Pick: Cincinnati
The Bengals defense is showing signs of life and Jacksonville isn’t showing signs of anything.
1pm – Texans (1-2) @ Bills (2-1)
Pick: Bills
Buffalo is favored by over two touchdowns against the Texans.
1pm – Lions (0-3) @ Bears (1-2)
Pick: Lions
Justin Fields was sacked more times than he had completions last week. The Lions continue to fight and might have a more competent coach. That might be enough to win.
1pm – Giants (0-3) @ Saints (2-1)
Pick: Saints
NY hasn’t been awful but 0-3 against an offense that can be explosive (or impotent) behind Jameis Winston isn’t the place to be.
1pm – Titans (2-1) @ Jets (0-3)
Pick: Titans
The Jets will have the ability to compete with the Titans and notch win #1.