-Originally published 10/31/21-
Bye Week: Raiders, Ravens
Fresh Squeezed
TNF – Packers (6-1) @ Cardinals (7-0)
The last unbeaten in the league takes on a Green Bay receiving core decimated by covid. Aaron Jones taking handoffs figures to be a huge back of the game plan but you can’t ever could Rodgers out.
Pick: Cardinals
1pm – Titans (5-2) @ Colts (3-4)
Indianapolis is finally coming around and this is game is a huge divisional decider with the Jags and Texans a combined 2-11 and this division probably getting only one team in the playoffs. Titans are coming off big Bills and Chiefs wins but will miss Julio Jones. Carson Wentz has a 11-1 Td-Int ratio for the Colts and found a weapon in Michael Pittman. I’m going with the Colts to upset the applecart.
Pick: Colts
4:25pm – Buccaneers (6-1) @ Saints (4-2)
A rivalry that won’t be the same without Drew Brees. Tampa torched Chicago 38-3 last week and look prepared to do the same here. NO knocked off a miserable Seattle team 13-10 last week and doesn’t really look the part of a 4-2 team. Winston has had to throw more, hitting 30 attempts for the first time two weeks ago against Washington and 35 against Seattle. He has a 13-3 Td-Int Ratio this season but only a 58.9% completion rate. Hopefully they can hang for a good game.
Pick: Buccaneers
8:20pm – Cowboys (5-1) @ Vikings (3-3)
Dak Prescott is a game-time decision with Cooper Rush his backup. His health widely impacts how this game will be scripted and the potential outcome. Dallas’s ability to run the ball will be key but the Vikings will have a much better shot obviously if the offense is one dimensional.
Pick: Vikings
Lower Grove
1pm – Panthers (3-4) @ Falcons (3-3)
Darnold was bench last week and rumors have begun swirling that Matt Rule could look to return to college coaching. Atlanta has wins over the Giants, Jets, Dolphins but the offense is looking alive and should out-pace what the Panthers can put up.
Pick: Falcons
1pm – Steelers (3-3) @ Browns (4-3)
With the quarterbacks, running backs, and various other positions in question again for Cleveland this is a position where you have to trust good coaching to get the job done. They’re still a more talented squad than Pittsburg at this point.
Pick: Browns
4:05 – Patriots (3-4) @ Chargers (4-2)
The Pats are limited but not terrible. They might be the closest thing to an “average” team in a season full of bad teams. Baltimore controlled the time of possession against the Bolts last week 38:07-21:53 as they were destroyed 34-6. The Patriots would use a similar model so the Chargers will be on upset watch.
Pick: Chargers
MNF – Giants (2-5) @ Chiefs (3-4)
If this were a 1pm Sunday game it would be borderline unwatchable. The Chiefs defense is bottom of the league and will give up points to even the lowly Giants. NY smothered the Panthers 25-3 last week. Receiver health is again an issue.
Pick: Chiefs
Haunted
1pm – 49ers (2-4) @ Bears (3-4)
Fields was benched last week and the inability to scheme to his skillset seems detrimental to his development. The sooner Nagey is out the better. This team has talent but needs a creative coaching staff. They’re cap strapped and tight on draft picks. SF second year in a row of losing is also bringing coaching and scheme into question. Two teams with potential in the roster seem to be held back by forces on the sidelines and changes will be made in the offseason.
Pick: 49ers?
1pm – Dolphins (1-6) @ Bills (4-2)
Tua has taken a step forward (thankfully) but the rest of the roster is showing it’s ineptitude. Buffulo has its warts but this game shouldn’t be close.
Pick: Bills
1pm – Eagles (2-5) @ Lions (0-7)
Detroit is a popular pick here and it’s difficult to not go with the feisty Lions. The Eagles are regressing to the bottom of the league as expected.
Pick: Lions
1pm – Bengals (5-2) @ Jets (1-5)
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have turned into must-watch football. The probable is the Jets are unwatchable at this point. Scoring more than 20 points only once this season and starting 2018 5th round pick Mike White at QB due to multiple QB injuries. Catch the Bengals next week against the Browns.
Pick: Bengals
1pm – Rams (6-1) @ Texans (1-6)
Tyrod Taylor might be back under center for the Texans and that would elevate play immediately.
Pick: Rams
4:05pm – Jaguars (1-5) @ Seahawks (2-5)
Jags heading cross-country to battle Hawks that continue to field back up QB and RB Geno Smith and Alex Collins.
Pick: Seahawks
4:25 – Washington (2-5) @ Broncos (3-4)
A must win for both teams. Denver started the season 3-0 with wins over the Giants, Jags, and Jets and promptly fell apart against better competition. Jerry Judy will make his season debut for Teddy Bridgewater who is one of the league leaders in average depth per-target. Washington has lost 3 straight by double-digits and just not very talented. I think the Broncos pull out a sloshfesh between two teams missing the playoffs.
Pick: Broncos