2019 NFL Week 21 Predictions

Week 21 Predictions

I am, honestly, not really sure what to make of this game. It’s not like we have a great comparison for this game based on the regular season, or history between the teams. It’s a classic “high flying offense vs. grind it out running team with strong defense”. So, I thought about two semi recent versions of this game.

The first was the Giants vs. Patriots Super Bowls. It was clear the path to slowing down the Pats was getting to Brady with only 4 rushers. SF has been able to do this all year. That front four is athletic enough to get through a KC line that has been thinned and nicked by injury this year.

The second was the Saints and SF game from this year. That was the game I was won over by the Niners. I thought honestly it was a class 11-5 team that would grind out victories but couldn’t win a shootout. I wasn’t sold on the WRs or Jimmy G. However, they managed to hang in a game against an elite QB/offense.

So, I am taking the Niners, because overall despite the deficiencies at QB and WR relative to the Chiefs, the roster in SF is much better. I trust Shanahan’s ability to scheme to Reid’s level, and don’t believe in the KC defense. The Niners will slow the game down, drain the clock, and not give the ball over.

49ers +1.5 over Chiefs, 27-21

Record last week:

Straight Up: 0-2

By Spread: 0-2

Record this year:

Straight Up: 152-92

By Spread: 128-113

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 1553-853
By Spread: 1284-1132

2019 NFL Week 20 Predictions

Week 20 Predictions

Titans +7.5 over Chiefs, 27-26

-I am choosing to think of this as the Titans will keep it close. Look, what the Chiefs did last week was really impressive. Truly, it was a show. However, the Texans are the type of team to let that up. The Titans can absolutely hold the ball, keep it close, and win a hard game. They did so two months ago, at KC. Mahomes is great, and can easily win this game. But I like it to be close enough to enjoy that half point.

Packers +7.5 over 49ers, 22-24

-The 49ers certainly look like the best team. Still, I’d rather have Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs, especially getting that extra half point. In a running game with less possessions, and knowing Rodgers doesn’t turn the ball over, I want to just cover here.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 3-1

By Spread: 3-1

Record this year:

Straight Up: 152-90

By Spread: 128-111

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 1553-851
By Spread: 1284-1130

2019 NFL Week 19 Predictions: Divisional Round

Week 19 Predictions

49ers -7 over Vikings, 28-20

-The Vikings are hot right now and that feels like the hot pick. However, at some point it becomes obvious why no wild card weekend team has gone to the Super Bowl in about a decade. The Vikings are traveling again to the West Coast after having come from New Orleans. SF is getting 4 players back and are at home and healthy. I think that makes the difference here. Thielen’s uncertain status doesn’t help here.

Ravens -9.5 over Titans, 30-20

-Time for the ride to end for the Titans. Ravens have had two weeks to rest and plan, and are very experienced in the playoffs even if Lamar himself isn't that experienced himself. I think Henry gets bottled up a bit, and Marcus Peters makes a gamble that pays off. Titans get their ball control strategy out ball controlled and have to press, where Tannehill makes critical mistakes late.

Chiefs -9.5 over Texans, 34-17

-There was a point last week were I would have taken the Texans and the points. However, after that horrible performance last week in which they barely escaped with a win, and a strong vibe that KC might be making a quiet but strong run to the SB, I have to go with Mahomes here. Chiefs haven’t had to really throttle up this season but beat NE, earned a bye, and suffered their injuries early. Texans do have some of the right pieces to beat them, and have shown they can. If I was nervous about this pick though, the location and presumed weather would bring me back to confidence however.

Packers -4.5 over Seahawks, 29-23 

-Lowest confidence pick, and maybe the best pure game. Love the QB matchup, but GB is home and rested and that will make a huge difference. I find myself in an odd circumstance this playoffs without much of a rooting interest. Not just having the Pats knocked out, but I really thought the Saints would be going on a deep run. I am excited for the possibility of a deep Packers run, and the history at Lambeau. Brees and AR should really both have more than 1 ring in this era, and perhaps this is where GB earns his second.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 2-2

By Spread: 2-1

Record this year:

Straight Up: 149-89

By Spread: 125-110

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 1550-850
By Spread: 1281-1129

2019 NFL Week 18 Predictions: Wild Card Weekend

Week 18 Predictions

Bills +3 over Texans, 20-22

-Just too tight to lay the full field goal. Texans can and may win, but the Bills defense is very good. Until I see the Texans keep all their playmakers on the field and healthy and consistent, I’ll be betting the other way. I would like to see the Texans at the Ravens next week though.

Titans +5 over Pats, 23-26

-Just cover again. 5 points is a weird line, and with the Patriots’ ability to score on offense this makes sense. A Titans win straight out wouldn’t surprise me to be honest. Neither would a 24-10 Pats win on a defensive TD.

Saints -8 over Vikings, 31-17

-My favorite game of the weekend, by far. The Vikings are all over the place with health and consistency, especially for their skill position players. The Saints are ready to make their run for the injustices and misses of years past.

Seahawks -2.5 over Eagles, 27-23

-I love the over here, especially as it sits at 45. To me, as injured as both teams are, the Eagles are missing more vital parts and skill positions, where the Seahawks can still throw the ball. I trust Russell over Wentz in the post season.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 11-5

By Spread: 11-5

Record this year:

Straight Up: 147-87

By Spread: 123-109

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 1548-848
By Spread: 1279-1128