2016 NFL Week 8 Predictions

Week 8 Predictions:

Titans -3 over Jags, 23-13

- It is the AFC South. This will be a painful game to watch. As is their wont.

Bengals -3 over Ethnic Slurs, 26-22

-The Bengals will outperform the Skins in the trenches to win this game.

Pats -5 over Bills, 33-14

-I’m so excited! No way the Pats are losing this game.

Jets -3 over Browns, 17-13

-No power on earth or heaven could get me to watch any of this game. Marshall continues to be the only real offense for the Jets. I’m starting Fitzpatrick in a two QB league because I hate myself.

Lions +2.5 over Texans, 30-17

-Stafford for MVP? It’s not impossible.

Chiefs -2.5 over Colts, 27-24

-Boring beats inconsistent every time.

Saints +2.5 over Seahawks, 24-17

-Stay away, I don’t know what to do with the Seattle offense at this point. I do know the Saints will score something regardless.

Raiders -1 over Bucs, 30-26

-Raiders finding ugly ways to win. At some point, it’ll open up a bit more.

Cards +3 over Panthers, 24-20

-The Cards are getting points? I miss something here?

Chargers +5.5 over Broncos, 16-13

-Chargers got them a few weeks ago, and the Broncos have only picked up injuries since then. Rivers manages the heck out of this to a win. CJ Anderson’s injury is significant.

Packers +3 over Falcons, 33-27

-Packers are getting right, and the Falcons are quietly 4-3 and reeling a little bit. This is actually the game of the week and could see some really great nuanced offensive play. This is the game I am most excited about, and Rodgers should continue his adjustments back to fully elite status.

Cowboys -4 over Eagles, 24-17

-I still just don’t particularly enjoy watching either team, but this is an interesting and important game. The Cowboys are by far the more consistent and simply arranged team, making them the more predictable victor. The Eagles can crush one element of an opponent’s offense though, so if they crash on Zeke it will be interesting to see the counter adjustment.

Vikings -4 over Bears, 20-12

-This is MNF and they are wondering why ratings are down. Cutler has multiple turnovers and Fox won’t even be able to pull him. Am I playing Cutler in a league? Of course I am. #WeDontHaveEnoughGoodQBs

Record last week:

Straight Up: 8-6

By Spread: 8-6

Record this year:

Straight Up: 58-44

By Spread: 47-54

  

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 993-558
By Spread: 812-724

2016 NFL Week 7 Predictions

Week 7 Predictions:

Packers -7 over Bears, 24-16

-Giving it one more chance, Rodgers in prime time. Chicago has so many skill position injuries, though Hoyer probably still claws to 300 yards. Hopefully Rodgers can find receivers downfield again and break out of this weird slump.

Giants -2.5 over Rams, 23-16

-Ugh. I’m so sick of Beckham but this one makes sense.

Bengals -10 over Browns, 26-14

-Poor, poor Browns. Bengals get one they really need and Browns continue to struggle.

Lions pk over Ethnic Slurs, 27-26

-I really don’t know about the game. But I’m watching with borderline morbid fascination the saga of Jordan Reed. Super athletic, 5 concussions already in his career. Probably more considering how these things are measured, how he admitted he hid headaches and symptoms two weeks ago, etc. It concerns me, and players like him are the real indicators for “when do we just say, no, you can’t play”. Tough place.

Vikings -3 over Eagles, 24-20

-3 points? Did we forget how good the Vikings were during the bye week? I like what the Eagles have done but I’ll lay these three easily.

Titans -3 over Colts, 24-17

-I’m riding the Titans. Nice little team. The Colts are not a nice little team. They are a really rough team to even watch.

Bills -3 over Fins, 23-19

-I don’t like this, but it is undeniable which direction both teams are headed in. Who the Bills RB will be, who knows.

Ravens +2.5 over Jets, 20-12

-I’m confused. 3-3 team with a professional QB versus a 1-5 team with multiple injuries and either Fitzmagick or Geno at QB. And the Ravens are getting points? Yeah, I’ll get on that.

Saints +6 over Chiefs, 27-28

-I have a weird feeling that the Saints are undervalued and getting lines way too big for a team that can always score, especially late in games to cover. I think I’ll be taking them for a while.

Raiders +1 over Jags, 31-30

-I almost feel bad for Vegas. They have no idea what to do with the lines for the Raiders. This feels like disrespect, but then again, the Chiefs crunched them last week. I’m staying with them, especially because of their ability to score points in bunches.

Falcons -6.5 over Chargers, 31-20

-Decent amount of points will be scored here, but this should be all Falcons. After their recent run of games, the Chargers defense should be easy pickings.

Pats -7 over Steelers, 34-20

-Bad break for the Steelers, but I think the Pats would have gotten it anyways. Expect some “What’s wrong with Antonio Brown?” talking head conversations this week. Then try to trade for him. Pats continue to light up back 7s, especially if Shazier doesn’t play. I’m just waiting for the Pats linebackers to all play a game at the same time and all healthy. I’m not judging the defense before then.

Bucs +1 over 49ers, 20-16

-Just a painful game, I won’t be watching. 49ers are too simplistic, and the Bucs are coming off of rest. There should be a big game from Evans here.

Cards +2.5 over Seahawks, 24-23

-Arizona is playing Jekyll and Hyde football, Carson Palmer is taking days off because his arm is old, Seattle has no offensive line, Russell Wilson can’t move (but he can still throw pretty well). Who knows, stay away from this game. I’m just taking the points, and belief in the Cards DBs’ ability to cover Seattle receivers.

Texans +9 over Broncos, 20-13

-Broncos are an elite passing defense. No other part of the team is, and I’m not laying 9 points with Trevor Siemian. It may not be pretty for Brock though. I won’t be watching this game.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 9-6

By Spread: 9-6

Record this year:

Straight Up: 50-38

By Spread: 39-48

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 985-52
By Spread: 804-718

2016 NFL Week 6 Predictions

Week 6 Predictions:

Chargers +4.5 over Broncos, 20-16

-I’m not buying the Broncos are for real. They can’t push the ball down the field. Chargers dice them to death in this game.

Lions -3 over Rams, 24-16

-I still trust the teams that can score over the teams that can’t. Free Goff!

Steelers -7.5 over Fins, 31-10

-...I’m sorry for the delay in the column as I raced to a website to complete some business between seeing this line and writing the commentary for it.

Pats -8.5 over Bengals, 34-24

-This end the Bengals’ season as real contenders? Feels early but it’d be difficult to come back from. Brady rolls again.

Ravens +3 over Giants, 17-16

-This is a lot of overreaction. I will take the points with the solid team. The Ravens just need to keep it solid and pound the ball.

Saints +2.5 over Panthers, 31-20

-Saints win this and suddenly a path to legitimacy emerges. Panthers might just be done. They can’t run the ball or stop the pass. That turns out to be a bad combination.

Ethnic Slurs +3.5 over Eagles, 26-23

-Yeah, I’m not watching this. Just taking some points.

Jags +2.5 over Bears, 24-20

-Neither team is very good, but the Bears are hurting and the Jags are coming off a bye. That’s enough, with the free couple of points.

49ers +9 over Bills, 14-16

-Do I have to pick this game? If pressed, that’s just a lot of points versus a Rex Ryan team.

Titans -7 over Browns, 20-6

-Titans are an absolutely boring, mediocre team that does very few things wrong. The Browns…well, I feel bad at this point. And can I try out for quarterback?

Raiders +1.5 over Chiefs, 31-23

-Man, the Raiders have to fix some things on defense. But they can absolutely score at will and in so many ways. The Chiefs are rested, but I still doubt their ability to racket up and score on this level.

Packers -3.5 over Cowboys, 26-18

-I’m going to go out on a limb and predict Dak’s first interception here. Rodgers continues to roll forward.

Falcons +6.5 over Seahawks, 27-23

-Seems strange to say since ATL just defeated both Super Bowl participants from last year, but THIS would make a statement this team is for real. They should at least cover this insulting line versus a team with a still shoddy offensive line.

Colts +3.5 over Texans, 20-22

-Ugh. How long can Brock go like this? It is just thoroughly mediocre to watch. Taking Luck with that extra half point to at least have this close.

Cards -7.5 over Jets, 27-13

-The dissolving process is starting for these Jets. Should Hackenberg play as of Week 9? Week 13? 

Record last week:

Straight Up: 9-4

By Spread: 7-6

Record this year:

Straight Up: 41-32

By Spread: 30-42

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 976-546
By Spread: 795-712

2016 NFL Week 5 Predictions

Week 5 Predictions:

Ravens -4 over Ethnics Slurs, 27-20

-Home team, Kirk Cousin can’t figure out the red zone, and Ravens are a better coached and more disciplined team. Kirk is a decent fantasy play though: Derek Carr lit this Ravens team up last week after all.

Pats -10.5 over Browns, 27-13

-Normally the Browns are a trap team for the Pats, but in Brady’s return? No way. The amount of offensive weapons for the Pats might be more limited than you think though. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Edelman and Blount are both out.

Eagles -3 over Lions, 23-17

-Lions are falling apart with injuries, and the Eagles are rolling. Nice schedule for them, but the wins count so this is probably a playoff team.

Bears +5 over Colts, 20-23

-Colts shouldn’t be favored over anyone by that much right now. Brian Hoyer may hold onto this job long term as well, and should be successful even with Kevin White going on IR.

Titans -3.5 over Fins, 20-10

-Fins are a mess, Titans are about the same consistent team each week. They are going to run, a lot. The Fins look to be a mess all over the place, and have a disrupted week anyways with hurricane concerns.

Vikings -6.5 over Texans, 24-16

-This is starting to be about “proper respect” for this team. Should be another hohum win with few people betting on this team.

Steelers -7 over Jets, 31-17

-Jets are hurting a little, and what was supposed to their strength (cornerback play) has absolutely been their weakness. That’s not good versus the Steelers.

Falcons +4.5 over Broncos, 26-24

-Broncos are still a run first, play close and win with defense team. I hate lines over 3 with those teams, and the Falcons have been great. Statement wins over both participants in last year’s Super Bowl would be great for them.

Bengals -2 over Cowboys, 24-20

-Stay away from this game. Bengals are more consistent and dynamic, but the Cowboys will run it regardless and play possession ball.

Rams -2 over Bills, 17-10

-Low confidence pick. I just still don’t think the Bills are that good. They scored 16 points in a “blow out”.

Raiders -3.5 over Chargers, 35-31

-Take the over. This should be a shootout as the Raiders are really good and Phillip Rivers still has his deal with the devil to be productive no matter who his receivers are. The Raiders are a more well-rounded and also healthier team, and get a win here.

Packers -7 over Giants, 29-20

-Something is off with the Giants offense. Aaron Rodgers has had 2 weeks to prep and examine the offense and his practice. Jordy Nelson has had that much time to continue his recovery and gain confidence in the knee. I feel pretty good about this one even though the line is relatively high. Beckham as a distraction is factor as well.

Bucs (whatever the line is) over Panthers, 27-23

-Something is wrong in Carolina. Cam’s health aside, the issues in the secondary are very real so I am going to be taking the Bucs as long as they are getting some points at all.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 9-5

By Spread: 8-6

Record this year:

Straight Up: 32-28

By Spread: 23-36

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 967-542
By Spread: 788-706

2016 NFL Week 4 Predictions

Week 4 Predictions:

Wow, this is getting brutal. Trying to pull out of this dive.

Bengals -7 over Fins, 28-20

-I had this, I swear. Several websites can corroborate.

Colts -2.5 over Jags, 27-23

-Colts can still do something this year. The Jags (and Gus Bradley) might already be done.

Lions -3 over Bears, 24-13

-Injuries. Bears steaming to a top 3 pick. Lions are going to “death by a thousand cuts” them.

Falcons +3.5 over Panthers, 24-26

-I legitimately feel bad for the circumstances around this. What is happening with Charlotte absolutely is affecting the Panthers. Best wishes to team and city.

Raiders +3.5 over Ravens, 24-22

-Baltimore is not a real 3-0 team, and the Raiders are still coming…I think.

Titans +5.5 over Texans, 20-17

-Texans have some serious issues right now, and I like the Titans’ ability to keep it close and surprise some folks.

Pats -4.5 over Bills, 24-16

-This could be the one NE lets down on. But I’m not betting against them until it happens.

Seahawks -1.5 over Jets, 20-17

-This is a mess with injuries and such. Stay away.

Browns +7.5 over Ethnic Slurs, 17-24

-Just cover. I feel like the Browns are going to try until they get one win and then completely fall apart.

Bucs +3.5 over Broncos, 21-23

-Taking the points, hoping for a close game. Siemian is going to have a bad one very soon here.

Cards -7.5 over Rams, 34-10

-Sorry Rams. I know you play well in division, but ask Tampa what happens when the Cards play a stinker and then come to play a team with major flaws the next week. If Carson isn’t right here though, real concern flags go up.

Saints +3.5 over Chargers, 34-31

-Take the over. Like, go now and take it and then come back to finish reading. Saints really need a win to have any sense of relevance left.

Cowboys -3 over 49ers, 22-17

-Boring game, will be grind it out and running all over the place. Neither QB should do much, especially with Dez out.

Steelers -5.5 over Chiefs, 33-24

-As much as I enjoyed what happened to the Steelers last week, this is probably the game it flips and they destroy their next opponent. Stay away for betting purposes.

Vikings -4.5 over Giants, 24-19

-I am riding the Vikings until it doesn’t work anymore. Other than skill positions, maybe the best overall team in football.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 6-9

By Spread: 5-9

Record last week:

Straight Up: 23-23

By Spread: 15-30

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 958-537
By Spread: 780-700

2016 NFL Week 3 Predictions

Cards -3.5 over Bills, 30-13

-SOOO exited. Someone gets to beat the Bills before NE does next week?! This could get ugly for the Ryans. Play all of your Cardinals.

Vikings +7.5 over Panther, 20-26

-Ugh, this feels like it could get blown out based on how the CAR-SF game went. But in a defensive game I’m talking that extra half point.

Bengals -3.5 over Broncos, 24-19

-Bengals need it more. Siemian is going to hit a bump somewhere here and this defense may well be it. Dalton needs some of the secondary players to step up outside of AJ before Tyler Eifert comes back.

Packers -7 over Lions, 34-23

-Death, taxes, the Packers beating the Lions in Green Bay. Rodgers fixes a few things this week and everyone can RELAX.

Ravens -1 over Jags, 20-17

-Ravens may not be good. It is looking like the Jags are absolutely not good. I won’t watch much of this game. Mike Wallace for real though?

Fins -9.5 over Browns, 24-13

-I won’t actually be betting this anywhere, but I’ll lay the points versus a rookie QB. Good luck Cody Kessler, I am rooting for you.

Giants -3.5 over Ethnic Slurs, 27-22

-This could get ugly in Washington really quickly. Cousins, you should have signed that contract. Giants are going to put both offensive and defense together one of these games, and it’ll be pretty awesome to watch.

Raiders +1 over Titans, 30-17

-Okay, I like both teams as up and coming. The Raiders are just a year further along. Carr has been great, if the defense can be even average, they will kill this team. If they can’t right the ship here, I will be backing off the Raiders. Mariota could quietly have a sneaky good game.

Niners +10.5 over Seattle, 9-13

-Seattle lays nothing larger than a field goal from here on out until that offensive line is fixed. They’ve scored 15 points all year!

Bucs -5 over Rams, 20-6

-Last game for Keenum? It should be. Bucs will find a medium between Week 1 (surprisingly good) and Week 2 (egg laying). Rams aren’t playing Seattle, so they won’t show any skill whatsoever. I also feel like Chris Long was their Patronus and they’ve lost something big with him in NE.

Chargers +3.5 over Colts, 30-27

-The Colts haven’t been even reasonably good on defense for 20 games now. They will fall behind by multiple scores at some point. The Chargers could put random ticket holders in at receiver and produce points because Rivers remains criminally underrated. Somehow McCluster, signed this week, has 50 yards and a score and they win outright.

Jets +3 over Chiefs, 23-19

-Chiefs aren’t dynamic on either side of the ball. It does turn out losing Charles and Houston actually makes you less exciting, and far less threatening. The Jets, on paper, look pretty good and if they avoid being outmaneuvered in crunch time with game management, they will win outright. Oh hi Andy Reid!

Eagles +3.5 over Steelers, 23-24

-This will be a tougher game that most would think because somehow the Eagles have been very tough. Ben outclasses Carson late, but I’ll take that extra half point to cover.

Cowboys -7 over Bears, 24-13

-Bears are quickly falling apart, and Cowboys are figuring some things out on offense. Easy pick for this one. Might be the first big Zeke game.

Saints -3 over Falcons, 34-31

-10-year anniversary of the Gleason game, Saints really need the win, Primetime Drew Brees at home. A lot of points will be scored here, a lot of changes to fantasy leagues on Monday night from what they were Monday morning.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 7-8

By Spread: 5-10

Record last week:

Straight Up: 17-14

By Spread: 10-21

Record last year:

Straight Up: 140-90

By Spread: 120-108

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 952-528
By Spread: 775-691

2016 NFL Week 2 Predictions

Week 2 Predictions:

I hate predicting week 1. I have a better feel on a lot of teams now. Let’s go.

Saints +4.5 over Giants, 27-30

-Giants find their offensive flow, but the Saints keep it close enough. I will almost always take 4.5 with the Saints versus non-elite teams. For gambling purposes, take the over though.

49ers +13.5 over Panthers, 13-24

-Strong Panthers win, but 13.5 points?! Are you crazy? That’s still a team that won an NFL game by 28 points.

Cowboys +3 over Ethnic Slurs, 21-20

-Something isn’t right with Washington. Well, something isn’t as we thought it’d be. The Cowboys develop some medium depth passing and facilitate running production to keep it close at least.

Fins +6.5 over Pats, 24-27

-Pats have a strong chance to win based on schemes, being at home, probably getting Gronk back, etc. However, 6.5 without your starting QB in a division game is a bit too much.

Bengals +3.5 over Steelers, 28-27

-Bengals continue to be the well balanced, well put together team people don’t want to acknowledge. With the brilliance of AJ Green, this team could score with them too.

Browns +6.5 over Ravens, 17-19

-Not confident in the ability of the Ravens to score with a pumped up Josh McCown and an underrated set of receivers. Too many points to lay.

Texans -2.5 over Chiefs, 24-21

-Texans are putting it together on offense. I kind of like this team, if Brock can start to make it seem natural. Watt is only going to get healthier, and the Chiefs have some serious holes on defense. I especially don’t like the challenges they are having manufacturing a pass rush.

Lions -6 over Titans, 27-20

-I don’t like this, just laying the 6 because they are at home. Jim Bob Cooter! RB checkdown city!

Seahawks -7 over Rams, 20-6

-Normally I’d say “not enough points exist to get me to stay away from taking the Seahawks. They should crush LA like a grape”. However, this is exactly the type of game LA wins somehow. I am guessing this isn’t one of those times though. Seattle also is struggling on offense with health. Guess when you have an abhorrent offensive line one year, and then don’t address it, that can be a problem.

Cards -6.5 over Bucs, 30-22

-The Bucs are feisty, but this is a get right game for the Cards at home. Big David Johnson game here. If Carson struggles here, I might officially be worried though.

Jags +3 over Chargers, 28-24

-Chargers can’t score without Keenan Allen. Jags are much improved and we start to see it here.

Raiders -4.5 over Falcons, 27-20

-Falcons just don’t look very dynamic right now, and it seems the Raiders’ rise is for real.

Colts +6 over Broncos, 23-24

-Just cover. The Colts have always been able to play Denver tough. Trevor Siemian turns into a pumpkin at some point.

Packers -2.5 over Vikings, 24-16

-Um, yeah. Let me get on that Packers line really quickly. Prime time Aaron Rodgers only has to give a sub FG line? Bradford or Hill, doesn’t matter. Still love my Packers Super Bowl pick, Rodgers is otherworldy playing this position.

Bears -3 over Eagles, 20-14

-This is MNF? I don’t even care I’m missing this game. Experience over a rookie is my read here, low confidence selection though.

Record last week:

Straight Up: 10-6

By Spread: 5-11

Record last year:

Straight Up: 140-90

By Spread: 120-108

Lifetime record:
Straight Up: 945-520
By Spread: 770-681