Last week had more of the usual "Everything we thought we knew about the NFL isn't actually true" games. That said, not a terrible week of picks for yours truly. And my pick for last night's Thursday Night Football game was correct after about 10 minutes of the first quarter of play. Side note: I'm pretty positive what the Falcons did to the Bucs last night qualifies as a crime in at least 8 states. I mean good God. Anyway we've started the week 1-0 let's get to the rest of the picks.
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Already covered this but had to add this nugget. Tampa's defense was actually able to post positive points last night in some fantasy leagues. Isn't fantasy football wonderful?
Winner: Atlanta
Green Bay @ Detroit
Questions abound in the NFC North. Will the Packers O-Line be their downfall? Can the Lions get 14 games of good Matt Stafford the rest of the way? I could keep going and I have no idea what to make of this division right now. I remember the Thanksgiving game in Ford Field last year. So do many Packers fans. But Rodgers is back and I think that he will do just enough to get the Pack a victory.
Winner: Green Bay
Washington @ Philadelphia
The Eagles have been outscored 34-6 in the first half and outscored their opponents 58-10 in the 2nd half. Kelly's offense seems to wear teams out late in games but the Eagles are living a dangerous life digging themselves holes like that. Washington's defense is better, but I hesitate to put too much stock in last week's 10 sacks considering the opponent. I do think their running game will be a problem for the Eagles D. I think DeSean Jackson has a big game in his return to Philly.
Winner: Washington (Yes I'm trying to use a reverse jinx continually on the Eagles by picking against them and having them win. Don't judge me)
San Diego @ Buffalo
It's always difficult for the West Coast team to travel cross country and play the 1pm game. I like what the Bills have done so far this season. Despite the travel I'm going to take San Diego. Phillip Rivers continues to revitalize his career in Mike McCoy's offense.
Winner: San Diego
Dallas @ St Louis
The Cowboys were able to prove me wrong last week with a commitment to the running game. That needs to continue this week since in two career games against the Rams Demarco Murray has run for over 400 yards. The 'Boys D should be able to stop Austin Davis.
Winner: Dallas
Houston @ New York Giants
Anybody else terrified for Eli Manning this week? JJ Watt against an offensive line that has questions all over the place? Eli might be the unluckiest guy in the league over the past couple years with the number of tipped INT's he's had. Houston's D stops the Giants and Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't lose them the game.
Winner: Houston
Minnesota @ New Orleans
How did the Saints lose to the Browns last week? We laughed at the Bucs defense last night but statistically through two games (even including last night's 56-14 thumping) the Saints D has been worse. New Orleans has allowed an average of 446 YPG. Eww. But the plus for them is they get a Vikings team led by Matt Cassel who looked awful last week. Brees and the offense in the Superdome outscores Cassel and Cordarrelle Patterson.
Winner: New Orleans
Tennessee @ Cincinnati
The Bengals defense might actually be better this year than it was last year with noted defensive wizard Mike Zimmer at the helm. Giovani Bernard is a swiss army knife in the mold of a Darren Sproles. Meanwhile the Titans laid an egg after looking great week 1. I'm taking the Bengals and The Red Rocket at home.
Winner: Cincy
Baltimore @ Cleveland
The Browns upset the Saints last week by looking competent on offense against one of the worst defenses in the league. Baltimore stomped the Steelers despite the turmoil surrounding the squad. Bernard Pierce needs to continue his strong running from last week.
Winner: Baltimore
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville
In the last 6 quarters the Jags have been outscored 75-10. That is all.
Winner: Indy
Oakland @ New England
A bad Raiders team heading into Gillette to take on Belichick? Is there any way this game has under a 14 point margin of victory?
Winner: New England
San Francisco @ Arizona
The Cardinals defense (especially the secondary) is terrifying. They're 3rd in the league against the run which means Mr. Kaepernick will have to beat them with his arm. If he's the same guy from last week that doesn't bode well. But the Cards look like they will be starting Drew Stanton against a very opportunistic Niners D. That won't end well.
Winner: Niners
Denver @ Seattle
We all know the story lines. Classic revenge game. The 12th man. The Legion of Boom vs. Manning and Friends. Here's what I need to know. Where are they playing? Seattle? Yep okay I'll take the Seahawks in a closer game than it was in February.
Winner: Seattle
Kansas City @ Miami
The Chiefs are 2-8 since starting last season 9-0. Miami had a dud performance after a great start in Week 1. This is a coin flip. I'll take Miami at home.
Winner: Miami
Pittsburgh @ Carolina
The Panthers look like they're on a mission to prove me wrong for picking them as the regression team for this season. Even without Greg Hardy they are able to put pressure on the QB. Roethlisberger's protection hasn't been great and the D continues to look old.
Winner: Carolina
Chicago @ New York Jets
The Jets lost in the most Jets way possible last week. Having a 21-3 lead only to blow it and then have the tying TD negated by a timeout? Unbelievable. The Jets run defense is great once again (1st in NFL) and the Bears are terrible against the run (24th in NFL at 160 YPG). But, I think the Bears with an extra day's rest for Marshall and Jeffery will find a way to get it done on the road.
Winner: Chicago
Last Week: 7-9
This Week: 1-0
Season: 8-9
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