Let’s get right to it.
Cowboys (-7) over Jaguars in London. This line has fluctuated all week. It opened at 10, then dropped all the way down to 6 ½ because of the Cowboys’ quarterback situation. Tony Romo has been listed as Probable, so he is going to play. That changes the whole situation, as Romo should easily be able to handle Jacksonville’s porous defense. Debate whether or not Romo should play all you want, but the second he got on that plane I knew he was. No point in him making that flight otherwise.
Dolphins (+ 2 ½) over LIONS. Miami played inspired football last week in their shocking 37 point victory over the Chargers. Detroit is fresh off their bye week, and is expecting the return of superstar receiver Calvin Johnson. All signs are pointing to Detroit, but Miami is playing excellent ball. This game will be close, but I like the Dolphins in a squeaker.
Chiefs (-2) over BILLS. A battle of unexpected 5-3 teams is one of the marquee games of Week 10. I like Kansas City here because they are better at all facets. Alex Smith protects the ball, the defense is top notch, as is their special teams. The injury to Sammy Watkins opens the door even more for the Chiefs. Watkins is a game time decision, and if he doesn’t go the Bills offense takes a major hit.
SAINTS (- 5 ½) over 49ers. San Francisco laid a major egg last week, yet still should have won that game. Sometimes coaches out think themselves, case in point the goal line play calling by Jim Harbaugh on Sunday. With three chances at goal to go, Frank Gore never touched the ball. That’s a huge loss for the Niners, who are now chasing two teams in their own division. New Orleans continues to be the best home team in the NFL, and I see Drew Brees and company taking it to the 49ers.
RAVENS (-9 ½) over Titans. Zach Mettenberger is being thrown to the wolves in his NFL career. HIs first start was against the Texans defense, and now his second one is against Baltimore’s defense. The Ravens are amped for a good performance after their loss in Pittsburgh last week, and the Titans are the perfect opponent to get healthy against.
Steelers (-4) over JETS. This line seems too easy, but I’m going to take it anyway. I’m done believing in the Jets. Ben Roethlisberger has been playing out of his mind the past two weeks, and all of the signs point to Pittsburgh blowing the Jets out of Metlife Stadium. And that is what is going to happen.
BUCCANEERS (+ 2 ½) over Falcons. Atlanta last looked like a competent football team when they destroyed Tampa Bay 56-14 in week three. Since then they’ve lost five straight by an average of 30-18. They also haven’t won on the road in 11 games. You can’t bet the Falcons with those trends.
Broncos (-11) over RAIDERS. Oakland is 0-8. Denver is fresh off a loss to New England. Oakland was game last week against Seattle, but with Peyton Manning coming to town I don’t see this game being close. Denver rolls.
Rams (+6 ½) over CARDINALS. The Rams have played their NFC West Divisional opponents tough this season. In the past four weeks, they have beaten both Seattle and San Francisco. Can they complete the division sweep? Jeff Fisher will have his Rams ready to play. I also can’t fathom the Arizona Cardinals being 8-1.
Giants (+9) over SEAHAWKS. The Giants were uninspired in last weeks loss to the Colts. They looked lost, they looked sloppy, they looked uninterested. So why am I picking them again? Because the Seahawks are not the same team. Seattle had the Raiders done and let them come back into the game. I don’t think the Giants will win, but a back door cover is definitely in play here.
PACKERS (-7) over Bears. Aaron Rodgers is 10-3 lifetime against the Bears. Jay Cutler is 1-10 lifetime against the Packers. This “rivalry” has been very one sided. This one may get ugly in a hurry.
Panthers (+6 1/2) over EAGLES. So let me get this straight. I get to bet against Mark Sanchez AND I get points? Where do I sign up? The talk all week from Philadelphia is how the Eagles won’t miss a beat, but I don’t see it. We’ve seen what Mark Sanchez is, and that’s not good. Unless Chip Kelly dials it down a bit and leans on LeSean McCoy, the Eagles will not win this game. Mark Sanchez doesn’t protect the ball well, and he makes poor decisions. Cam Newton also makes terrible decisions and has had a terrible season. As you can tell, I’m not exactly pumped about this week’s Monday Night Football game.
Last Week: 4-8
Season: 19-21