Last week was an utter disaster. I had my worst week ever while making picks for the first time this year. So I got to dig myself out of this hole, starting with this week’s picks:
Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings (-17.0)
I picked the Cardinals last week because they were +13.5 and I’m not getting fooled by the points again. The Bills are dreadful and they are likely to be without LeSean McCoy this week. I feel sorry for Bills Mafia that they have to go through this.
Pick: Vikings (-17.0)
Green Bay Packers (-3.0) @ Washington Redskins
The Redskins seemed like the real deal after a week one thumping of Arizona, but now it seems more likely the Cards are just terrible. Washington suffered a bad loss to the Colts and I don’t expect them to turn it around against ARod and the cheese heads.
Pick: Packers (-3.0)
Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens (-6.0)
I think the Broncos are getting a little disrespected here. They are 2-0 and the Ravens are coming off a beating by the Bengals. I’m going to go with Case Keenum and the Broncos here, hoping they can at least cover.
Pick: Broncos (+6.0)
Indianapolis Colts @ Philadelphia Eagles (-7.0)
To say the Eagles are short on weapons would be a understatement, but the lord and savior Carson Wentz is returning. That doesn’t fix their problems, but it will serve as a pretty effective band-aid. I think the offense is going to come out slow, especially with both Darren Sproles and Jay Ajayi being out, but the defense will keep them in the game. The Eagles’ defensive line should be able to dominate a weak set of protectors for the Colts and get to Andrew Luck early and often.
Pick: Eagles (-7.0)
San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs (-7.0)
The Chiefs seem to be great this year and a lot of it has to do with the emergence of Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is taking advantage of the great weapons he has on that offense and getting off to a historic start. However, I like the Niners here. It isn’t much more than a hunch, but I don’t know if Mahomes can keep the Chiefs’ offense producing at this high of pace.
Pick: 49ers (+7.0)
New York Giants @ Houston Texans (-6.0)
The Giants are an absolute mess. This year’s team barely seems any better than last year’s abhorrent squad. It is obvious why they they just as bad, and it is because the quarterback is the same. Nothing is going to change this week in Houston.
Pick: Texans (-6.0)
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (-2.0)
These NFC South games are always a coin toss and I think these teams are pretty evenly matched. This is a pretty big divisional game however early on since the loser of this contest falls to 1-2. In the end, I’m taking the Saints here just because they have the points.
Pick: Saints (+2.0)
Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers (-3.0)
I like the Bengals. Despite Marvin Lewis still being there, they have a solid group of players, and are coming off a big win against the Ravens. With the way things are looking in that division they could take the crown by the end of the season. The Panthers need a win also though after losing to a division rival in the Falcons. I’ll take the Bengals, but wouldn’t be surprised to see the Panthers win it a home.
Pick: Bengals (+3.0)
Oakland Raiders @ Miami Dolphins (-3.0)
I think the Raiders are finally going to break through this week and get Jon Gruden his first win of the season. They have been close, but have tasted defeated twice now. A 0-3 start to season would be pretty bad for the Raiders, so I expect them to get a win somehow.
Pick: Raiders (+3.0)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams (-7.0)
In the first match up between these teams since both moving to L.A., I am expecting a good game. The Chargers are improved from last year, so I think they are going to give the Rams a run for their money. I don’t think they will win, but I will take them losing by a touchdown or less.
Pick: Chargers (+7.0)
Dallas Cowboys @ Seattle Seahawks (-1.5)
The Seahawks knocked the Cowboys out of playoff contention last year, so this might be a revenge game for the Boys. However I don’t think either of these teams are remarkable at all, so I’m giving the Seahawks the edge at home.
Pick: Seahawks (-1.5)
Chicago Bears (-6.0) @ Arizona Cardinals
Oh Sammy Sleeves. Your complete inability to win football games yet earn millions a year is fascinating. I tell you what though Sam, if I had to bet you are probably going to get one of those good old fashioned injuries this week, because Khalil Mack is going to be on your ass all day.
Pick: Bears (-6.0)
New England Patriots (-7.0) @ Detroit Lions
The Patriots always come back and whoop some ass after they get blown out. Plus add on top of this that the Lions haven’t looked like anything special, and I’ll take the Pats easily.
Pick: Patriots (-7.0)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pick ‘Em)
If you would’ve told me that the Steelers and Buccaneers would have been a pick ’em in week three, I don’t know what I would’ve said. The Steelers have been a mess without Le’Veon Bell so far and now there might even be problems in the locker room. On the other hand the Bucs have just been kicking ass, bombing on the Super Bowl Champions last week with Ryan Fitzpatrick. I’m taking the Steelers just because I can’t see them going winless for the first three games of the season.
Pick: Steelers
Last Week/Season: 4-9
Sean McCole 