NFL Playoffs: Conference Championship Predictions

Dread it. Run from it. Destiny still arrives.

 

By: Elias McMillan

Divisional Round: 2-2

Playoffs: 4-4

Conference Championship Sunday

NFC Championship Game

Los Angeles Rams @ New Orleans – I’m sure the Saints can play better than they did last week. New Orleans didn’t look impressive coming back from 14-0 at home against the Eagles but it’s still better than not surviving. Los Angeles on the other hand, looked really impressive at home against Dallas. They physically beat up the Cowboys at the line scrimmage on both sides of the ball. The Rams really unleashed their rushing attack last week and I think this is a theme they will aim to repeat this Sunday in New Orleans. And the Saints may be vulnerable against the run Sunday without DT Sheldon Rankins who suffered an injury last week. The Saints secondary played well for the most part against Philadelphia and I don’t know the Rams being able to attack them through the air as they’ve done a lot to other teams this season. I think the Rams will be looking to run to set up Jared Goff to pass. RB’s Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram might have a tough time with LA’s front four, especially Aaron Donald who will probably be the best player on the field. I don’t think much of LA’s secondary and I could see them having trouble containing WR Michael Thomas. The Saints were my pre-season pick to make it out of the NFC so; I’m going to stick with them. Prediction: Saints 36 – Rams 30

AFC Championship Game

New England @ Kansas City – The Kansas City Chiefs are a better football team right now than the New England Patriots. Their offense is younger and more explosive. Their defense isn’t great but neither is New England’s. The Chiefs even have the edge on special teams with what Tyreek Hill brings to the return game. Despite all of those things, you should know who I’m picking to win this game on Sunday. It’s the playoffs. It’s the AFC Championship Game. And it’s the Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, again. Once again, everyone was ready to proclaim the Patriots to be over and dead but here they are again, on the footstep to another Super Bowl. I also think the freezing temperatures will serve in New England’s favor. The Patriots have an impressive stable of running backs healthy right now and they’ll have a big role on Sunday if conditions don’t allow Brady to throw it around. I’m sure the Chiefs will be able to function in the cold but no one has done it better around this time of year than Belichick’s boys. Dread it. Run from it. Destiny still arrives. Prediction: Patriots 28 – Chiefs 21

 

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NFL Playoffs: Divisional Round Predictions

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Can Andrew Luck and Colts upset the AFC’s top seed on the road Saturday?

 

By: Elias McMillan

Wild Card: 2-2

Playoffs 2-2

Divisional Round

Indianapolis @ Kansas City – Last weekend’s win in Houston went kind of like I expect it would for Indy. The Colts looked impressive on both sides of the ball. The defense limited Houston to just 7 points. Andrew Luck looked like himself passing the ball around and the Colts even ran the ball well. The Colts have the momentum going into a showdown with the AFC’s #1 seed. Kansas City jumped to the top the AFC this season behind the production of MVP candidate, QB Patrick Mahomes. Even with the suspension of RB Kareem Hunt, the Chiefs offense hasn’t missed a beat all season. On Saturday, the Colts will have to account for the speed of WR Tyreek Hill and the physicality of TE Travis Kelce. I think Kansas City will find success offensively in this matchup. The question for the Chiefs all season has been about their defense. The Chiefs can score a lot but they can also give up a lot as well. The team with the ball last may end up winning this one. There’s a narrative out there about Andy Reid’s teams in the post-season always coming up short. I bet this Chiefs team wants to be the group that bunks that trend. I also think the home field advantage will play a part in this one. Prediction: Chiefs 38 – Colts 33

Dallas @ Los Angeles Rams – Dallas’ victory last week at home against Seattle wasn’t as impressive as they wanted it to be but they got the job done. Now, they will be looking to enter uncharted territory when they travel to LA to face the Rams. Dallas hasn’t advanced to the conference championship round in 20 plus years and they haven’t won a playoff game on the road in about the same time frame. But this is a Dallas team that believes they have it in them. In their case, I believe they have the best defense left in the NFC. The Cowboys did a great job limiting Seattle’s run game last week. I am a bit worried about the secondary, as Seattle really didn’t press the issue until the game was out of the reach. This probably won’t be the case on Saturday night. Even with Todd Gurley returning from injury, the Rams know that they big play offense has been depended on what Jared Goff can do in the passing game. The Rams offense lit up scoreboards for most of this season but they have cooled off significantly heading into the post-season. Maybe losing WR Cooper Kupp to injury has something to do with that. I don’t really believe the Rams have a game breaker at the WR position. Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks are nice players but they don’t demand the entire defense’s attention. If they can’t get Goff going, I think their best bet is to force feed Gurley who is bound to make a big play as a runner or receiver. The Rams have well known players on their defense but as a unit, they just haven’t been that good. DT Aaron Donald is beast and is capable of possibly winning this game himself. Despite having him up front, the Rams are pretty average against the run. Dallas will continue to run the offense through Ezekiel Elliott and he will eventually put the Cowboys in scoring positions. CB’s Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib have a history of making big plays but they are also risk takers. If QB Dak Prescott can stay away from Donald, he’ll be able to find his receivers downfield for some big plays off a double move or play action. The moment I feel that the Cowboys may do something worth talking about is the same moment when they usually disappoint me. Knowing this, I’m still going with my gut on this one. The Rams are not the offensive machine they were earlier this season and usually, a good defense can beat a good offense in January. This will be close but I’m taking the road team in the upset as the Cowboys fans will probably take over the stadium as well. Prediction: Cowboys 27 – Rams 24

Los Angeles Chargers @ New England – Despite Baltimore’s late push last week, the Chargers were fairly in control in that game. Now, they’ll make another long trip back to the east coast to face playoff staple, New England. This isn’t the same Patriots team that we are accustomed to seeing in January. The Patriots were able to win their division and gain a first round bye in the post season but this is probably their weakest playoff team during the Bill Belicheck era. Tom Brady is still a very good QB at his age but the Patriots have had receiver issues all season. Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan have both been banged up and they don’t have much waiting in the wings. The big play guy in the passing game has been TE Rob Gronkowski but even he doesn’t look like his normal self. The Patriots do have a plenty of options at RB but they are a team that just can’t depend on the run. The Chargers proved last week that they can handle a run first offense and it will also help that they have the pass rushers to get after Brady. New England has been known for years recently to have a less than impressive defense. I think this will allow QB Phillip Rivers to really push the issue in the passing game. Rivers has never beaten Brady in the post-season but I think this is his best shot. The Chargers are capable to out-physical New England on both sides of the ball. I like the Chargers in an upset that really shouldn’t be an upset. Prediction: Chargers 29 – Patriots 20

Philadelphia @ New Orleans – As much as I hate to admit, the Eagles actually matchup well with the Saints. I know this is the same team that was blown out by them on the road but a lot has changed since then. The Eagles don’t have a run game so they are forced to unleash the full capability of QB Nick Foles. The play of Foles during this last month are becoming the stuff of legend as he looks to help the Eagles make a return trip to the Super Bowl. I think the play of the Saints secondary plays in favor to the Eagles as that unit isn’t a strength for the home team. Philadelphia has also received great play out of their offensive line.  Knowing that they are a pass-first offense, they are going to need another great performance from that unit as New Orleans has an impressive front four on defense. But I think this game will have to turn on QB Drew Brees exposing the Eagles defense. This was something that the Bears failed to do last week. The Eagles will have to account for RB’s Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram but they should be okay with what they have in their front seven defensively. Philly’s weakness in the secondary and Brees must be able to exploit that. I think the Eagles will be able to do damage and score points in this one but I think Brees will be the one to set the tone causing Philly to play catch up for most of the game. Prediction: Saints 41 – Eagles 31

NFL 2018: Week 14 Predictions

The Houston Texans haven’t looked back since starting the season 0-3.

By: Elias McMillan

 

Last Week: 10-6

Season: 109-81-2

Big Five Games of the Week

Baltimore @ Kansas City – Rookie QB Lamar Jackson hasn’t lost since being inserted into the starting lineup for an injured Joe Flacco. But really, Baltimore’s current success is due to the play of their defense. That defense will be tested in a huge way Sunday in Kansas City. Even with the absence of RB Kareem Hunt, I still expect this Chiefs offense to not miss a beat. KC doesn’t really have a dominating defense and Baltimore has been able to hold their own against quality opponents this season. So, I think this could be a surprisingly contested game. But a road win in Kansas City maybe to tall of a task for this rookie QB. Winner: Chiefs

Indianapolis @ Houston – I didn’t expect the Colts to get shutout like they did last week. But that was not a great showing from them with another divisional showdown on the road looming. Houston hasn’t lost since starting the season 0-3. I don’t think they’ll win out going into the post season but it is starting to look that way. I could be wrong but I think QB Andrew Luck has a good track record against Houston. Either way, it doesn’t look like Indy is ready to upend the streaking Texans. Winner: Texans

Philadelphia @ Dallas – This will be a big test for Dallas in terms of not being tied to the “moment”. The Cowboys shocked everyone last week with a home victory over a quality opponent but they have to move on. This Sunday, a new challenge will present themselves in the form of the desperate Philadelphia Eagles. A good thing going forward from last week for Dallas is that the team must be feeling really encouraged about the defensive side of the ball. But Dallas should know that let downs can happen and they can’t afford to be victims to that in the middle of the playoff race. Philadelphia has won two straight against NFC East opponents despite not playing well recently. The Eagles are just not healthy enough to make a late push this season for the playoffs. I think they’ll play Dallas tough though. These games are usually “drag ‘em out” fights until the end. But if Dallas can play like they know they can defensively, I think they’ll roll at home. Winner: Cowboys

LA Rams @ Chicago – The Bears have struggled without QB Mitch Trubisky but luckily their entire division is on the struggle bus as well. They’ll get Trubisky back in time for Sunday night, as Chicago will host the current top seed in the NFC. The strength vs. strength matchup in this game is an intriguing one. On one hand, the Rams are able to score at will with all their weapons. But on the other Chicago’s defense is pretty stout, led by LB Khalil Mack. This game could turn on the defender playing for the visiting team. DT Aaron Donald is the league’s leader in sacks and is on pace for a second straight defensive player of the year award. Chicago will welcome the return of their starting QB but he will not be so please to see 99 lining up across from him. Winner: Rams

Minnesota @ Seattle – The secret is out on Seattle. They were supposed to fall off this year but they look like they could be the team that no one wants to play in the post season. Minnesota, despite their early struggles, could still make the post season. They are currently in a rough stretch in their schedule but they getting healthy at the right time. That being said, I don’t see them being able to produce big plays offensively on the road against this Seahawks defense. QB Russell Wilson has shown plenty of big play ability this season and I think we’ll see that again Monday against a struggling Vikings secondary. Winner: Seahawks

The Rest of Week 14

Titans over Jaguars – Tennessee is still in the playoff race and they always seem to just have Jacksonville’s number.

Bills over Jets – Buffalo is a safe bet at home in December.

Browns over Panthers – Carolina has issues. Cleveland can attack their secondary through the air on offense and their pass rush should be able to rattle a Cam Newton who may not be at 100%.

Falcons over Packers – Green Bay is usually good at home but they lost their last week against Arizona. Atlanta is holding on to slim playoff hopes.

Patriots over Dolphins – Miami can be tough at home especially with Ryan Tannehill back in the lineup. This one could be close.

Saints over Buccaneers – New Orleans will be anxious to bounce back after last week’s nightmare.

Giants over Washington – Washington is one game out of first place but they refuse to better their situation at QB. They would rather lose than try to put a better player at the QB position. What kind of message does that send to the locker room? I hope New York wins by a million. Dan Synder and Jay Gruden are gutless, cowards.

Chargers over Bengals – Things are looking up in LA. The playoffs look likely as they were able to get a huge road victory last week without Melvin Gordon.

Broncos over 49ers – Denver is going to have to get it done through the run game because of the injuries at the WR position.

Steelers over Raiders – I know everyone is talking about Pittsburgh’s recent history in Oakland and the James Connor injury. It doesn’t matter. Oakland stinks.

Lions over Cardinals – Who’s going to watch this game? Just a brutal matchup. Worthy of Thursday Night Football.

Fantasy Football Picks of the Week

QB: Phillip Rivers (Chargers) – After a big victory last week, Rivers faces the second worst secondary in the league at home.

RB: Christian McCaffery (Panthers) – Carolina is struggling but the little RB out of Stanford has been their saving grace recently.

WR: Michael Thomas (Saints) – Thomas didn’t do much last week in Dallas. He’ll bounce back against Tampa’s secondary.

TE: Jared Cook (Raiders) – Cook is quietly having a nice season in Oakland.

DEF: New York Giants – Mark Sanchez is starting in a NFL game on Sunday. Hahahahahahhaahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhaahaha.

 

NFL 2018: Week 11 Predictions

Chicago could get a leg up on the NFC North at home Sunday against the Vikings.

 

By: Elias McMillan

Last Week: 9-5

Season: 81-65-2

Big Five Games of the Week

Dallas @ Atlanta – This could be an elimination game for both these teams. Dallas and Atlanta have been inconsistent this season but for different reasons. Realistically, Dallas is right where they should be. They have a defense that will keep them in most games but an offense that has gotten better since acquiring WR Amari Cooper but is still not explosive enough. Atlanta has suffered through some injuries on both sides of the ball but they still offer a talented roster on paper. But they have the tendency to under perform or to completely no-show like they did last week in Cleveland. I think Atlanta’s problems lie within the coaching staff, which is clearly not getting the most out of this roster. I guess, you could say the same for Dallas but they nearly have the same talent on offense. I think both teams understand the situation on Sunday and that will make for a competitive game. Dallas will play tough on the road but I think Atlanta’s offense will overwhelm at some point in the second half. Winner: Falcons

Houston @ Washington – I’m a believer in Washington’s defense. I also believe that this Houston team, though coming off a bye, is capable of laying an egg offensively. But then again, I don’t really trust Washington’s offense outside of RB Adrian Peterson. I just think Washington’s defense will be able to make a bigger impact on the game than Houston’s. If Alex Smith can make fewer mistakes than DeShaun Watson, I think he’ll be able to ride that defense and running game in a low scoring contest. Winner: Washington

Philadelphia @ New Orleans – The Super Bowl hangover in Philadelphia is real. New Orleans’ status as a contender in the NFC since their opening season loss is real. The Eagles are facing a tough road if they want to have a chance to win the division and a loss here could pretty much crush those dreams. The Saints are on a roll right now with no signs of slowing. Though, they have played in some tough games at home this season. I doubt that Philly will knock them off. Winner: Saints

Minnesota @ Chicago – I think the NFC North will come down to these two teams. Chicago has shown flashes of a team that could be a contender but I think they are still a few years away. QB Mitch Trubisky has had some impressive outings but he still occasionally makes mistakes that could be fixed as time goes on. I could see him struggle against a strong defense but I’m not sure if Minnesota has that anymore. Minnesota lost their defense from last season somehow which has led them to under perform at times. I feel good about Minnesota’s offense though with Dalvin Cook back from injury. I think the Vikings should lean on their run game in order to keep Khalil Mack from dominating in the backfield. I also like Minnesota’s advantage they have in the passing game with the weapons Kirk Cousins has at wide out. Chicago will play inspired at home but I believe Minnesota has the better team. These teams do meet again in Week 17. Winner: Vikings

Kansas City @ LA Rams – This will be a fun one to watch. The Rams and the Chiefs will provide plenty of offensive fireworks. The winner may come down to which defense can produce the most stops. LA is pretty strong up front defensively with what they have in Aaron Donald and the addition of Dante Fowler has paid off immediately. But their secondary has struggled recently. I expect Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense to take full advantage. Kansas City’s defense gives up a lot of yards as well. But I’ll bet on Mahomes to out gun sling Jared Goff especially with Goff playing with a short handed receiving core. We also can’t write off Todd Gurley and Kareem Hunt’s impact in this game. Again, this one will just be a fun game to watch. Winner: Chiefs

The Rest of Week 11

Seahawks over Packers – Both teams are extremely average. Seattle is usually a strong team at home. Something strange usually happens when these two teams play.

Panthers over Lions – Carolina will be eager to rebound after getting punched in the mouth last week.

Titans over Colts – Tennessee looks like they are preparing for a run at the AFC South crown.

Buccaneers over Giants – The Giants are hard to watch on offense. Especially with all the weapons they have. It’s obvious that the QB is holding them back.

Steelers over Jaguars – It’s a shame what is happening in Jacksonville. They have fallen completely off the rails. Barring a letdown, Pittsburgh should absolutely smack them.

Ravens over Bengals – Baltimore’s QB situation could be an interesting thing to watch in this one. I know the Ravens will be able to lean on their defense against a Cincinnati offense that is struggling.

Cardinals over Raiders – Oakland looks worse and worse each week.

Chargers over Broncos – LA may have two teams in the post season this year.

Fantasy Football Picks of the Week

QB: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) – Mahomes has played big in prime time games this season.

RB: Melvin Gordon (Chargers) – Gordon has been a consistent scorer near the goal line for LA.

WR: Michael Thomas (Saints) – The Eagles secondary caught the injury bug at the worst possible time.

TE: Greg Olsen (Panthers) – Back from injury, Olsen is once again Cam Newton’s security blanket in the passing game.

DEF: Baltimore – With no A.J. Green and a banged up offensive line, Baltimore’s pass rushers will be able to pin their ears back and get after Andy Dalton on Sunday.

NFL 2018: Week 10 Predictions (Condensed)

Cam Newton brings a hot Carolina team to Pittsburgh to start Week 10.

 

By: Elias McMillan

Last Week: 8-5

Season: 72-60-2

Week 10 Picks

Panthers over Steelers – I still waiting for the underwhelming Steelers defense to rear its head again. Actually, that unit is starting to play better each week. But still, Carolina is the hot team and Pittsburgh has struggled at home against NFC foes. I at least expect a competitive contest.

Bears over Lions – Chicago is good enough to beat the bad teams. And Detroit is a bad team.

Saints over Bengals – Cincinnati will not have much of a chance at outscoring the New Orleans offense without A.J. Green.

Falcons over Browns – The NFC South is going to be ultra competitive this season again. Atlanta will be in playoff contention if they beat the teams that they are supposed to beat.

Patriots over Titans – Tennessee will look ordinary against a good team like New England.

Colts over Jaguars – Has Jacksonville figured themselves out during the bye week? Who knows?

Chiefs over Cardinals – Kansas City’s offense is a matchup nightmare for any defense right now. But Arizona’s defense is especially bad.

Jets over Bills – No rookie QB’s in this matchup. I think the Jets will play well under Josh McCown as long as he stays away from the mistakes.

Washington over Buccaneers – I like Washington’s defense to limit the big play potential from Tampa’s passing offense.

Chargers over Raiders – I was very impressed with what the Chargers did on the road last week. Oakland is a punch-less football team.

Packers over Dolphins – I expect this one to be real competitive. Green Bay’s defense will keep Miami in it. But Brock Osweiler is not going to out produce Aaron Rodgers in Lambeau.

Rams over Seahawks – Is it possible that Seattle is bad at home and good on the road this year? LA will be eager to bounce back from their first loss last week.

Eagles over Cowboys – Philadelphia isn’t great but Dallas is closer to rock bottom. I’m not counting on the Cowboys to show up on the road even with their backs against the wall.

Giants over 49ers – This is pretty bad for a Monday night game. Giants should win if they let Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley just take turns with the ball on offense.

 

NFL 2018: Week 9 Predictions

Can Todd Gurley and the Rams stay unbeaten in the Super Dome?

 

By: Elias McMillan

Last Week: 12-2

Season: 64-55-2

Big Five Games of the Week

Atlanta @ Washington – I don’t think I’ll let my mind convince me that Washington is the real deal. But with the current shape of the NFC East, they may be good enough to win that division. I can at least admit that they have addressed and improved in one of their weaker areas. Washington has a top ranked run-stopping defense this year and it is helping them tough out some victories. Atlanta is a team with an amazing roster on paper but they are extremely average on the field. Despite that, I think they have enough firepower on offense to really test Washington’s defense. I don’t think Atlanta will be able to run the ball but they could be in good shape if they can protect Matt Ryan. That’s a “big if” and I don’t trust Atlanta on the road at all. They are a constant under achiever. Hone this one up to wishful thinking. Winner: Falcons

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore – The Ravens got completely outclassed last week in Carolina. They have to be telling themselves that this is a must “bounce back” week with Pittsburgh coming to town. There has been a lot of drama surrounding the Steelers this season but they are currently riding high. That’s probably because they played Cleveland last week. I feel that Pittsburgh is all “gassed up” and cocky after last week. The Ravens beat them earlier this season in a game that wasn’t as close as the scoreboard indicated. I think Baltimore will regroup at home on Sunday and those issues that Pittsburgh still have defensively will rear its ugly head once more. Winner: Ravens

LA Chargers @ Seattle – Seattle has been a surprise this season because they were supposed to stink. Now, they can even beat bad teams on the road. The Chargers are fairly decent at 5-2 and they should prove to be a tough out for the Seahawks, even at home. But I feel like we can still count on the Chargers to be wildly inconsistent and for Seattle to be a cruel place for opponents on the road.  Winner: Seahawks

LA Rams @ New Orleans – The Rams have been the most impressive team in the league this season and their undefeated record shows that. Last week against Green Bay, it felt like they were running out of gas. New Orleans has had their rough stretches this season but they are starting to resemble a real contender. This matchup will have plenty of offensive fireworks and the team with the ball last will probably end up winning. I think home field advantage will play a huge factor on the outcome. Winner: Saints

Green Bay @ New England – Green Bay’s defense over achieved last week in LA and they probably deserved to win that game. I don’t know if I can trust that same unit in constitutive weeks. New England is banged up on both sides of the ball. I can see this matchup being actually what everyone wants to see: a duel between two of the greatest QB’s of all time. Winner: Patriots

 

The Rest of Week 9

Raiders over 49ers – San Francisco is starting a QB tonight who doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page. If Oakland loses tonight, Jon Gruden should be fired.

Bears over Bills – Chicago’s defense faces the Peterman! Should be fun.

Chiefs over Browns – The mastermind of Bounty gate is now the head man in Cleveland. Should KC avoid starting Patrick Mahomes Sunday? Serious question.

Jets over Dolphins – The Jets can use their running game to dominant Miami on the road.

Vikings over Lions – Detroit doesn’t look like a team ready to compete for a playoff spot.

Panthers over Buccaneers – Fitzmagic is back! But Carolina is playing some of its best football currently.

Texans over Broncos – Denver will be punch-less on offense. The Broncos can be tough at home but I think Houston should roll.

Cowboys over Titans – Tennessee isn’t very good. These are the games that Dallas should be able to win.

 

Fantasy Football Picks of the Week

QB: Cam Newton (Panthers) – After dismantling Baltimore’s defense, Newton has a favorable matchup this week against the 2^ndworst defense in the league.

RB: Lamar Miller (Texans) – Miller ran it well against a weak Miami defense last week. Denver’s run defense isn’t that much better.

WR: Michael Thomas (Saints) – I like Drew Brees’ top target to have an impressive stat line in a game that will give the scoreboard operator a workout.

TE: Travis Kelce (Chiefs) – With Tyreek Hill banged up, Kelce could see some extra targets.

DEF: Chicago – An easy choice with the Peterman starting for Buffalo.

NFL 2018: Week 8 Predictions

Justin Tucker and the Ravens will need to rebound quickly from a terrible loss last week in Carolina

By: Elias McMillan

 

Last Week: 10-4

Season: 52-53-2

Big Five Games of the Week

Philadelphia @ Jacksonville – Both of these teams are in a rut and are desperately in need for a win. Jacksonville’s issues on the offensive side of the ball have spread to a defense that is suddenly having issues with getting stops. The way the Eagles’ collapsed last week was a bad look but I believe they are still capable at producing more offensively, at least more than the Jaguars can currently. Philadelphia is banged up on defense so, I wonder if that will create a window for the Jacksonville offense to wake up. The Jaguars may stand if a chance if they can re-establish the run with T.J Yeldon and the newly acquired Carlos Hyde. I think Philadelphia can still prove to be tough defensively despite their injuries and Carson Wentz will be able to produce enough offense to win. Winner: Eagles

Tampa Bay @ Cincinnati – Tampa barely beat Cleveland at home last week and they lost both of their starting LB’s to injuries. Cincinnati has looked bad in the last two week but they’ll have a good chance at bouncing back if they can jump on a weakened opponent. I think Cincinnati’s missing pass rush will show up against Tampa’s offensive line, causing Jameis Winston to make some costly mistakes. Winner: Bengals

Baltimore @ Carolina – Baltimore played well enough to win at home last week but lost on a freak accident. The Ravens are an improved team this season overall but they have had some troubles on the road. They’ll face a tough opponent on Sunday in Carolina. The Panthers showed a lot of heart in their comeback victory on the road last week. I think Cam Newton and his offensive line will face a great challenge in the Ravens defense. Baltimore is much better this season offensively in the passing game. They have receivers that can make plays down field and Carolina’s secondary tends to struggle. I think this is a favorable matchup for Baltimore but I’m not sure if I trust them on the road. I’m also not sure if Carolina is able to pull what they did last week either. I guess, I’ll go with the home team. Winner: Panthers

Green Bay @ LA Rams – The Rams are an offensive machine and the Packers don’t have the defense to slow them down. Aaron Rodgers is capable of keeping up with what the Rams can do on the scoreboard but is his offensive line capable of keeping him away from Aaron Donald? Winner: Rams

New Orleans @ Minnesota – This is a big game for both teams but more so for the Saints. Minnesota has gotten the best of New Orleans in their last two meetings and I would imagine that doesn’t sit well with Drew Brees and his teammates. Good news for them is that Minnesota’s defense has taken a big step backwards since their last meeting. I expect the Saints will be able to take full advantage. New Orleans has their own troubles on the defensive side of the football. But even if Kirk Cousins is able to attack that defense, I think I’ll take Brees in that potential shootout. Winner: Saints

The Rest of Week 8

Texans over Dolphins – Houston is on a winning streak in the suddenly wide-open AFC South. Miami is a banged up team right now.

Bears over Jets – Chicago should easily win if Mitch Trubisky stays away from mistakes.

Lions over Seahawks – Coming off the bye week, I still expect Seattle to be weak on the road.

Chiefs over Broncos – Denver ended their losing streak last week and I remember that they play Kansas City tough in their first meeting this season. But It’s tough to pick against KC right now, especially at home.

Washington over Giants – Yeah, I’m not buying into Washington at all but the Giants have clearly given up on the season.

Steelers over Browns – I think Cleveland will play Pittsburgh tough again, much like their meeting in Week 1. The difference will James Conner’s tough running and Ben Roethlisberger making less mistakes.

Colts over Raiders – I think what has happened to the Raiders this season is sad. But then I remember how the organization is killing their brand soon by leaving Oakland in the first place so then I don’t care.

49ers over Cardinals – I don’t think Arizona is that bad on paper but the effort just isn’t there. I think they are better than San Francisco but the 49ers have shown more fight this season.

Patriots over Bills – Buffalo has been apart of some strange games on Monday night in recent history but taking Derek Anderson over Tom Brady would be a hard sell.

Fantasy Football Picks of the Week

QB: Andy Dalton (Bengals) – Tampa has the worst secondary in the league so why can’t Dalton have big game at home to end the Bengals losing streak at two?

RB: Kareem Hunt (Chiefs) – Denver has struggled against the run mightily this season.

WR: Adam Thielen (Vikings) – Thielen has been a delight to watch this season. He is currently your league leader in receiving yards.

TE: George Kittle (49ers) – Kittle has been the lone consistent target in the passing game for the 49ers.

DEF: Houston – I like the Texans against Brock Osweiler tonight. Miami is down a couple of their better pass catchers.