Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 11

Snow is on the ground! The times are a changin’. Weather this year always starts to play a major role in games like we saw last week with Houston @ Cleveland. I expect that to continue henceforth across the league. Now, the holidays are just around the corner so it’s time to make some extra money so you can afford to get every member of the family a gift this year.

Lions @ Panthers Line: DET -3.0

Lesson: make this list earlier than noon on Sunday. This morning, the line on this game was even. Now, the Lions are favored -3.0. I wish I had acted sooner. I like the Lions in this game even if Teddy was playing. Like the Lions? What am I saying? Both teams are dealing with injuries to big time playmakers. Now that Stafford is active and Bridgewater isn’t, I’ll take the veteran.

Pick: Lions -3.0 Lions 24 Panthers 16

Packers @ Colts Line: IND -1.5

I think this could end up being an entertaining game. I’m curious to see what the Packers do against this terrific defense. Yet again, I’m betting on the better quarterback. That’s Aaron Rodgers.

Line: Packers +1.5 Packers 27 Colts 24

Eagles @ Browns Line: CLE -2.5

The weather in Cleveland is going to play a factor again. Poor weather means good news for teams who like to run the ball. Who likes to run the ball? The Browns. They’re pretty good at it, too. Also, betting on an NFC East team just can’t be a good idea this year.

Line: Browns -2.5 Browns 20 Eagles 10

Falcons @ Saints Line: NO -3.5

This game is getting a lot of attention on the networks this week, because of the quarterback controversy. I thought Winston was going to start, but they go with Taysom Hill. It’s a move I don’t understand. Hill is an amazing athlete. He makes big plays and is a valuable weapon to have in the arsenal. I don’t think he should be the main piece, however. You don’t build around his skillset, I think he’s better being utilized as an expected threat. I think…well, I guess it’s kind of hope…it backfires on them, selfishly. I’m betting against them due to my gut (which you should never do by the way) instead of the analytics. I shouldn’t be doing this. Maybe you shouldn’t put your money on it, but sometimes you need to take that extra risk for that extra reward. It’s not even that I think Jameis Winston deserves it or is great, I just feel like he may have been stabbed in the back here and I refuse to get down with that! If that’s even the case…oh well. I’m sticking with the spite pick. Sipping that Latte Larry’s, (yup I’m stealing that now). Give me the Falcons this week to teach Sean Payton a lesson.

Pick: Falcons +3.5 Falcons Falcons 28 Saints 21

Bengals @ Washington Line: WSH -1.5

Ugh. This is a tough pick. Bengals have so much potential but Washington proved to be able to keep up with a mediocre team (at best) against the Lions. Alex Smith’s comeback is impressive and he deserves respect, and that defense is developing into something special, but they aren’t elite yet. I mean…they’re in the NFC East and not winning it. That’s not good. Give me the team not in the NFC East.

Pick: Bengals +1.5 Bengals 23 Washington 20

Steelers @ Jaguars Line: PIT -10.5

The Steelers finally proved they don’t only win close games last week. I expect that to continue against a poor Jaguars team.

Pick: Steelers -10.5 Steelers 33 Jaguars 17

Titans @ Ravens Line: BAL -6.0

I have flashbacks of Henry running all over the Ravens in the playoffs last year. That happened, right? The Mandela Effect? No, that happened. I think the Ravens still win this game but think it could be low scoring and the Titans could keep it close. Or run all over the Ravens, again. History does tend to repeat itself.

Pick: Titans +6 Titans 17 Ravens 20

Patriots @ Texans Line: NE -2.5

Still don’t know what to make of either of these teams. Texans could do quite literally nothing against the Browns in bad weather last week. Patriots continue to show flashes of playoff potential, followed by weeks of disappointment. I don’t like the Texans run defense and that’s what the Patriots do best. It’s a game of matchups, give me the Pats.

Pick: Patriots -2.5 Patriots 23 Texans 20

Dolphins @ Broncos Line: MIA -4.0

Tua Time? He’s shown to be better than I initially gave him credit for against really solid defenses. For the first time, I’ll bet on him and that Dolphins defense which has been on a tear lately.

Pick: Dolphins -4.0 Dolphins 17 Broncos 12

Jets @ Chargers Line: LAC -9.5

I think the Jets have a real chance to go 0-16 on the season. My money is on a big game from Keenan Allen and Justin Herbert. It’s a lot of points…but it’s also the Jets.

Pick: Chargers -9.5 Chargers 28 Jets 13

Cowboys @ Vikings Line: MIN -7.5

The Vikings are showing they can win in a variety of ways. They have a shot at the playoffs since the Bears have been slipping. Skol.

Pick: Vikings -7.5 Vikings 27 Cowboys 17

Chiefs @ Raiders Lione: KC -7.5

The Raiders came away with the W and Derek Carr had a great game the last time these two met. However, Chiefs are fresh off the bye. They’ll split the series against the Raiders and cover. Have to believe there’s a better gameplan in place this go round.

Pick: Chiefs -7.5 Chiefs 35 Raiders 24

Rams @ Buccaneers Line: TB -4.5

Good defenses can frustrate Tom Brady. We saw that against the Saints and Bears. Give me the defense to keep it close.

Pick: Rams +4.5 Rams 21 Bucs 24

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Pick ‘Em Pickle: NFL Week 9

This Sunday just feels…different, doesn’t it? I don’t know what it is but I can feel something in the air…positivity…optimism…hope. Let’s ride this wave of change to some victories in Week 9!

Lions @ Vikings Line: MIN -3.5

The Lions certainly are a tough team to bet on. The Vikings are hot off a big divisional win against the Packers, where Dalvin Cook ran all over the Pack. Detroit seems to be a team to win when they should lose and lose when they need a win. I heard someone on 971 The Ticket say the team is “going to get a spite win. They’re drinking Latte Larry’s.” I appreciate that, and does seem to be a theme of this team. I don’t see them getting a spite win here. I think we see a repeat of what the Vikings accomplished last week here.

PICK: MIN -3.5 MIN 24 DET 17

Broncos @ Falcons Line: ATL -4.0

The Broncos had a great comeback win last week against the Chargers, but remain largely inconsistent on the season. Speaking of inconsistent, they get the Falcons this week. I’ve been saying the Falcons are better than their record, and I think that improves here.

PICK: ATL -4.0 ATL 31 DEN 24

Seahawks @ Bills Line: SEA -3

Pretty sure Russ has sealed up his MVP already and we’re only in Week 9. I’m not betting against that offense. Especially the way the Bills have been struggling to get things going lately.

PICK: SEA -3 SEA 28 BUFF 20

Bears @ Titans Line: TEN -6.5

Two pretty evenly matched up teams. I like both of these defenses and think this could be a battle in the trenches. I like the Titans in the game but think they’re getting a little too many points for the way this game will go.

PICK: CHI +6.5 TEN 20 CHI 17

Ravens @ Colts Line: EVEN

The Colts are better than I give them credit for. They continue to prove that. I still think Lamar and the Ravens bounce back here. They need a big win and a loss here could really impact the season. In a straight up pick ’em pickle, I’m taking the Ravens.

PICK: BAL. BAL 26 IND 21

Panthers @ Chiefs Line: KC -10.0

The Panthers get a big piece of their offense back with Christian McCaffrey. Can that be enough to beat the Chiefs? Probably not. Can they at least cover? Maybe? I’m not betting on the maybe. Chiefs can put up points and I don’t think the Panthers can keep up.

PICK: KC -10.0 KC 32 CAR 21

Giants @ Washington Line: WSH -2.5

I don’t like the Giants. I don’t like Washington…but I’d rather put my money on them to win by at least a field goal.

PICK: WSH -2.5 WSH 17 NYG 13

Texans @ Jaguars Line: HOU -7.0

I don’t like betting on backup QBs and I won’t be here.

PICK: HOU -7.0 HOU 27 JAX 13

Raiders @ Chargers Line: LV -1.0

I’m really liking the Raiders this year, at least against the spread. Chargers keep finding ways to lose and I think Gruden can hand them another here, even if it’s close.

PICK: LV -1.0 LV 24 LAC 21

Steelers @ Cowboys Line: PIT -14.5

Ah that’s a lot of points. And Steelers keep winning games close, but the Steelers and their (arguably) best defense in the league take on a QB in his first start, I’ll take the risk and the points here.

PICK: PIT -14.5 PIT 31 DAL 16

Dolphins @ Cardinals Line: ARI -6.0

The Dolphins won the game last week but seem to have lost the box score. I expect the Cardinals and their dynamic offense to be able to win and cover.

PICK: ARI -6.0 ARI 24 MIA 14

Saints @ Buccaneers Line: TB -3.5

The Bucs lost the first matchup in week one and have only gotten better. Will AB be a distraction? Very likely, but not yet. Tampa picks up a big divisional win here.

PICK: TB -3.5 TB 34 NO 27

Patriots @ Jets Line: NE -9.5

I don’t like betting on the Jets, and won’t here. I don’t like the way New England has been playing, but I still hope they can beat a terrible Jets team by 10 points. Cam is still playing with his career on the line. Time to wake up.

PICK: NE -9.5 NE 20 NYJ 10

Overall Record: 10-16

NFL Week 7 Picks

Week 7 is upon us! COVID tests are coming up negative and all games are set to play. Lots of exciting Divisional matchups this week, and two undefeated teams going head to head. Let’s dive in. The lines are determined by ESPN ScoreCenter app at game time.

Lions vs Falcons Line: ATL –1.0

Two teams who are known for disappointment and giving up huge leads. Both should have better records than they do. This is one game I’m looking forward to watching because I’m expecting it to be a high-scoring shoot-out. With that being said, I think the Falcons have the ability to put up more points than the Lions so I’m taking them to cover this game.

Pick: Falcons 35 Lions 27

Packers vs Texans Line: GB –2.5

Both teams gave up sad loses last week. Texans had a chance to comeback and win it but were unable to finish and the Packers embarrassed themselves against the Bucs. I think A-A-Ron comes out on a mission with something to prove and puts up big numbers in a win. Had to adjust the score once I found out Aaron Jones will be inactive, but still believe the Packers come through.

Pick: Packers 31 Texans 27

Browns vs Bengals Line: CLE –4.5

This game was much closer than it should have been when these two faced off earlier in the year. It was high scoring on both sides, and I don’t see that repeating. I think Browns win this one handily, while scoring less than last time.

Pick: Browns 21 Bengals 10

Steelers vs Titans Line: TEN -1.0

Game of the week! Two undefeated teams squaring off, both with dreams of the Super Bowl. Ryan Tannehill has, to my surprise, been playing at an MVP level. Steelers and Big Ben have been finding new weapons and have arguably the leagues best defense? Who comes out on top? I have a feeling the Titans could continue to roll, but I think the Steelers have the ability to put up points and defend. They just have too many weapons. I’m hoping this one comes down to a final play.

Pick: Steelers 38 Titans 35

Panthers vs Saints Line: NO -6.5

The Saints are beat up. Michael Thomas is going to miss another game, Emmanuel Sanders is. out, too. Doesn’t matter. Saints still win and cover.

Pick: Saints 24 Panthers 14

Bills vs Jets Line: BUFF –9.5

Bills win and cover. It’s the Jets.

Pick: Bills 35 Jets 10

Cowboys vs Football Team Line: Even

Oh, the NFC East. What is going on?? The Cowboys have come out and pointed fingers at coaching which is never a good sign, meanwhile the Football Team is having distractions of their own. I think the Cowboys, regardless of how they have played thus far, are still the better team–even with Andy Dalton at QB. They win this one in a sad game that we wish we didn’t watch.

Pick: Cowboys 17 Football Team 6

Buccaneers vs Raiders Line: TB -4.0

The Bucs are rolling. The way the beat up the Packers last week has me really believing in this team. With that being said, I love the way Carr has been playing. I don’t think he gets enough respect. However, the D comes through for TB again here in another win.

Pick: Bucs 24 Raiders 14

Chiefs vs Broncos Line: KC -7.0

Mahomes and co have proven to be dangerous in the snow. I think that continues, I just don’t believe in this Broncos team at all. Chiefs win and cover in the high altitude.

Pick: Chiefs 30 Broncos 10

49ers vs Patriots Line: NE -3.0

You never know what you’re going to get from the 49ers these days. I think Cam has a bounce back week in a win.

Pick: Patriots 24 49ers 20

Jaguars vs Chargers Line: LAC –8

I think Justin Herbert goes on to win Rookie Of The Year and expect a big game from him here at home against the struggling Jags. I just don’t like the points. Every game this season for the Chargers has been a close one, at least in terms of the final score. I think they win by a touchdown or less. Chargers win, Jaguars cover.

Pick: Chargers 24 Jaguars 17

Seahawks vs Cardinals Line: SEA -3.5

Cardinals looks like they could be something to keep our eyes on…three years from now. Seahawks continue to roll.

Pick: Seahawks 30 Cardinals 21

Bears vs Rams Line: LAR -6.0

Monday Night Football with the Bears and Rams. Bears have been one of the surprises of the season, but I think that starts to slow down now. I expect Aaron Donald and the Rams D to step up big in a win in Primetime.

Pick: Rams 24 Bears 17