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
Cort Freeman 