NFL Week 8: Pick ‘Em Pickle

I wanted to do better last week. I’m prepared to correct that this week in Week 8. Last week, some surprises (and maybe a poor pick or two) led to a 5-8 record against the spread in Week 7. The Falcons proved to be the bigger disappointment compared to the Lions, Bengals clawed away against the Browns again, and the Bills decided to let the Jets hang around for most of the game. Onwards and upwards! In Week 8, we’ll see some solid Divisional matchups, Tua Time, and the battle for the AFC North. Let’s pick ‘em!

Colts @ Lions Line: IND -3

The Lions were one of my disappointing picks last week. I felt Falcons were better than their record and with a healthy Julio Jones could light up a struggling Lions defense, but that didn’t happen. Detroit now has a very favorable schedule the next couple of weeks and I think their success continues against the Colts. These are two evenly matched teams, actually. I really like the Colts defense, but I can’t bet on Philip Rivers. I just don’t trust them. Lions win an ugly game filled with mistakes.

Pick: Lions 24 Colts 21

Vikings @ Packers Line: GB -6

Last week was a big bounce back week for the Pack and Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings have been having a rough season and playing the Packers shouldn’t help that. Pack roll winning by at least two scores.

Pick: Packers 34 Vikings 14

Patriots @ Bills Line: BUFF -4.5

Buffalo was a major let down last week against the spread playing the Jets. I thought the Jets were going to end up winning for most of the game. However, you can’t mention struggle without bringing up the Pats. Cam Newton is now playing for his job…and possibly career. Won’t help that all his help is beat up on both sides of the ball. This isn’t their week. Bills win and cover.

Pick: Bills 20 Patriots 10

Titans @ Bengals Line: TEN -7

The Bengals were my shock of the week last week. For a second time they hung on against the Browns. Does this say more about them or the Browns? We’ll find out soon, but there has to be a lot of optimism in Cincinnati right now regardless of the record. With that being said, the Titans are coming off a narrow loss to the undefeated Steelers and will want to prove they’re still a Super Bowl contender. I don’t see the Bengals luck repeating against the Titans.

Pick: Titans 28 Bengals 10

Raiders @ Browns Line: CLE -1

I think this could be one of the more interesting games of the week. Who are these teams? Both are largely inconsistent. As are their quarterbacks. Baker had a stellar second half last week…but it was against the Bengals. How much do we factor that in? Meanwhile, Carr is a QB who is elite one week and getting run out of town the next. The Browns find themselves in a competitive division and need every win they can get. This is a winnable game for them, but they’re missing OBJ for the season. This could be used as motivation for the team, but I look for patterns. I don’t trust the Browns pattern. They lose a disappointing game against the Raiders here.

Pick: Raiders 24 Browns 21

Jets @ Chiefs Line: KC -20

The Jets burned me last week. 20 points is a big spread. But I’m still riding it. Best team in the league against the worst. Bet the best.

Pick: Chiefs 35 Jets 14

Rams @ Dolphins Line: LAR -4.5

Tua Time is getting the headlines. I think the Fins learn quickly that they might have rushed this thing. Debuting against Aaron Donald? Ouch.

Pick: Rams 21 Dolphins 10

Steelers @ Ravens Line: BAL -4

Hoping for a great game here. This is a right division and every game matters. I have to go with the Steelers here, though. It’s a big game and historically that doesn’t work well for Lamar. Steelers remain undefeated going into week 9.

Pick: Steelers 24 Ravens 17

Chargers @ Broncos Line: LAC -3.5

Chargers look great with Justin Herbert behind center. My pick for rookie of the year stays hot against Denver.

Pick: Chargers 17 Broncos 10

Saints @ Bears Line: NO -4

The Bears started hot but are now slipping. And will continue to fall the next couple of weeks. Can’t see them beating the Saints, even if the Saints don’t have a healthy squad.

Pick: Saints 24 Bears 13

49ers @ Seahawks Line: SEA -3.0

Last week was a head scratcher for the Seahawks. Wilson threw three picks and they lost to the Cardinals in OT. I expect them to bounce back here and return to their normal selves.

Pick: Seahawks 31 49ers 21

Cowboys @ Eagles Line: PHL -10.5

I believed in the Cowboys last week. Even through all of the disasters leading up to Week 8. I still believed. However, my faith is gone. They are as bad as they say they are. It’s all just bad. Oh, the Eagles are, too. But not quite *that* bad.

Pick: Eagles 27 Cowboys 13

Buccaneers @ Giants Line: TB -12.5

Tom Brady and The Bucs are looking like Super Bowl contenders, as many expected. But what’s really been impressive is the Tampa Bay defense. I expect them to demolish a Giants team prone to turnovers. Plus, we all know Tom would love to run up the score against the Giants. People don’t forget.

Pick: Buccaneers 35 Giants 13

Lines based on ESPN ScoreCenter App at 9:40am Sunday morning.

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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