2021 Week 12 Picks

 Stafford is banged up with back and elbow issues

as he goes to play Aaron Rodgers again at Lambeau

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) @ Indianapolis Colts-  The Colts look to continue to run the ball to victory.  The Bucs have failed to cover in their last 4 road game, still they are one of the best rushing defenses in the NFL.  

New York Jets @ Houston Texans (-3)- The Texans are coming off a nice win against the Titans.  Their defense has been outplaying the Jets.

Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) @ New York Giants - If the Eagles can contain Barkley, they can go for their 3rd straight road win. 

Carolina Panthers @ Miami Dolphins (+2) - Miami may have trouble containing Christian McCaffrey.  Then again, Cam Newton did not look sharp against Washington last week.

Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots (-5.5) - Without AJ Brown, it looks like the Patriots can do enough to slow down the Titans.

Pittsburgh Steelers(+3.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals - The Steelers look like they can do enough against the Bengals in a divisional game to keep it close especially with the Bengals offense struggling as of late.  

Atlanta Falcons (-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars - With Patterson returning may give the Falcons a much better chance who haven't scored since he's been injured.  

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) @ Denver Broncos - The Broncos could do enough to keep it close but their defense doesn't seem the same since the Von Miller trade.

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers (-1) - Given this is a must win game for both teams playing for a first round bye.  Even with the Rams coming off a bye, the Packers are slight favorites at home especially with Aaron Jones returning.

Minnesota Vikings (+3) @ San Francisco 49ers - Both teams are coming off nice wins although the 49ers' defense appears to be playing significantly better since coming off a bye.  Mike Shanahan goes against Kirk Cousins who he coached for a bit in Washington.   This game could be a close loss for the Vikings but Dalvin Cook also gives the Vikings the upside for a win.  

Cleveland Browns (+4) @ Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens should win although the line may not be accounting for the Browns getting back their very good offensive line.  While Lamar Jackson and Hollywood Brown return, their run game is still a bit muddled which could allow the Browns to stay close.

Seattle Seahawks @ Washington Football Team (+0.5)- Washington's defense has appeared to be play better.  The Seahawks defense has struggled against the run and they don't look like the same team without Chris Carson.  Russell Wilson in primetime against a Washington team that has struggled in prime time does give me pause but even so perhaps Washington can do enough to slow down this Seattle team to pull out a win.

Week 11 against the Spread - 5-8

Week 11 Straight Up- 7-6

Week 11 Locks - 1-0

2021 Against the Spread- 77-84

2021 Straight Up- 95-70-1

2021 Locks - 8-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110 

2021 Week 11 Picks

New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5) -  The Eagles offense get going against aggressive defenses through the screen game.  The edge may go to to the Eagles only because Kamara is out.

Miami Dolphins (-3)(LOCK) @ New York Jets - The Dolphins have looked impressive lately and go against the Jets lead by Joe Flacco.  Tua is also back in the lineup.

Washington Football Team @ Carolina Panthers (-3) -  Washington's defense was very opportunistic in getting turnovers off Tampa Bay which allowed them the opportunity to use ball control to get the running game going.  Carolina could limit Washington's opportunities if they rely on Christian McCaffrey.  Cam Newton makes his first start and may be fresh enough to carry the Panthers to a win against his former coach.

San Francisco 49ers @ Jacksonville Jaguars (+5.5)-  The 49ers did an excellent job dominating the Rams, which they seem to do every year.  That being said, the 49ers have been below average this season and the Jaguars have done enough to cover the last few weeks

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans (-10.5) - The Titans have been rolling over opponents.  The Texans defense is actually competent enough to keep them in this game but the Texans offense has also been abysmal and would struggle to dig themselves out of a hole if they fall behind early.  

Green Bay Packers (-2.5) @ Minnesota Vikings - The Packers defense has come off back to back weeks slowing down Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson.  The Packers rush defense will be tested though but I'm also expecting Rodgers to have a bounce back week after a poor performance against the Seahawks.

Baltimore Ravens @ Chicago Bears (+6.5) - Both teams have had time to prepare after coming off big losses.  The news about Lamar Jackson's sickness may be enough for the Bears to remain in this game especially since they are at home.  

Cincinnati Bengals (-1) @ Las Vegas Raiders - This game could go either way.  Both teams defenses are solid.  Based on the body of work for the season, Burrow looks like he's a better quarterback.   Derek Carr hasn't been able to utilize Waller effectively since week 1.  The Raiders also have three cornerbacks on the IR.  

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks (+2.5) - With Colt McCoy likely instead of Kyler Murray, it may be a struggle for Colt McCoy.     

Detroit Lions @ Cleveland Browns (-10) - The Lions defense did look feisty last week against the Steelers.  Granted they did go against Mason Rudolph but the Browns offense last week hasn't been much better.  Nick Chubb returns from Covid.  With Jared Goff out and the Lions having not put together two good weeks in a row makes me lean the Browns in a blowout.

Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) @ Kansas City Chiefs - The Chiefs appear to have righted the ship although perhaps the Raiders game was closer than the final score appeared.  The Cowboys have been more consistent this season and could come away with a win if they can get it going against the Chiefs defense.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Los Angeles Chargers (-4.5) - The Chargers defense was stretched thin against the Eagles last week.  That being said, the Steelers don't present the same threat with a mobile quarterback and Herbert is eventually due to come out with a big game.  

New York Giants (+11) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs are going to have a bounce back game, but I have to pick the Giants to keep it close against a Tom Brady lead team.

Week 10 against the Spread - 4-9

Week 10 Straight Up- 6-7-1

2021 Against the Spread- 72-76

2021 Straight Up- 88-64-1

2021 Locks - 7-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110 

2021 Week 10 Picks

Cam Newton could make an appearance today in some small packages

 Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets (+13) - The Jets defense has been horrendous but perhaps they can keep it close against a Bills team that just lost to the Jaguars.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9.5) @ Washington Football Team - These teams played last time in the playoffs and Taylor Heinikie lead a valiant effort against the Bucs.  Now, there is talk that Heinikie could get benched for Kyle Allen- maybe his play has suffered since getting sponsored by Bud Light.  Either way, Washington's defense has been inconsistent which could make it tough for Washington to keep pace.

Atlanta Falcons (+9.5) @ Dallas Cowboys - The Falcons have been better lately even without Calvin Ridley.  Patterson has been one of the most consistent running backs this season.  Dak Presscot looked a bit rusty coming off his injury but could have a better performance.   

New Orleans Saints @ Tennessee Titans (-3) - The Saints usually bounce back from bad performances.  That being said, the Saints are now without Alvin Kamara not to mention Jameis Winston and the Titans' defense has been on fire the last few weeks.  

Jacksonville Jaguars (+10.5) @ Indianapolis Colts - The Jaguars only held the Bills to two field goals last week.  James Robinson also makes his return.  The Colts are coming off a big win against the Jets, so the Jaguars defense who contained the Bills, will have their hands full.  

Detroit Lions (+9) @ Pittsburgh Steelers -  With Big Ben out, there is a road map for the Lions to get their first win of the season.  Of course, Jared Goff could derail those plans.  

Cleveland Browns (+1) @ New England Patriots - The Browns defense kept the Bengals in check thanks to Denzel Ward's 100 yard interception return.  Theoretically the Browns defense can slow down Mac Jones although the Browns will be without Chubb due to Covid.  

Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) - Kirk Cousins had a deja vu performance of not coming through in the clutch after the Vikings took a big lead and Cousins also failed to lead the Vikings to a game winning field goal in Overtime.  The Chargers are on of the worst rushing defenses.  Still, the Chargers offense has been good and they should not be complacent as they have to keep pace in the tough AFC West.  

Carolina Panthers (+10) @ Arizona Cardinals  - The Cardinals look to see if they can keep their momentum going without both Kyler Murray and Chase Edmonds   The Panthers did sign Cam Newton.  The Cardinals did have to rely on trick plays against the 49ers.  The Panthers young defense should do a better job containing the Cardinals than the 49ers last week.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Denver Broncos (-2.5) - The Broncos defense has been legit and looks to continue its domination of the NFC East.  The Eagles have yet to register a win against the AFC West.

Seattle Seahawks (+4) @ Green Bay Packers - Aaron Rodgers returns from the Covid protocol but so does Russell Wilson.  

Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5) @ Las Vegas Raiders  -  The Chiefs defense found it's stride last week against the Packers.  However, their offense sputtered again for the 2nd consecutive week but perhaps they can finally get it together against the Raiders who have been up and down all year, including last weeks' loss to the Giants.  

Los Angeles Rams (-4) @ San Francisco 49ers - The 49ers do a good job slowing down Cooper Kupp and while gaining OBJ did lose Robert Woods for the season.  George Kittle made his return but look a little bit sloppy.  The 49ers defense struggled giving up long 3d down conversions on screen passes and roughing the pass penalties.  The Rams look to continue the trend of AFC West opponents beating the 49ers on the road.  

Week 9 against the Spread - 6-7

Week 9 Straight Up- 7-6

Week 9 Locks - 1-1

2021 Against the Spread- 68-66

2021 Straight Up- 82-57

2021 Locks - 7-5

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110 

2021 Week 9 NFL Picks

Justin Jefferson wearing a "Free Odell Shirt"

Las Vegas Raiders (-3) @ New York Giants - The Raiders are dealing with the fallout of Henry Ruggs.  That being said they are coming off a bye.   The Giants did play the Chiefs close last week and do get Kenny Golladay back in the lineup.  

Atlanta Falcons (+6) @ New Orleans Saints - Atlanta will be without Calvin Ridley but look to keep it close against a division rival.  They may come with an effective game plan against Simien although Taysom Hill will also see some time.

Buffalo Bills(-14) (LOCK) @ Jacksonville Jaguars -  The Jaguars should struggle with James Robinson out of the lineup.   

Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals (-3) - Joey Burrow has had 3 passing touchdowns in each of the last 3 games and is looking for that trend to continue.  Tee Higgins needs to step if Denzel Ward lining up against Jamarr Chase.  The Browns will try to continue to play well without Odell Beckham Jr who they released on Friday.

New England Patriots (-3.5)(LOCK) @ Carolina Panthers - Carolina will be without Sam Darnold but do get Christian McCaffrey.  

Denver Broncos @ Dallas Cowboys (-9.5) - Dak Prescot returns.  The Broncos pass defense has been strong but have struggled on the ground - so Elliot could have a big game.  

Minnesota Vikings (+5.5) @ Baltimore Ravens -  The Vikings may be due for a bounce back game against the Ravens after a bad loss to Dallas.  

Houston Texans (+7) @ Miami Dolphins - Tyrod Taylor returns for the Texans while the Dolphins have suffered injuries to Tua and Davante Parker.  

Los Angeles Chargers (-2.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles - Philadelphia is coming off a big win against the Lions.  

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers (+2.5) - It looks like Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins could be out.  

Tennessee Titans (+7.5) @ Los Angeles Rams  - Perhaps the Titans can keep it lose if Tannehill can play well and Peterson can do his best impression of Derrick Henry.  

Chicago Bears @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)  -    The Steelers could do enough to contain Justin Fields in a primetime game.  Big Ben just has to be a decent game manager.  

Week 8 against the Spread - 9-5

Week 8 Straight Up- 8-6

2021 Against the Spread- 62-59

2021 Straight Up- 76-50

2021 Locks - 6-4

2020 Against the Spread- 124-140-6

2020 Week Straight Up - 173-97-1

2020 Locks- 24-24-2

2019 Season Against the Spread- 128-113-3

2019 Season Straight Up- 158-103

2019 Locks - 21-19-2

2020 Postseason against the Spread- 8-3

2020 Postseason Straight Up- 7-4

2018 Season against the Spread- 112-107-7

2018 Season Straight Up- 137-86-2

2018 Locks- 21-16-2

2017-18 Against the Spread- 121-125-7

2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-92

2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7

2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41

2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-110