2024 Week 9 Picks

Joe Flacco gets $100,000 if the Colts wins and he plays 50% of the offensive snaps 

Dallas Cowboys (+2.5) @ Atlanta Falcons - The Cowboys are in desperation mode needing a win here.  They looked fairly competent at times against the 49ers but ultimately came up short.  If the Cowboys lose, Mike McCarthy's chances of surviving this season greatly diminish.

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (-6) - Typically one could assume a close division rivalry game.  But Tua looks a bit conservative in his level of play which could make the battle slightly more uphill on the road in a division rivalry game.

Las Vegas Raiders (+7) @ Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals defense has usually kept their opponents in games.  The Raiders could be in trouble though if this game becomes a shootout.   

Los Angeles Chargers (+2) @ Cleveland Browns - This could be a trap game for the Chargers who are traveling from west to east.  Still, Jameis Winston has been an up and down player in his career and the Chargers defense will see if they can force some turnovers.

New England Patriots (+3.5) @ Tennessee Titans - Both teams are fairly evenly matched and perhaps the Patriots can continue some of their momentum to make this a close game with Drake Maye back in the lineup.  

Washington Commanders @ New York Giants - The Commanders could be due for a let down against the Giants after a miraculous win against the Bears.  Still, it seems like Washington will not take the Giants lightly after a close game in week 2.  Washington did move the ball well but will need to convert in the red zone- a problem they also had against the Bears.   Washington's defense has looked sharper although they will need to be on point against Jones who has had some success against Washington in past seasons.  

New Orleans Saints (-7) @ Carolina Panthers - Derek Carr makes his return.  He could be rusty but the Saints already blew out the Panthers earlier this season.

Denver Broncos (+9.5) @ Baltimore Ravens - This could be a get right game for the Ravens after a terrible loss to the Broncos.  Still this seems like a lot of points especially since the Broncos have been competitive lately.   

Chicago Bears (+1) @ Arizona Cardinals - Interesting game against two teams competing for a playoff spot.  Caleb Williams could bounce back and the Bears defense may be the separating factor of this game.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers (+3.5) - The Packers will have Jordan Love against this one and the Lions while having impressive victories will finally be tested on the road in a division game.

Seattle Seahawks @ Los Angeles Rams (-1.5)(LOCK) - I didn't get the memo last week, but it looks like the Rams are finally healthy.  It could be tough on the road for the Rams, but the overreaction from beating the Vikings could be that the Rams could make a potential playoff run.

Indianapolis Colts (+5.5) @  Minnesota Vikings-  Joe Flacco could do enough to keep this game close.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Kansas City Chiefs (-9)- The Chiefs have routinely kept their opponents in games but the Bucs are dealing with a fair share of injuries that may force them to tap out if Mahomes shows up.    

Week 8 Against the Spread- 11-5

Week 8 Straight up – 11-5

Week 8 Locks - 3-0

2024 Against the Spread- 66-60

2024 Locks – 8-6-1

2024 Straight up- 78-45

2024 Week 8 Picks

Cleveland Browns'Myles Garrett

dresses up as Terminator before the Ravens game 

Minnesota Vikings @ Los Angeles Rams -  The Vikings look to continue their winning ways coming off a bye although Puka has returned back to the lineup.

Philadelphia Eagles (+2.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals offense has played better lately although their defense hasn't been tested in a few weeks.  The Eagles are looing to keep pace with the Commanders who beat the Bengals on the road earlier this season. With AJ Brown's return, the Eagles look slightly better than the Bengals although perhaps the Eagles play down to their competition.   

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns(+9) - Perhaps the Browns can keep it close against a division rival although Lamar Jackson running up the score is a distinct possibility.  

Tennessee Titans @ Detroit Lions (-11) - The Lions are looking to put the hammer down on the Titans who look like one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. 

Arizona Cardinals(+3) @ Miami Dolphins - Tua makes his return meaning a possible revival of Tyreek Hill.  There could be some rust but the Dolphins appear to not be a pushover.  

New York Jets @ New England Patriots (+7)-  The Jets seems to be in perpetual laughing stock although they will get a potential break in playing the Patriots.  Drake Maye will make another start who showed flashes but also committed a few turnovers.

Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2.5) - The Bucs are looking to avenge an overtime loss to the Falcons earlier in the season.  The Falcons are looking to add to its road wins which include games against the Eagles and Panthers.

Green Bay Packers(-4.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jaguars are coming off a win against the lowly Patriots but the Packers are coming off 3 straight wins and looking to continue that trend to keep up with the Lions.

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (-6) - The games between these two division rivals have been lose although the Texans appear to be playing with an axe to grind after a close loss to the Packers.  

New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Chargers (-7.5) - The Saints look like a shell of their former self without Derek Carr.  The Chargers are coming off a close loss to the Cardinals and look to regain their form.

Buffalo Bills @ Seattle Seahawks(+3.5) - The Bills are a bit banged with their middle line backer Bernard out.  The Seahawks will be without DK Metcalf so the Bills have a chance to pull out a road win here.  

Carolina Panthers @ Denver Broncos (-9) - The Panthers surge with Andy Dalton appears to have been a blip in the pan while the Broncos could run up the score if Bo Nix plays well.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders (+10) - The Antonio Pierce led Raiders did manage to play spoiler against the Chiefs last season.  Mahomes does get a new weapon in DeAndre Hopkins although it could take a bit for him to get acclimated.  

Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders (-1.5)(LOCK) - It looks like Jayden Daniels will play despite the rib injury.  The battle of the number 1 and number 2 picks should be a fun matchup.  The Commanders secondary will be interesting to watch in how it deals with Caleb Williams.  

Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers (-4.5)(LOCK) - The Cowboys are coming off a bye to lick its wounds only to face a 49ers team that is looking to rebound from a tough loss to the Chiefs.  It looks like the 49ers just have the Cowboys number.  Dak Prescott needs to show something here for the Cowboys to be taken more seriously in the postseason.

New York Giants @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-6.5)(LOCK) - Daniel Jones was benched against the Eagles.  Things could get ugly here for whoever the Giants decide to roll out at quarterback against a Steelers team that has given the keys to Russell Wilson as a quarterback.   

Week 5 Against the Spread- 6-9

Week 5 Straight up – 7-7

2024 Against the Spread- 55-54

2024 Locks – 5-6-1

2024 Straight up- 67-40

2024 Week 6 Picks

According to Jonathan Jones,  Robert Saleh considered firing Nathaniel Hackett before getting fired himself

San Francisco 49ers (- 3.5) @ Seattle Seahawks - Two teams are coming off surprising losses.   For now I give the edge to the 49ers given Kyle Shanahan's coaching acumen but the Seahawks keeping it close would not be surprising especially with all the injuries the 49ers have been dealing with.  

Jacksonville Jaguars(+2.5) @ Chicago Bears - The Jaguars look to continue their streak of winning at London.

Washington Commanders(+7)(LOCK) @ Baltimore Ravens - It has been some time since the Commanders were featured in the game of the week category.   Both teams have QBs that have been playing lights out (Daniels/Jackson), great running attacks, and tight ends who have been considered washed up (Ertz/Andrews).   The Ravens pass defense has been in question especially with their defensive coordinator going to the Seattle.   Certainly a toss up game, unless the Ravens see something from the game film and can dissect how Daniels has been doing.   

Tampa Bay Bucs (-3.5) @ New Orleans Saints - Derek Carri s out with an injury.  The Bucs suffered a bad loss to Atlanta and this game is a relatively must win given that their schedule gets much harder over the next five (Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, 49ers).  

Detroit Lions (-3) @ Dallas Cowboys -  The Cowboys pulled out a nice win against Pittsburgh.  The Lions are coming off a bye and look to be a superior team than the Steelers especially in the passing attack.  

Cleveland Browns(+8.5) @ Philadelphia Eagles - DeShaun Watson has reached epic levels of terrible.  Although maybe the Browns can continue the streak of teas that play Washington getting a win.  Maybe but unlikely given the Eagles are coming off a bye and getting AJ Brown back from an injury.

Arizona Cardinals(+5) @ Green Bay Packers - Kyler Murray and the Cardinals looked impressive against the 49ers.  They go against another former Washington assistant head coach in Matt LaFleur.  The Packers might be on par with the injury riddled 49ers plus I'm not sure how consistent the Cardinals are even coming off a win.  

Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (+3) -  The Chargers are coming off a bye and a  quality loss to the Chiefs where they were held scoreless after the first quarter against the Chiefs.  Still, everything seems to be clicking for the Broncos. who are on a 3 game winning streak.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) @ Las Vegas Raiders - The Steelers look to get right in Las Vegas.  Right now the Steelers seem to be playing better although Fields inconsistency could allow the Raiders to perhaps pull out an upset.  

Houston Texans (-7)(LOCK) @ New England Patriots - The Patriots appear to be a true work in progress and for now appear to be one of the worst teams in the NFL.  Complacency by the Texans could allow the Patriots to remain in the game although an upset seems unlikely.  

Indianapolis Colts (-1) @ Tennessee Titans - The Titans are coming off a bye and Michael Pittman is out with an injury.  In the short term the Colts seem more likely to win if Flacco plays although Richardson may still do enough.  

Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers (+6) - Two teams that are playing at polar opposites.  Hard to say how the Falcons will play in a easy game but for now one has to project a win against the Panthers whose defense has ben playing at abysmal levels.  

Cincinnati Bengals (-4) @ New York Giants - The Giants are coming off a nice win against the Seahawks.  If the Giants win this game, perhaps the NFC East will be considered significantly stronger then AFC North.   

Buffalo Bills (-4) @ New York Jets - The Jets are testing the theory of winning after firing a head coach.  I would give the Jets a better chance to win the game if they had actually lost to a team that wasn't good last week since the Vikings are undefeated and if Robert Saleh firing coincided with the firing of Nathaniel Hackett. 

Week 5 Against the Spread- 6-8

Week 5 Straight up – 7-7

Week 5 Locks – 2-0

2024 Against the Spread- 39-41

2024 Locks – 4-6

2024 Straight up- 46-32

2024 Week 5 Picks

 

 Davante Adams has requested out of Las Vegas and could be traded. 

Tampa Bay Bucs (+2.5) @Atlanta Falcons - The Bucs with Mayfield have been playing well including Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving.   The Falcons keep pulling out wins although Cousins and Pitts looked shaky last week. 

New York Jets @ Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) (LOCK) (London) – Rodgers looked shaky against the Broncos.   The Vikings defense could force Rodgers into some bad decisions. 

Buffalo Bills (-1.5) @ Houston Texans – The Bills are looking to rebound after a tough loss to the Ravens.  The Texans pulled out a win against the Jaguars, but they easily could have lost if not for a goal line stand.

Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears (-3.5) - Caleb Williams has been playing OK for a rookie quarterback although the Bears fans are hoping that he plays closer to the level of Jayden Daniels.   The Panthers offense looks competent with Andy Dalton although they face a tough Bears defense that does a good job forcing turnovers.    

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals (+2.5) – Perhaps the Bengals can pull out a win against a division rival although they will have their hands full with Derrick Henry

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-1) - Drake Maye is not scheduled to play yet.  The Dolphins offense has looked dreadful without Tua. 

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) – The Colts could take a bit of a hit with Jonathan Taylor out, although the Jaguars have been finding ways to lose all season.  The Jaguars gave up 2^nd half leads to the Dolphins and the Texans- maybe they are due for a win.  Jacksonville beat Indianapolis twice last season by double digits. 

Las Vegas Raiders (+3) @ Denver Broncos - A division rivalry game that could go either way.  Bo Nix only threw for 60 yards last week.  Gardner Minshew also struggled- so it could be a low scoring game. 

Arizona Cardinals @ San Francisco 49ers (-7.5) – The 49ers are dealing with a number of injuries, but the 49ers also seem to take care of lesser opponents.

New York Giants @ Seattle Seahawks (-6)- Daniel Jones and the Giants have played their division opponents close in loses but might struggle on the road against an explosive Seattle offense. 

Green Bay Packers (-3.5) @ Las Angeles Rams – Jordan Love and the Packers looked much sharper in the 2^nd half against the Vikings and look to continue that momentum against the Rams who are still dealing with a slew of injuries to their wide receiving corps. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5)- Both teams are dealing with injuries.  The Cowboys are playing without their top two defensive players in Lawrence and Parsons.  The Steelers are running out of healthy running backs with Jaylen Warren out.  While the Cowboys need this win more theoretically, the Steelers are already coming off a loss and cold bounce back. 

 

Cleveland Browns @ Washington Commanders (-3.5)- The Browns defense could do better at slowing down the Jayden Daniels lead offense than either the Bengals or Cardinals.   Still, Washington’s defense did seem to find some semblance of competence as they only gave up 14 points, and only 7 after the Cardinals put up a score on the opening drive. 

 

New Orleans Saints @ Kansas City Chiefs (-5)- Derek Carr did enough to lead the Saints to a win even though he struggled.  The Chiefs offense has struggled due to injuries to Pacheko and Rice.  The Saints goal line offense has struggled when Taysom Hill left with a rib injury.

 

Week 4 Against the Spread- 9-7

Week 4 Straight up – 9-7

Week 4  Locks – 1-1

2024 Against the Spread- 33-33

2024 Locks – 2-6

2024 Straight up- 39-25

2024 Week 4 Picks

Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow lead their teams without a TD or turnover.  This was the first time since 1940 that both teams did that.

 

Dallas Cowboys(-5.5) @ New York Giants- The Cowboys have had the Giants number the last few meetings including some massive blowouts.  The Giants do have a better receiving corps and a better running game not to mention that Dallas is dealing with a few in.  For some reason I think the owboys will rebound after a loss to the Ravens although I would be somewhat delighted if Daniel Jones can pull the Giants back to .500. 

 

New Orleans Saints (+2) @ Atlanta Falcons- Cousins has looked better and Derek Carr struggled against the Eagles.     Not sure which version of either quarter back shows up but I have been more impressed with the Saints in weeks 1-2.

 

Los Angeles Rams(+3) @ Chicago Bears -  Caleb Williams did throw for 300 plus yards but the Rams looked tough against 49ers.  Kyren Williams had 3 touchdowns last week and appears to have absorbed the volume with Kupp and Puka out. 

 

Minnesota Vikings(+2.5) @ Green Bay Packers -  The Vikings look a lot better than last season but are dealing with a few injuries but so are the Packers.  Malik Willis has been playing well but the Vikings defense has been playing well.  Matt Lafleur has been coaching the Packers. 

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2)(LOCK) @ Indianapolis Colts -  This seems like a game where the Steeler defense makes Anthony Richardson’s life miserable.  Justin Fields isn’t exactly lighting it up though which could keep Indianapolis in it if Michael Pittman figures it out. 

 

Denver Broncos (+7.5) @ New York Jets -  Both teams came away with nice wins.  Aaron Rodgers is looking like Aaron Rodgers again and the Broncos blew out the Bucs.   Perhaps the Broncos defense can do enough the slow down the Broncos offense but the Jets have numerous offensive weapons that could pull ahead. 

Washington Commanders (+3.5) @ Arizona Cardinals-  Kingsbury goes against his former protégé Kyler Murray.  Jayden Daniels can’t keep playing this well although teams that have played the Lions the previous week have not covered since last year.   Although Washington’s defense could allow Marvin Harrison Jr. to have a great game. 

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2) -  The Eagles go against the team that eliminated them last season.  It looks like AJ Brown is not going to play.

 

Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5) @ Carolina Panthers -   Andy Dalton goes against his former team and looks to put them at 0-4.  It still feels like the Bengals offense is finding its rhythm and they have to win.  Although they do remind me of Washington teams in the past that played down to the level of their competition.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars (+7) @ Houston Texans – Both teams got blown out.  The Texans offense could do enough to pull out the win but perhaps Jaguars will show signs of life after an embarrassing loss against a division rival.

 

New England Patriots @ San Francisco 49ers (-10) – The 49ers look to pull it together after losing to a division rival.  The Patriots were surprisingly competitive the first two weeks but Jacoby Brissett and the team seems to have regressed to the mean.  I wonder if we see Drake Maye soon.

 

Cleveland Browns @ Las Vegas Raiders (+1) - Both teams are coming off bad losses to 0-2 teams where they were expected to win by large margins.  The Raiders with Minshew may come out on top given that Watson is having trouble putting it together.

 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers (+8.5)- It maybe Heinickie time again if Herbert can’t go.  The Chiefs offense has been playing pretty poorly although their defense keeps getting the wins.

 

Buffalo Bills (+3) @ Baltimore Ravens – Josh Allen looked great against the Jaguars.  The Ravens defense has looked shaky.  The Ravens need Lamar to come through.  The Bills defense will be  

Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins (+1.5) – Perhaps the Dolphins will show signs of life at home against the Titans who also looked shaky against the Jets.

Seattle Seahawks @ Detroit Lions (-5)- Both teams are undefeated but the Seahawks are dealing with a few injuries in the backfield.   The Lions look to solidify their case as being the best team in the NFC East after knocking off the Bucs last week. 

Week 3 Against the Spread- 9-7

Week 3 Straight up - 8-8

Week 3 Locks - 0-1

2024 Against the Spread- 24-26

2024 Locks – 1-5

2024 Straight up- 30-18

2024 Week 3 Picks

Gardner Minshew has won 

his last 2 games against Baltimore

New England Patriots (+6.5) @ New York Jets - Jets finally won a game but Rodgers’ streak of throwing less than 300 yards continues since week 13 of 2022.  The Patriots have been playing well including an overtime loss to the Seahawks.  

Baltimore Ravens (-1.5) @ Dallas - Must win game for Baltimore.  The Ravens need another target other than Flowers to step up including either Andrews or Likely.  

Los Angeles Chargers (+1.5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers - Justin Fields is slightly worse than Justin Herbert.  The Steelers have a better defense, but the chargers appear to be running the ball better with JK Dobbins

Houston Texans @ Minnesota Vikings (+2.5) - Jefferson may be out in this one, but the Vikings have been playing extremely well. 

Philadelphia Eagles (+3) @ New Orleans Saints - The Saints offense has taken a turn back into the time machine with two blowout wins.  The Eagles’ defense has looked off after giving up a last-minute drive to Cousins.  

Detroit Lions @ Arizona Cardinals (+3) - Kyler Murray looked sharp against the Rams.  The Lions look to rebound from a tough loss last week against the Buccaneers.

Chicago Bears @ Indianapolis Colts (-1) - Both teams suffered shaky losses with their young quarterbacks underperforming.  The Colts could get a win here if Jonathan Taylor plays well.  Caleb Williams, the number 1 overall pick, has yet to throw a touchdown.

Miami Dolphins @ Seattle Seahawks (-4.5) - Seattle looks to get a win with the Dolphins being without Tua.  

San Francisco 49ers (-7.5) @ Los Angeles Rams - The Rams are without two of their top wide receivers.  The 49ers will look to rebound at home and perhaps the home crowd will favor the 49ers.

Denver Broncos @ Tampa Buccaneers (-7) - The Buccaneers look for their 2nd win against a rookie quarterback this season.   

Green Bay Packers (+3) @ Tennessee Titans - Malik Willis returning back against his former team.  The Titans can potentially hang in with the Packers if Pollard can get it going on the ground, but coach Matt LaFleur drew up an excellent game plan to beat the Colts.  

New York Giants (+6.5) @ Cleveland Browns - Cleveland got their act together against the Jaguars.  The Giants looked like they found some rhythm with Malik Neighbors.

Carolina Panthers @ Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5) (LOCK) - The Raiders will look to continue their case to be the Chiefs top rival as they go against the Panthers who will go with Andy Dalton.

Kansas City Chiefs (-3.5) @ Falcons - The Chiefs seem like they are content with playing close games down to the wire.  The Falcons could keep the game close if Cousins plays like he did as he showed good poise despite coming off an Achilles Injury

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills (-6) - Questions remain about the Jaguars offensive line.  The Bills have extra time to prepare coming off a Thursday Night Game

Washington Commanders (+7.5) @ Cincinnati Bengals - The Commanders only gave up 18 points against the Giants which is a stark improvement to what they showed against the Bucs.  Granted the Giants wounds may have been self-inflicted with a drop by Neighbors and an injured kicker.  But despite not scoring a touchdown, Jayden Daniel and the Commanders' offense did not put in the game.   The Bengals looked much better against the Chiefs but have already let a lesser opponent like the Patriots beat them.  The thing is the Commanders defense still looks like a work in progress meaning guys like Ja’Marr Chase could have a big game.

 2024 Week 2 Against the Spread- 15-19

2024 Locks – 1-4

2024 Straight up- 22-10

 

2024 Week 2 Picks

 

Baker Mayfield has been playing well, while the Browns are still

hoping DeShaun Watson can play better who they signed for $230 million

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins (-2.5)- Rivalry game that has favored the Bills in the last four games.  Both teams managed to overcome first half deficits to get wins.  Although the Bills have a slightly different look without Steffon Diggs, they have depth of targets in Coleman and Shakir and of course Allen can utilize his legs.   The Bills’ passing defense was on point last week as they held Kyler Murray to 168 passing yards and Marvin Harrison Jr. only had 4 yards. 

New Orleans Saints @ Dallas Cowboys (-7)- Dallas beat expectations by blowing out the Browns but the Saints were also impressive in their blowout against the Panthers who made the Panthers defense look like Swiss cheese.   I will say Derek Carr could have another good game although the Cowboys defense did enough to slow down Watson.   Perhaps the Saints can present more of a challenge although there is a chance Derek Carr lays an egg on the road. 

Indianapolis Colts (-3.5) @ Green Bay – With Jordan Love out, this game should favor the Colts who looked frisky against the Texans.

San Francisco 49ers (-6) @ Minnesota Vikings – Both teams took care of business last week.  The 49ers may still be without Christian McCaffrey, and they are on the road playing in East coast time so maybe the Vikings can find a way to keep it close especially since they looked really good last week.   

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+7) @ Detroit Lions – The Buccaneers secondary is banged up, but Baker Mayfield did a good job connecting with his receivers last week.  The Buccaneers need to run the ball to keep the game close, but the Bucs can certainly keep it close as they were a playoff team last season.

Seatle Seahawks @ New England Patriots (+3.5)- The Patriots defense can keep it going at home against a Seattle team that took a while to find its beat last week.

New York Giants @ Washington Commanders (-2.5) – Washington did seem to keep Jayden Daniel mostly intact after he rushed the ball 16 times.  Washington may keep it conservative to keep their QB safe.  Daniel Jones has his most wins against this Washington team although it looks like the Giants fans have turned their back on him and might be hard for him to put together a win.  Although Washington’s defense was putrid last week so anything is possible. Washington may be the team with strong tanking prospects if they lose this game. 

Los Angeles Chargers (-6.5) @ Carolina Panthers- It would be quite stunning to see the Panthers make a turnaround against the Harbaugh lead Chargers.   The Panthers can provide more of a scoring punch although Herbert may have a great game if the Panthers defense continues to struggle.

Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) (LOCK) - After week 1, it looks like the Browns have a question mark at quarterback.   

 

New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans (+3.5) – The Titans kept it close against the Bears before suffering self-inflicted turnovers.   This could be an even game, but Rodgers may do enough to get his first win as a starting quarterback for the Jets.

 

Las Vegas Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens (-9.5) (LOCK) – This seems like a get right game for the Ravens.  Pierce has the Raiders playing tough and could devise a good game plan against Jackson, but Henry will probably be the difference here along with the Ravens homefield advantage.  Perhaps complacency can set in but given that the Ravens lost last week, it seems unlikely that the Ravens will take the Raiders lightly.

 

Los Angeles Rams (+1.5) @ Arizona Cardinals- Can the Cardinals slow down Cooper Kupp with a week to plan? Puka Nacua is out.  Marvin Harrison Jr. will try to get more than one reception here although the Rams dense looked decent in the second half before succumbing to the power running of David Montgomery.  The Rams will try to atone for a week 1 loss here.

 

Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs (-6)-   Burrow looked sloppy against the Patriots-   He usually saves his best for the Chiefs.    For now, Kansas City has the momentum after a good win against the Ravens.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) @ Denver Broncos-   Justin Fields got his first win on the road.  Another win here for set up the Steelers nicely to compete for a division title.  The Bronco are slight underdogs because they have a rookie QB although it will be interesting to see if their defense can keep this one close. 

 

Chicago Bears (+7) @ Houston Texans - The Texans should be favorites here.  Caleb Williams still has to iron some things out and CJ Stroud still looks like the young quarterback that teams want to build around in the recent drafts.  The Bear’s defense does look good along with their running backs. 

 

Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) (LOCK)- Kirk Cousins on Monday Night against the Eagles seems like a déjà vu thing I have seen before.  Based on past history, I expect the Eagles to have a big game.  Jalen Hurts does need to play better as he threw i2 interceptions in week 1 but I expect the Eagles to play better at home as opposed to Brazil. 

2023 Against the Spread - 138-126-1

2023 Locks - 29-17

2023 Straight Up - 175-106

2024 Against the Spread- 7-9

2024 Locks – 1-1

2024 Straight up-12-4