Opinions please - this week's games

[robbieruff]

I am in a "for fun" pick 'em league with some homies (playing for bragging rights) and there are a few games on the slate this Sunday that have me a bit torn. I had a slow start this year but I've been on a hot streak recently and am closing in on the leaders...so keen on keeping it going! Last week I was 12-1 (lost the Packers-Colts game) but this week's picks are a little less slam dunk for me. Any thoughts y'all can share on the following matchups would be most welcome...note that, for the sake of not offending the football gods, I NEVER PICK AGAINST the Cowboys. Can't do it in good conscience. So here goes (also note - I am only listing the games I have doubts about at this point):

1) Broncos at Saints...picking the Saints cuz I think Drew Brees will continue to light it up on that fast track at home and that Denver's D with Talib and a few other keys guys out won't be able to keep pace. Still, the Saints D sucks as evident from last game against Niners.

2) Rams at Jets...picking the Jets due to Rams' pitiful offense/QB play and I like the Jets D at home. But Fitz is questionable/hobbled against a stout Rams D-front and Wilkerson is iffy which might help the Rams' running game get untracked.

3) Chiefs at Panthers...picking Chiefs as I just think they're the better team at this point. BUT, Panthers are the more desperate team playing at home and need a win to save season. You could argue they're getting on a roll but they looked horrible (esp. Oline) against Rams last week even though they won. Chiefs good defense just got potentially better with Justin Houston coming back (with Panthers down to 3rd string center it appears) AND they have the more consistent offense getting a returning Alex Smith.

4) Texans at Jags...picking Houston mainly cuz I think they have "better team" generally but I think they're also suspect (i.e., Brock). Will Fuller is coming back so that should help the offense. Jags also dealing with some key injuries but they're home and they played a stout Chiefs team tough on the road.

5) Falcons at Eagles...picking Falcons but have mad respect for Eagles D while the Falcons D is pretty sad...now they have Trufant out and I think Wentz will have a chance to do some damage down the field as he did against a better Giants D last week. Plus Eagles trying to save season.

6) Bears at Bucs...picking Bears since they're passing attack looks on point now that Cutler is back and the Bucs D is horrific. But that Bears win over the Vikings is looking less and less impressive and I don't fully trust them (particularly because of Jay Cutler, ironically).

As I mentioned, the rest of the matchups have me less doubtful about the winner so not listing those.

Any validations or opinions to the contrary would be most appreciated!

 

[Trouty]

I am in a "for fun" pick 'em league with some homies (playing for bragging rights) and there are a few games on the slate this Sunday that have me a bit torn. I had a slow start this year but I've been on a hot streak recently and am closing in on the leaders...so keen on keeping it going! Last week I was 12-1 (lost the Packers-Colts game) but this week's picks are a little less slam dunk for me. Any thoughts y'all can share on the following matchups would be most welcome...note that, for the sake of not offending the football gods, I NEVER PICK AGAINST the Cowboys. Can't do it in good conscience. So here goes (also note - I am only listing the games I have doubts about at this point):

1) Broncos at Saints...picking the Saints cuz I think Drew Brees will continue to light it up on that fast track at home and that Denver's D with Talib and a few other keys guys out won't be able to keep pace. Still, the Saints D sucks as evident from last game against Niners.

2) Rams at Jets...picking the Jets due to Rams' pitiful offense/QB play and I like the Jets D at home. But Fitz is questionable/hobbled against a stout Rams D-front and Wilkerson is iffy which might help the Rams' running game get untracked.

3) Chiefs at Panthers...picking Chiefs as I just think they're the better team at this point. BUT, Panthers are the more desperate team playing at home and need a win to save season. You could argue they're getting on a roll but they looked horrible (esp. Oline) against Rams last week even though they won. Chiefs good defense just got potentially better with Justin Houston coming back (with Panthers down to 3rd string center it appears) AND they have the more consistent offense getting a returning Alex Smith.

4) Texans at Jags...picking Houston mainly cuz I think they have "better team" generally but I think they're also suspect (i.e., Brock). Will Fuller is coming back so that should help the offense. Jags also dealing with some key injuries but they're home and they played a stout Chiefs team tough on the road.

5) Falcons at Eagles...picking Falcons but have mad respect for Eagles D while the Falcons D is pretty sad...now they have Trufant out and I think Wentz will have a chance to do some damage down the field as he did against a better Giants D last week. Plus Eagles trying to save season.

6) Bears at Bucs...picking Bears since they're passing attack looks on point now that Cutler is back and the Bucs D is horrific. But that Bears win over the Vikings is looking less and less impressive and I don't fully trust them (particularly because of Jay Cutler, ironically).

As I mentioned, the rest of the matchups have me less doubtful about the winner so not listing those.

Any validations or opinions to the contrary would be most appreciated!

1. Agree with Broncs/Saints, Broncs are on a downward trend and Talib (their second best CB, Harris is their first, don't let the interceptions fool you, Robbie) is out. Saints are actually looking decent and have a fighting chance at a playoff berth. Kubiak has put Siemian on notice. Brees is still lighting up the league, and the Broncs just don't have the offense to hang. Ware is back, so maybe that D can cover for a dud of a QB but not against this underrated Saints team. Still, should be a fun one. Maybe...

2. Jets should win, unless Fitz doesn't play. He's a "gametime decision" so I would be shocked if Bowles kept him out. Rams are pathetic, outside of Donald. Their Oline is horrendous and is killing the sophomore year of Gurley, rendering this phenom a non-impact. Jets are bad this year, tho. So are the Rams. Almost a pick em.

3. Jags are worthless, one of the worst teams in the NFL. Bortles is proving that the hype was just that, hype. No substance. D sucks. Houston will mash.

4. Tricky one, Eagles are a quasi-good team and the Falcons are one dimensional. Eagles need a win, almost a must-win after their loss to the Giants last week (thanks @Shunpike ). Does their front seven stymie the best offense, most explosive offense in the NFL? Will their fortitude pull them over the top? If it's a shoot out, no way. Wentz is legit, he really is. But he has zero receiving weapons and has thus, been turned into a checkdown warrior. He has lost confidence in himself due to his receivers dropped balls. Those buckets he was throwing early in the year have turned into flats, screens, and first read check-downs. The Eagles D is good, but not class, and they should lose this one against a slightly-overrated Falcons team, due to the fact that the Eagles, themselves, have regressed and are, still, slightly overrated themselves. This will be a fun one, tho, as PHI will be fighting for their lives in this game.

5. As a Jameis Winston fan boi, I must pick a rebound game for him in which he torches Fangio's up and down D. Cutler can never be counted on and the Bucs are due for a win. As an aside, I bet TB is rueing the firing of Lovie!! Bad mistake.

Edit -- left out Chiefs/Panthers! This is a tricky one. Chiefs are, yet again, regular season warriors, and the Panthers are struggling. Panthers will play them tough, I have Houston out, Robbie, which is huge, as he's the second best OLB in the AFC (behind Mack). Maybe you saw differently? Still, this will be a great game. Smith has had his typical bus-driving year and Cam can explode at any moment. Still, Andy Reid's teams are always prepared. Chiefs should have this.

 

[robbieruff]

1. Agree with Broncs/Saints, Broncs are on a downward trend and Talib (their second best CB, Harris is their first, don't let the interceptions fool you, Robbie) is out. Saints are actually looking decent and have a fighting chance at a playoff berth. Kubiak has put Siemian on notice. Brees is still lighting up the league, and the Broncs just don't have the offense to hang. Ware is back, so maybe that D can cover for a dud of a QB but not against this underrated Saints team. Still, should be a fun one. Maybe...

2. Jets should win, unless Fitz doesn't play. He's a "gametime decision" so I would be shocked if Bowles kept him out. Rams are pathetic, outside of Donald. Their Oline is horrendous and is killing the sophomore year of Gurley, rendering this phenom a non-impact. Jets are bad this year, tho. So are the Rams. Almost a pick em.

3. Jags are worthless, one of the worst teams in the NFL. Bortles is proving that the hype was just that, hype. No substance. D sucks. Houston will mash.

4. Tricky one, Eagles are a quasi-good team and the Falcons are one dimensional. Eagles need a win, almost a must-win after their loss to the Giants last week (thanks @Shunpike ). Does their front seven stymie the best offense, most explosive offense in the NFL? Will their fortitude pull them over the top? If it's a shoot out, no way. Wentz is legit, he really is. But he has zero receiving weapons and has thus, been turned into a checkdown warrior. He has lost confidence in himself due to his receivers dropped balls. Those buckets he was throwing early in the year have turned into flats, screens, and first read check-downs. The Eagles D is good, but not class, and they should lose this one against a slightly-overrated Falcons team, due to the fact that the Eagles, themselves, have regressed and are, still, slightly overrated themselves. This will be a fun one, tho, as PHI will be fighting for their lives in this game.

5. As a Jameis Winston fan boi, I must pick a rebound game for him in which he torches Fangio's up and down D. Cutler can never be counted on and the Bucs are due for a win. As an aside, I bet TB is rueing the firing of Lovie!! Bad mistake.

Edit -- left out Chiefs/Panthers! This is a tricky one. Chiefs are, yet again, regular season warriors, and the Panthers are struggling. Panthers will play them tough, I have Houston out, Robbie, which is huge, as he's the second best OLB in the AFC (behind Mack). Maybe you saw differently? Still, this will be a great game. Smith has had his typical bus-driving year and Cam can explode at any moment. Still, Andy Reid's teams are always prepared. Chiefs should have this.

Great catch on the Justin Houston update...that status changed from what I saw on Friday's injury updates...still worried about the center situation for Panthers given that position's key to calling out protections, etc. Going to mull that one over and confirm my pick based on any last minute updates.

Yeah...was very much on the fence on the Bears pick so I think I am flipping to Bucs as I do think they bounce back and Cutler will throw a pick or two.

Thanks much bro!

 

[dallasdave]

1. Agree with Broncs/Saints, Broncs are on a downward trend and Talib (their second best CB, Harris is their first, don't let the interceptions fool you, Robbie) is out. Saints are actually looking decent and have a fighting chance at a playoff berth. Kubiak has put Siemian on notice. Brees is still lighting up the league, and the Broncs just don't have the offense to hang. Ware is back, so maybe that D can cover for a dud of a QB but not against this underrated Saints team. Still, should be a fun one. Maybe...

2. Jets should win, unless Fitz doesn't play. He's a "gametime decision" so I would be shocked if Bowles kept him out. Rams are pathetic, outside of Donald. Their Oline is horrendous and is killing the sophomore year of Gurley, rendering this phenom a non-impact. Jets are bad this year, tho. So are the Rams. Almost a pick em.

3. Jags are worthless, one of the worst teams in the NFL. Bortles is proving that the hype was just that, hype. No substance. D sucks. Houston will mash.

4. Tricky one, Eagles are a quasi-good team and the Falcons are one dimensional. Eagles need a win, almost a must-win after their loss to the Giants last week (thanks @Shunpike ). Does their front seven stymie the best offense, most explosive offense in the NFL? Will their fortitude pull them over the top? If it's a shoot out, no way. Wentz is legit, he really is. But he has zero receiving weapons and has thus, been turned into a checkdown warrior. He has lost confidence in himself due to his receivers dropped balls. Those buckets he was throwing early in the year have turned into flats, screens, and first read check-downs. The Eagles D is good, but not class, and they should lose this one against a slightly-overrated Falcons team, due to the fact that the Eagles, themselves, have regressed and are, still, slightly overrated themselves. This will be a fun one, tho, as PHI will be fighting for their lives in this game.

5. As a Jameis Winston fan boi, I must pick a rebound game for him in which he torches Fangio's up and down D. Cutler can never be counted on and the Bucs are due for a win. As an aside, I bet TB is rueing the firing of Lovie!! Bad mistake.

Edit -- left out Chiefs/Panthers! This is a tricky one. Chiefs are, yet again, regular season warriors, and the Panthers are struggling. Panthers will play them tough, I have Houston out, Robbie, which is huge, as he's the second best OLB in the AFC (behind Mack). Maybe you saw differently? Still, this will be a great game. Smith has had his typical bus-driving year and Cam can explode at any moment. Still, Andy Reid's teams are always prepared. Chiefs should have this.

Wow thats a lot

 

[gmoney112]

I am in a "for fun" pick 'em league with some homies (playing for bragging rights) and there are a few games on the slate this Sunday that have me a bit torn. I had a slow start this year but I've been on a hot streak recently and am closing in on the leaders...so keen on keeping it going! Last week I was 12-1 (lost the Packers-Colts game) but this week's picks are a little less slam dunk for me. Any thoughts y'all can share on the following matchups would be most welcome...note that, for the sake of not offending the football gods, I NEVER PICK AGAINST the Cowboys. Can't do it in good conscience. So here goes (also note - I am only listing the games I have doubts about at this point):

1) Broncos at Saints...picking the Saints cuz I think Drew Brees will continue to light it up on that fast track at home and that Denver's D with Talib and a few other keys guys out won't be able to keep pace. Still, the Saints D sucks as evident from last game against Niners.

2) Rams at Jets...picking the Jets due to Rams' pitiful offense/QB play and I like the Jets D at home. But Fitz is questionable/hobbled against a stout Rams D-front and Wilkerson is iffy which might help the Rams' running game get untracked.

3) Chiefs at Panthers...picking Chiefs as I just think they're the better team at this point. BUT, Panthers are the more desperate team playing at home and need a win to save season. You could argue they're getting on a roll but they looked horrible (esp. Oline) against Rams last week even though they won. Chiefs good defense just got potentially better with Justin Houston coming back (with Panthers down to 3rd string center it appears) AND they have the more consistent offense getting a returning Alex Smith.

4) Texans at Jags...picking Houston mainly cuz I think they have "better team" generally but I think they're also suspect (i.e., Brock). Will Fuller is coming back so that should help the offense. Jags also dealing with some key injuries but they're home and they played a stout Chiefs team tough on the road.

5) Falcons at Eagles...picking Falcons but have mad respect for Eagles D while the Falcons D is pretty sad...now they have Trufant out and I think Wentz will have a chance to do some damage down the field as he did against a better Giants D last week. Plus Eagles trying to save season.

6) Bears at Bucs...picking Bears since they're passing attack looks on point now that Cutler is back and the Bucs D is horrific. But that Bears win over the Vikings is looking less and less impressive and I don't fully trust them (particularly because of Jay Cutler, ironically).

As I mentioned, the rest of the matchups have me less doubtful about the winner so not listing those.

Any validations or opinions to the contrary would be most appreciated!

1. Tempted to take Broncos, but their run D isn't very good. Saints have an absolutely terrible defense, but Bronco's QB is playing like garbage. Saints here.
2. Tough one. They both suck. I'm going with the Rams. Keenum has really only had one "bad" game in the last 4, Putting up fairly decent numbers against Seattle, TB, and Cardinals, all good defenses. Jets pass defense is really bad. Jets also have the most turnovers on offense in the NFL. Rams.
3. Chiefs. Who even knows about that offense, but Carolina has one of the worst pass defense in the NFL, and Chiefs are a legitimate defense this year.
4. Texans, because the Jaguars are just a really bad team right now.
5. Falcons. Eagles DB's just aren't that good, but if Eagles can get pressure and score, they could win. Interior of ATL line is pretty decent though with Mack at center and Levitre at guard, helps nullify the Cox effect.
6. Bears. They have a decent offense now and running game looks to be taking off, i just think theyre a better team than TB.

 

[Trouty]

1. Tempted to take Broncos, but their run D isn't very good. Saints have an absolutely terrible defense, but Bronco's QB is playing like garbage. Saints here.
2. Tough one. They both suck. I'm going with the Rams. Keenum has really only had one "bad" game in the last 4, Putting up fairly decent numbers against Seattle, TB, and Cardinals, all good defenses. Jets pass defense is really bad. Jets also have the most turnovers on offense in the NFL. Rams.
3. Chiefs. Who even knows about that offense, but Carolina has one of the worst pass defense in the NFL, and Chiefs are a legitimate defense this year.
4. Texans, because the Jaguars are just a really bad team right now.
5. Falcons. Eagles DB's just aren't that good, but if Eagles can get pressure and score, they could win. Interior of ATL line is pretty decent though with Mack at center and Levitre at guard, helps nullify the Cox effect.
6. Bears. They have a decent offense now and running game looks to be taking off, i just think theyre a better team than TB.

I like it except the Bears take, G. TB should win that one on paper. Doug Martin should be back. I will say, to your point, Cutler is actually playing with some motivation this year, for a change. Seems like every odd year he strings some games together (had a decent season last year as well, just don't trust him)

 

[gmoney112]

I like it except the Bears take, G. TB should win that one on paper. Doug Martin should be back. I will say, to your point, Cutler is actually playing with some motivation this year, for a change. Seems like every odd year he strings some games together (had a decent season last year as well, just don't trust him)

Yeah i'm not sure at all about that game, wouldn't bet on it? What did i bet on?

Dallas +9
Vikes/Skins under 49

Yeahhh buddy!

 

[Trouty]

Yeah i'm not sure at all about that game, wouldn't bet on it? What did i bet on?

Dallas +9
Vikes/Skins under 49

Yeahhh buddy!

Good luck, G, my brotha!!!

 

[Shunpike]

1. Agree with Broncs/Saints, Broncs are on a downward trend and Talib (their second best CB, Harris is their first, don't let the interceptions fool you, Robbie) is out. Saints are actually looking decent and have a fighting chance at a playoff berth. Kubiak has put Siemian on notice. Brees is still lighting up the league, and the Broncs just don't have the offense to hang. Ware is back, so maybe that D can cover for a dud of a QB but not against this underrated Saints team. Still, should be a fun one. Maybe...

2. Jets should win, unless Fitz doesn't play. He's a "gametime decision" so I would be shocked if Bowles kept him out. Rams are pathetic, outside of Donald. Their Oline is horrendous and is killing the sophomore year of Gurley, rendering this phenom a non-impact. Jets are bad this year, tho. So are the Rams. Almost a pick em.

3. Jags are worthless, one of the worst teams in the NFL. Bortles is proving that the hype was just that, hype. No substance. D sucks. Houston will mash.

4. Tricky one, Eagles are a quasi-good team and the Falcons are one dimensional. Eagles need a win, almost a must-win after their loss to the Giants last week (thanks @Shunpike ). Does their front seven stymie the best offense, most explosive offense in the NFL? Will their fortitude pull them over the top? If it's a shoot out, no way. Wentz is legit, he really is. But he has zero receiving weapons and has thus, been turned into a checkdown warrior. He has lost confidence in himself due to his receivers dropped balls. Those buckets he was throwing early in the year have turned into flats, screens, and first read check-downs. The Eagles D is good, but not class, and they should lose this one against a slightly-overrated Falcons team, due to the fact that the Eagles, themselves, have regressed and are, still, slightly overrated themselves. This will be a fun one, tho, as PHI will be fighting for their lives in this game.

5. As a Jameis Winston fan boi, I must pick a rebound game for him in which he torches Fangio's up and down D. Cutler can never be counted on and the Bucs are due for a win. As an aside, I bet TB is rueing the firing of Lovie!! Bad mistake.

Edit -- left out Chiefs/Panthers! This is a tricky one. Chiefs are, yet again, regular season warriors, and the Panthers are struggling. Panthers will play them tough, I have Houston out, Robbie, which is huge, as he's the second best OLB in the AFC (behind Mack). Maybe you saw differently? Still, this will be a great game. Smith has had his typical bus-driving year and Cam can explode at any moment. Still, Andy Reid's teams are always prepared. Chiefs should have this.

Fitzpatrick isn't starting. Bryce Petty will play instead.

 

[big dog cowboy]

1) Broncos at Saints...Saints

2) Rams at Jets...Rams

3) Chiefs at Panthers...Chiefs

4) Texans at Jags...Texans

5) Falcons at Eagles...Eagles

6) Bears at Bucs...Bucs

Warning: all 6 could be wrong.

 

[big dog cowboy]

1) Broncos at Saints...Saints

2) Rams at Jets...Rams

3) Chiefs at Panthers...Chiefs

4) Texans at Jags...Texans

5) Falcons at Eagles...Eagles

6) Bears at Bucs...Bucs

5/6 isn't too bad.