NFL: Lions (+3.5) Vs Eagles $$
The Lions lost 28-19 last week in LA, but if you actually watched the game (I know most of you didn’t), the Lions were in the game right up to the end. The even lead in the fourth quarter, something the Buccaneers couldn’t even do when they played in LA.
The Lions successfully pulled off two fake punts and an onside kick in that game essentially taking away three possessions from the Rams. Without that extreme aggression and execution from the coaching staff, this game would sure have been a blowout. This is not a team that seems content to lose a game slowly and is trying desperately to remove the goose egg currently in their win column.
It’s not as if the Eagles are an actual playoff team either and I have them rated only slightly higher than the Lions. I have been riding the Lions throughout their losing streak and have a couple back door covers to show for my faith. But I like them to actually win this week and I’m happy to get the extra points as a bonus. They impressed me last week with their aggressive style of play even in a loss so I think they get it done properly this week at home against a weaker opponent.
NFL: Browns (-3.5) Vs Steelers $
There is no question as to which team is better in this matchup. The Browns are the far superior team but the only thing the makes this game interesting are the massive amount of injuries that are currently hampering the Browns.
Baker Mayfield is listed as questionable but is expected to play or at least dress for this important divisional game. This isn’t a major concern since Case Keenum filled in adequately in his absence and there isn’t a major drop-off there regardless. Nick Chubb and Karim Hunt were both out last week but once again the depth of this team shined as 3rd string RB D’ernest Johnson ran for 157 yards in his career start. It is a testament to the strong Offensive line of the Browns who hope to welcome back LT Jedrick Wills this week. If Cleveland can get healthy before the playoffs, they could be dangerous.
I have been saying the Steelers are bad all season long and they are lucky to be 3-3 and not 1-5. The Browns should control this game from the beginning while dominating the rushing game. My concerns of course are the mounting injuries but this team does not seem deterred. They do also have a long history of choking against the Steelers, but they seem to have overcome those demons last year with their playoff win.
NFL: Jets (+10.5) Vs Bengals $
I have nothing good to say about the Jets at all other than I they are do for a better game this week. They lost by 41 points last week to the Pats and really should rebound for a less bad effort this week.
The Bengals pulled off a huge road victory in Baltimore last week and could be ripe for a letdown. It is unlikely they will perform as well as they did last week for the remainder of the NFL season.
It is just a weird scheduling spot with a team off a huge win against a team off an embarrassing loss. I expect a swing back to average and take the points.
