“Any Given Sunday, Thursday, Saturday, or Monday”
These past two weeks have been a clear reminder for myself that this is professional football. Teams have reached that juncture in the NFL where they know what their strengths and weaknesses are and we fans are just catching on. It started for me Thursday night when the Miami Dolphins made me eat crow with a dominant defensive performance against a vaulted Baltimore offense.
The trend continued with stellar performances by the Cam-infused Panthers (which I saw coming although didn’t update Twitter quick enough to feel validated), Hell-driven Patriots, and bone-grating 49ers attack. While I look outright amateurish in my last two articles, I can’t help but be stoked with this turn of events. It exemplifies why I love this league above all others. Even the winless Lions have something to semi-celebrate…not losing lol.
I am not so pleased with the outcomes on my journey into the gambling world. There seems to be almost no way to hit a parlay. Even the over I thought was a lock in last week’s Tampa-Washington showdown missed by 2 points in a Washington win!!
So this week I’m scrapping all prior knowledge and approaching both picks and wagers with fresh perspective. In my eyes, it’s a whole new NFL season. Let begin with tonight’s 2017 Super Bowl rematch.
Patriots outlast Falcons *sigh*
Why?
Some teams are fueled by my hate and New England is the originator. Not only did they beat the Browns, they MASSACRED the Browns. However, I was correct in my assessment that Dan Quinn was out for blood against the Falcons last week and wisely benched Matt Ryan in the process, so 1 for 2 isn’t so bad. This week, I believe the Patriots continue their dominance against a Falcons team that can’t seem to bring it altogether.
There’s also the “Nick Wright” formula of picking the team I not so secretly want to lose in a win-win situation hahaha. I would love for Matt Ryan to get his revenge but if he doesn’t, the fine print is in my corner. Remember, this is strictly Mac Jones smoke, nothing more.
Now for Sunday shenanigans where new stars will absolutely be born!
Baltimore Ravens take Justin Fields’ best punch, but make it out with a W.
Why?
This is a game Baltimore can’t afford to lose. They severely slipped up in John Harbaugh’s words, “not being prepared” for the slumping Miami Dolphins. Now they get a well-rested Bears who are undoubtedly upset after being cheated against the Steelers. Justin Fields played brilliantly in that game and the Steelers defense is much more intimidating than Baltimore’s right now.
I foresee a shootout where both QBs make plays with their arms and legs but Lamar Jackson ends up with the ball in the final seconds. Justin Tucker has proven he can get you a walk-off win multiple times this year and this will be no different.
Packers struggle to stave off Vikings, but A-Rod returns to form.
Why?
Rodgers looked like the Ronies knocked him out of his MVP-caliber rhythm but that defense absolutely covered for him on an off day. Even with Russell Wilson back in the lineup and without their best CB Jaire Alexander, they kept the Seahawks from manufacturing a single point. That will not be the case this week in Minnesota.
This is another example of a win-win situation for me because while I believe the Packers will come out with the win, I wouldn’t mind the Vikings winning either. I have been the main supporter for this team amongst THEIR fanbase all year and this is their Alabama-Auburn level matchup.. and their obviously Auburn lol.
They love to criticize and put down their team when they lose but on the off occasion they take down Rodgers, it’s like a light switch turns on and they are all of a sudden the most diehard football fans in the league. That’s where my joy comes in because I never let them forget how negative and hopeless they had been up until that point and watch the hypocrisy fly. It’s how I survived 14 years and it still fuels me to this day. I love this sport!
Colts give Bills run for their money, but Josh Allen laughs last!
Why?
Of all the close games I foresee this weekend, this will be the ultimate nail-biter. Indianapolis knows how to compete and the Bills haven’t been invincible by any means. I even have an inkling we may see QB Sam Ehlinger make an appearance and shock this Bills defense. I’m sticking with Buffalo because I root against all division opponents. I only wish them losses because it’s what’s best for Tennessee.
Speaking of The Boys…
Titans defense stifles Houston.
Why?
I missed most of last week’s showdown while in church but still made sure to go and ask the congregation to pray for us. It looked like we needed every bit of that grace as the Saints took us down to the wire. Fortunately, we became only the second team in NFL history to beat 5 straight playoff teams from the previous season.
I couldn’t be more honored to be an admirer of a team and organization that has stayed true to its roots, built from the trenches up, and after every game prays with the opponent for player’s health and protection in the game that supports families and provide endless joy to millions of individuals. That is why this week, playing our squads old namesake, I want a nice, clean injury-free outing that flies by. Even if I am starting all my Titans players, these men’s health come first and as long as we get the W, defense can have a day!
Tannehill might have other ideas though ☺
Browns rebound versus surging Lions
Why?
It’s looking like we will get a backup showdown in Cleveland. Baker Mayfield says he is feeling more beat up than he has in a long time and Jared Goff is suffering with an oblique injury. Enter Case Keenum and David Blough. All I’m truly hoping is Nick Chubb returns for fantasy purposes but I am also a staunch believer that Keenum is potentially a better option for Cleveland right now and Blough is absolutely a better option for Detroit indefinitely.
I’m going with Cleveland because Myles Garrett is returning to form, they could also get Jadaveon Clowney back, and this team knows this is their last shot at staying in the playoff hunt. This week is where the picture will become clear and a loss to the winless Lions is all but a nail in the coffin for their aspirations in a stacked AFC. They are still a top 5 roster in the NFL without Odell and I believe they remind people on Sunday after that 45-7 ass-whoopin by New England.
Cam-led Carolina show out in his starting debut!
Why?
Superman is back!! I am over-the-moon once again for former Carolina QB Taylor Heinicke after his superb outing against Da G.O.A.T. He led a 19-play, 10-minute drive to ice the Tampa Bay comeback and get Washington a 10-point victory NO ONE predicted, not even me. However, this is not the game he wants. The Panthers looked like a team reborn with Cam only playing a handful of snaps. Now it is being reported he’s getting the start against his former coach in their old house, Bank of America Stadium.
I hope it’s at least close, but with that Panthers defense playing lights out coupled with Washington loss of Chase Young and Montez Sweat, it’s very unlikely. All I gotta say is, don’t let this Carolina team make it to the playoffs…
Jaguars shock 49ers!
Why?
Last week I correctly predicted the trap game with Washington and Tampa Bay. While I believed it to be strictly a spread situation, I saw the underdog pull off a convincing victory. So I want to once again employ my win-win situation here because I get trap game vibes from this matchup as well.
If I’m wrong, the Jaguars lose and I’m happy. If I’m right, I look brilliant and isn’t that what we all want? Plus after watching what the 49ers do to Los Angeles last week, picking them seems almost too easy.
Eagles and Saints shake up NFC!
Why?
This game is do or die for both these squads. With the surge from the Panthers and Vikings coming, both team’s playoff dreams die with a loss here. At this juncture, with Alvin Kamara not practicing, I am rolling with Philly. Don’t get me wrong, I love the resilience that New Orleans showed last week, but the Eagles are playing good team football in all three phases.
Miles Sanders has been activated and could potentially return as well which is not a good sign as he and Hurts were the last two individuals to rush for over 100 yards on this top rated New Orleans run defense. I see a defensive slugfest on the horizon but with Hurt’s playmaking ability and New Orleans QB uncertainty, It’s a bad matchup. Philly being home completes the tilt.
To finish off my early game predictions, we get a familiar sight at MetLife.
Joe Flacco comes in and decimates Miami!
Why?
I always wanted to see Joe Flacco return to prominence. I never understood why he didn’t get a second chance. Last time we saw him in starting fashion, he took the 2017 Ravens to another playoff berth before being injured toward the end of the season and replaced by rookie Lamar Jackson. The next time we saw him was in a Jets uniform creating the only offense New York has had since the Mark Sanchez years. He of course was only a fill-in for “savior” Sam Darnold but was better in his 5 starts than Darnold was in 3 years.
I’m thinking this is more than a temporary stint as rookie Zach Wilson heals up. If Flacco comes in and lights it up, he may retain the job for the remainder of the season and give the Jets an infusion of energy they’ve lacked all season except for one Mike White night vs Cincy.
Sorry Dolphins fans, Flacco is your worst nightmare.
Now for the intriguing afternoon matchups. Seasons are on the line right off the bat.
Cincinnati stomps Las Vegas.
Why
Well that faith was short-lived. I truly believed Derek Carr would show up and show out Sunday Night against the Chiefs. It reminds me of Andy Dalton a couple of seasons ago when they played Kansas City on Sunday Night and suffered the same fate. At least Carr wasn’t benched but it was sorry nonetheless. The Bengals are coming off a bye and looking to reclaim the AFC North lead after Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland stumbled last week. I can’t see the Vegas defense stopping this loaded offensive arsenal so a shootout is the best case scenario.
My money is on the Bengals because Joe Burrow gets the job done. Along with Joe Mixon, the emergence of Samaje Perine, and the trio of WRs they possess, I can’t see a way they don’t come out victorious. Even if Derek Carr has a career day to make it close in the 4th, his defense still lets him down when he needs them most.
Chiefs out-duel Cowboys in best game of the week.
Why?
The NFL analysts are SALIVATING at this matchup. It’s being touted as a Super Bowl preview and after the dominance these two teams showed last week, I have to admit I am invested as well. I couldn’t tell you the game script but I can tell you someone is going to choke. I am going with the Cowboys to be the culprit in that department.
Once again with the win-win formula, I’m rolling with KC because I believe they play up to their competition while the Cowboys seem to be hit or miss week in and week out. They know this Cowboy’s offense is explosive and therefore points will need to be scored. I can count on Andy Reid to get the job done while McCarthy isn’t nearly as reliable. He’s very familiar with Dallas from his years in Philly and that experience is the X-factor in a showdown of this magnitude.
The final afternoon game is a division showdown and passing of the torch.
Kyler slays Russell.
Why?
The Cardinals were brought back to earth last week by a suffocating Panther’s front. They were, however, still without their top offensive weapons Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins. That will not be the case for this crucial matchup against Seattle. I would love the Seahawks chances much more if Chris Carson was back, but it’s looking like he may still be a week or two away from returning to action. I fully expect Russell to be much better this week as he gets right from his finger injury but Kyler will be too much to handle.
The Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury has shown he is a great game-planner and can get his star QB going quite quickly. It will be up to Russell and company to get going just as quickly for this game to stay close but this Cardinals defense is better than the Seahawks defense. This game will strictly come down to whoever’s offense gets into a groove first and while Russell is still Russell, I saw no evidence in last week’s performance to suggest it will be his guys.
Sunday Night will not be as entertaining sadly.
Chargers thrash Steelers.
Why?
This is the team I predicted to lose against the Lions and only were able to TIE because Big Ben was out with COVID. I can honestly say I don’t foresee this Steelers team getting another win the rest of the season as this defense cannot continue to carry them. They are banged up as is and this Charger’s team is an offensive stalwart. I am unsure who will play QB, if TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joe Haden, or Cam Heyward will be available, and if this will even be a game by halftime.
All I really have to say is, Mike Tomlin is in 2nd for Coach of the Year for keeping this team relevant this year. The man is nothing short of a miracle worker.
This week ends with a sneaky good game and a Manning Cast to be in attendance for.
Tompa Bay survives Saquon and New York assault
Why?
Daniel Jones is a madman. He goes anywhere from Lamar Jackson to Sam Darnold over the course of 4 quarters. The New York defense has started to play much better as the season rolls along but Tom Brady is coming for blood Monday night. The Giants will need their offense to go toe to toe with the onslaught and I’m not faithful they can do so.
Saquon Barkley and Sterling Shepard returning should give New York a fully healthy offense for the first time all season so it’s certainly possible to see another Tampa upset. The Bucs might also be without Vita Vea and that opens up the middle of that defense to be had. Tampa Bay is at home and still vying for that number one seed so should take care of business. Keep an eye on this New York team though, this is their opportunity to make a run as well.
That wraps up Week 11’s picks. As I finish up, I really want to go and pick the 49ers but want to see something. There seems to be upsets every week now and if it’s not the Jags, pay close attention to those Giants, Vikings, and Colts. I’m now an upset hunter!!
Thanks again to Jovan Cutler and Tiger Communications and make sure to tune in The Bear Den Monday- Thursday 6-10pm and Old School Saturday Night 8-12am!
