Chargers vs. Chiefs – AFC West divisional matchup in Kansas City its the Chiefs -5.5 to face the Chargers who come in with 3 close losses. The way those close games get managed has been the media’s knock on Staley as they passed on a field goal opportunity going on 4th down again, just to end up losing by 3. It’s a question of one bird in hand for a makeable field goal vs. two in the bush. This is one matchup where they impressed me last year even in a game they ended up losing. In fact the last two matchups aren’t being played again but based on those results I’m willing to take the points here as both were 3 point Chiefs wins, and the 3rd was a 6 point walk off win in OT for the Chiefs. That being said my picks is
467: NFL: Chargers +5½
Raiders vs. Bears – The Raiders to the windy city where Justin Fields is expected to be out with the thumb injury. No matter how things end up in this game Tyson Bagent getting the start for the Bears is one of this weeks feel good stories. He only threw for 17,034 yards and set an all-time record for most TD passes across all NCAA divisions with 159. The way things had been going for the Bears it’ll be interesting to see if the change of pace can put a pulse to a team that has struggled. The Raiders have reportedly ruled out Jimmy G with the back injury so it’ll be the start for either Hoyer, who filled in after the injury last week or O’Connell who started in the Chargers game. The back up QB on both sides means that while the Raiders are the -2.5 favorite this one is gonna end up being new opportunities for guys on both teams. I’m not sure this where I really want to put my hard earned dollars for me its money line here
453 Las Vegas Raiders -136
Falcons vs. Buccaneers – This is the first battle for the top of NFC South here. The question that will be answered with this game is : Are the Buc’s better midway through this season then they were at the finish of last season with Brady at the helm. Coach Smith has the Falcons looking like they may have filled in a few of the roster deficiencies that were present upon his arrival. No matter how the Falcons finish this year it appears they have # 1 a QB for the future and #2 a scheme of play where things are predicated from making teams respect the run game.
This has been historically an even matchup 30-29 Tampa’s way, however prior to Brady things were Atlanta’s way. Both teams are coming off of losses at home that were win-able games. This is for first place in the division lets see where the bets are going- 48 % Atlanta vs. 52% for Tampa Bay. There is no decisive edge either side here, but I’m going to side with the team with more veterans here who is also at home for this one, once again sliding over to money line here because one and two point wins happen in the NFL.
452: NFL: Buccaneers -140
Commanders vs. Giants – The Commanders enter MetLife Stadium to face the G-men and its really easy to disrespect the Giants because they have been guilty of first-degree losing in prime time games this year. However they are only -2.5 underdogs. They won 1 and tied 1 last year vs. Washington. For the Commanders this is a game they need if they are going to compete for the division. I’m going with the home team here and that is only because they are at least familiar with this team and the defense played good in the the 14-9 loss in Buffalo.
462: NFL: Giants +2½+ev
The Browns look to improve on their record with Watson back at the helm one week after shocking the world in upsetting the 49ers. The QB can do what he does but the heart of this team is the run and the defense. Those things usually both travel well.
455: NFL: Browns -170
The Lions in Baltimore to take on the Ravens. We see the Consensus all on the road team Lions here with 62 % on the Lions here. However I’ve seen the Ravens are much improved this year and the Lions are injured with Montgomery going to be out at RB. On that note I’ll fade the consensus even though in 2021 the Lions played them tough so they have a game plan, that one was 19-17.
458: NFL: Ravens-155
Two contrasting styles in the Dolphins vs. Eagles game. Philly down a starting safety and a slot corner and this may be the wrong matchup to have those injuries. I’ll take the best in the AFC thus far
471: NFL: Dolphins +3
471: NFL: Dolphins +136