Phillip Rivers and the Chargers should take down Eli Manning and the Giants in the battle of beatens.
Let me preface this article by saying I’m not an expert. By no means should you bet your life savings on any of these picks, don’t bet your kid’s college savings, and definitely don’t bet your rent money. I’m just a guy, making some picks and if you want to follow me do so at your own risk.
Well now that that’s over with, these are my picks for the week. All picks use current odds as of Wednesday evening
Record 0-0-0
Los Angeles Chargers(+3.5) at New York Giants – Sunday 1:00 ET
Two 0-4 teams clash together in this one. The perennially unlucky Chargers going up against the McAdoo led Giants. Both teams have lost some close games and I think this game will be much of the same. With New York still showing no sign of a competent offense, I think the Chargers are a sneaky road underdog play.
My Pick: Chargers
Buffalo Bills(+3) at Cincinnati Bengals – Sunday 1:00 ET
The Bengals have looked better since firing their offensive coordinator, but through four weeks the Bills defense has looked far better than any of us ever imagined. Once thought to be tanking, the Bills have pleasantly surprised fans and have looked pretty solid at 3-1. I’m not entirely sold on the Bengals offense being for real, so it looks like I’ll take another road underdog here.
My Pick: Bills
New York Jets(EVEN) at Cleveland Browns – Sunday 1:00 ET
Who would have thought that the Jets would have as many wins as the Patriots at this point. I think a lot of people are going to go with Cleveland here at home, but the Jets defense has been pretty solid thus far and should be able to contain Kizer. Expect one of those “Wow maybe he isn’t so bad” games from McCown as well.
My Pick: Jets
Jacksonville Jaguars(+8.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers – Sunday 1:00 ET
This is a tough one to call. On one hand, you have Jacksonville with their great defense, but on the other, you have Pittsburgh at home who’s offense isn’t nearly as explosive as we all expected it to be. Big Ben at home is always great, but he’s going against one of the best young corner duos in Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. I fully expect the Steelers to win this game but I think Jacksonville can cover the spread in this one.
My Pick: Jaguars
San Francisco 49ers(+1.5) at Indianapolis Colts – Sunday 1:00 ET
Between this game and the Browns-Jets game, I’m not sure which one I’d rather watch more(Hint: It’s neither). I think the defenses are pretty well matched here so I’ll go with the better offense in this one.
My Pick: 49ers
Arizona Cardinals(+6.5) at Philadelphia Eagles – Sunday 1:00 ET
Carson Palmer is one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league, and I think this Philly defense will feast on Palmer all day. Expect a lot of quick dump offs to Andre Ellington in this one. If the Eagles can run the ball consistently with Smallwood and Blount, I see them winning big in this one.
My Pick: Eagles
Carolina Panthers(+2) at Detroit Lions – Sunday 1:00 ET
Everyone is going to be back on the Panthers train after beating New England last week. The Panthers are going to live and die with Cam Newton, and the only semblance of him playing well was last week against possibly the worst defense in the league. Now he gets to face the Lions turnover machine defense in Detroit. I expect a low scoring game with Detroit coming out on top.
My Pick: Lions
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins – Sunday 1:00 ET (No Line Yet)
This line is going to 100% dependent on if Mariota plays. If he does the Titans will win, and if he doesn’t then I think it might go into the Dolphins favor. I’m not going to give a pick on this game due to no line out at the moment, but I will say that I think the Dolphins turn it around this week, behind a huge game by Jay Ajayi.
Seattle Seahawks(+1) at Los Angeles Rams – Sunday 4:05 ET
The Seahawks are another team whose offense seems to be turning around, and it’s crazy to think that they are an underdog. The Rams always play Seattle tough and are looking like legit playoff contenders, but I think this week they take a step back. Goff has gotten leaps and bounds better since last year, but this Seattle defense is still legit, and I think he gets pestered all game. I expect multiple interceptions out of Goff this week, and a Seattle win.
My Pick: Seahawks
Baltimore Ravens(+2.5) at Oakland Raiders – Sunday 4:05 ET
Now like I said in the beginning of this article, I’m no expert, but this game almost seems like a sure thing to me. I know the Baltimore offense hasn’t been great but they are going against the EJ Manuel led Raiders on Sunday. Their run game has been abysmal, and the Ravens defense prior to that London beatdown the Jaguars gave them looked great. I think the Ravens get back on track here, and I think Oakland is going to hit a stretch of some pretty bad play with Carr out.
My Pick: Ravens
Green Bay Packers(+2) at Dallas Cowboys – Sunday 4:25 ET
If the Packers were at full strength I would absolutely be picking them this week, as I don’t think Dallas has looked as good as they did last year. But with Montgomery most likely out, Davante Adams status up in the air, and a slew of injuries on the offensive line and defense, I think Dallas can pull away at home.
My Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs(-1) at Houston Texans – Sunday 8:25 ET
This one is the battle of rookie of the year candidates Kareem Hunt, and Deshaun Watson. Both have been incredible so far this year and I think this game will come down to one of these two guys. Two great defenses, two electric offenses, this one should be fun. Don’t sleep on Alex Smith though, I think the first round pick used on Patrick Mahomes lit a fire under Smith and we’re going to be in for a career year from him. I think Houston keeps this one close but the Chiefs get the win.
My Pick: Chiefs
