Last week I went 2-5 on my plays. That brings me to a paltry 9-11 on the season here. I’ll admit I could’ve done a better job picking winners, but at least two of those Ls felt like Buffalo Wild Wings called in a favor to league headquarters.
The Patriots lost to the Steelers in a game where they just couldn’t hold onto the football. The Pats fumbled the ball away four separate times, including the first drive of the game just three plays in, two plays into their opening second half possession after picking off Aaron Rodgers deep in Steelers territory, again near midfield immediately after that one, and then again in the fourth quarter nearing the Pittsburgh redzone. That fourth fumble led to the Steelers’ game winning touchdown drive. Shucks.
But then the worst bad beat of all time happened. Now, we’ve all probably been around the block a few times when it comes to bad beats, but I have never seen one like this. The Rams (+3.5) were down one point with 2 seconds left, attempting a game winning field goal. Naturally, the Eagles then not only blocked the FG to win the game, but Jordan Davis scooped it up and rumbled some 50+ yards to return it for a touchdown while every coach on Earth was screaming at their TVs for him to get down.
That was as stunning a loss as I’ve ever had. If those two games go the other way, we’re looking at a profitable Sunday. Instead, we’re 2-5. Whatcha gonna do?
As a coach whose certainly no longer in the news these days once said: We’re on to Cincinnati.
NFL Plays
Minnesota -2.5 - I don’t see how this Steelers offense scores on this Vikings defense. Add in that Minnesota ought to be able to run it against this not-so-steel curtain, and I’ll lay less than a FG on the road.
Washington -1 - Jayden Daniels might be back for this one. Marcus Mariota did an admirable job filling in for Daniels last week, but I might buy my way out of this spot if Daniels doesn’t play.
Buffalo -15.5 - The Bills are hanging a huge number here but the Saints are genuinely bad and Buffalo is more than capable of hanging a 50-burger on them.
New England -5.5 - Buy low spot for the Patriots, sell high spot for the Panthers. Don’t overthink it.
LA Chargers -6.5 - Benching Russell Wilson is the right move for the G-men, but throwing Jaxson Dart to the lions of this Charger defense is downright rude. It’s more than I want to lay on the road, but I’m banking on the rookie to struggle in this one.
Tampa Bay +3.5 - This feels like a bad spot. The Bucs have barely managed to take down bad opponents for three weeks. The Eagles have weapons all over. I think a lot of people will be on Philly this week, so I’m going to zig when the public zags. Hold your nose and take the points.
Baltimore -2.5 - The Honolulu blue flu was a thing last year, where opponents routinely laid an egg after playing the Lions. This time, I think the Ravens will be giving the Chiefs some goose eggs, reasserting their dominance in the AFC.
Green Bay -7 - The Packers dropped an ugly one against a great defense. They’ll look to wash that taste out of their mouths against one of the worst pass defenses in the league, while Micah Parsons only has eyes for Dak this week.
Denver -7.5 - Imagine Jake Browning scoring against this Broncos defense in Mile High. Are you having a hard time picturing it? Me too.
That’s nine plays! Let me know if you’re tailing!