Okay, well, I have to make this quick now. Did not get this started earlier in the week, as I usually do. So now, pressed for time, this has to be short.
Apologies.
But let’s get started:
N.Y. Jets at Miami – Two of the very worst teams in the league square up in this one. Hard to compare strengths, since these two teams have so few between them. Also hard to compare weaknesses, because both of these teams have plenty of these. But ultimately, the Jets have shown more glimpses and revealed more capabilities. Plus, they have already at least won one game, so they are my pick. My pick: N.Y. Jets
Chicago at Philadelphia – A few weeks ago, I might have thought that the Bears would have a great chance, maybe even be favored. But while the Eagles seem to be putting things together, little by little (albeit with some obvious setbacks), the Bears are going in exactly the opposite, and wrong, direction. Hard to imagine Chicago pulling this one off, and it would be madness to pick them right now. My pick: Philadelphia
Houston at Jacksonville – This one really could go either way. The Jaguars appear to be an up and down team, but so do the Texans. Houston should be the better team, but they have not made that abundantly clear yet this season. Still, my guess is that they will just find a way to squeeze out a tough, physical game, most likely in a fairly low-scoring affair. My pick: Houston
Minnesota at Kansas City – Now, this is a huge game for both teams! The Chiefs need to stop the bleeding, having lost their three most home games, which means three of their last four overall. They are still in first, but are also in a much more precarious position than they seemed to be after that hot 4-0 start. Meanwhile, Minnesota is looking to stay hot, and seeking their fifth straight win. This would be a huge one, on the road at Arrowhead, against one of the most dangerous offense in the league. At least it is when Mahomes is healthy, but he is questionable, and may not even start. Plus, KC just seems to be going through all sorts of problems. The Vikings surely see that, and know very well that the Chiefs have lost three straight games at home. They want to make it four, and my suspicion is that they will do exactly that, and enter the bye week feeling great! My pick: Minnesota
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh – As it turns out, I know a friend of mine going to this game. He is a Colts fan, and hopes his team will win. Looking at that tough defense and a strong, physical running game, I am inclined to believe that he will be happy with the end result, ultimately. My pick: Indianapolis
Washington at Buffalo – While the Bills try to recover from a disappointing loss last weekend, they get one of the worst teams in the league, and in Orchard Park, which should help the recovery process. After all, they cannot afford a second straight loss. Perhaps an upset could happen, but that is exactly what it would be, because there is nothing here to say that the Bills, and their very tough and physical defense, will suddenly fall short in this crucial game for them. My pick: Buffalo
Tennessee at Carolina – The Panthers were absolutely embarrassed at San Francisco last weekend. They clearly want to erase those memories, and get back on track. The Titans are not the easier team to begin to recover from, but they are also not the toughest team in the league, either. I like the Panthers to begin to get back on track in this one. My pick: Carolina
Tampa Bay at Seattle – The Seahawks rebounded nicely from a bad loss with a win last weekend. They are playing with their considerable home field advantage and - let's face it - the Buccaneers are a very beatable team. Seattle's offense should be able to click under the veteran leadership of Russell Wilson and their defense should be able to more or less contain the Bucs offense, at least enough to come away with the victory here. Very hard to see how Tampa Bay could pull this one off, and I suspect that they will not be able to do it. My pick: Seattle
Detroit at Oakland – The silver and Honolulu Blue visit the Silver and Black in Oakland’s “Black Hole.” Both teams have surprised people with solid wins, yet also disappointed people with unexpected losses. But I believe that the better overall team should win this one, and that is the away team carrying some momentum. Look for the Lions to wear down the Raiders and win a tough road game here. My pick: Detroit
Green Bay at L.A. Chargers – The Chargers got a solid win last weekend, but now they take on soaring Green Bay. The Pack is on the West Coast trip, and they are coming off an awesome win in Kansas City that has to be making them feel great right about now. The Packers have a very solid defense, and a dangerous offense led by a veteran and elite quarterback. Seems a bit too much for the Chargers right now, frankly. My pick: Green Bay
Cleveland at Denver – These two teams used to have the top rivalry in the AFC, and one of the best in the NFL, back in the late eighties. While neither team is exactly at that elite level now, the Browns look to be a bit closer. They struggled this season thus far, but their season gets a whole lot easier from here on out. This game is their chance to get back into this thing, and they have a real chance against the Broncos. But how much will the thin Rocky Mountain air, as well as that tough defense, stand in their way? This one could go either way, but I like the Browns to squeak out a win here. My pick: Cleveland
Sunday Night Football - New England at Baltimore – This will be the toughest test yet for the defending champions. These two teams have had some great games in the past, and their rivalry gets renewed when they are possibly the top two teams in the AFC. It makes it particularly intriguing that this is being played in Baltimore, because it makes it much less certain. Both teams have strengths, and both have a lot to fight for, obviously. But in the end, with the Pats playing so well, look for them to do just enough to win. My pick: New England
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