Peter Cornell (11-7 record)
Seattle Seahawks -3 vs New York Giants
The Seahawks have been a massive surprise so far this year. They have compiled a 4-3 record with a what was believed to be a bottom 5 roster in the NFL coming into the year. The Giants might be an even bigger surprise so far with a 6-1 record. The Giants have been an underdog darling but I think this is where it comes to an end. They head to Seattle in a tough scheduling spot that I have to take advantage of. They have been to London, back home for a game, then to Jacksonville, back home again to practice and prepare for this week, and now a trip all the way to the west coast. They have been in a bunch of tight contested games that have required their full effort for 60 mins. They have the bye next week which typically lends to a relaxed effort this week especially for a team that is 6-1 that probably shouldn't be. Give me the surprisingly awesome Geno Smith in a 25-19 win at home. Take the Seahawks.
New England Patriots -2.5 @ New York Jets
In Bill Belichick I trust. That is the number one reason this is a pick making my card this week. The Jets have been a really solid team so far this year, similar to their home town friends the NY Giants. Sitting at 5-2 seems like a impossible feat for this Jets roster but here we are. One of the main reasons this team is where it is has been on the shoulders of rookie running back Breece Hall. Unfortunately for the NYJ, Hall is out for the season after a knee injury last week in Denver. The underlying stats say the Jets should probably not have the record they currently do. Bill Belichick and the Patriots got embarrassed last week in prime time to the Bears at home. I expect a bounce back performance from the patriots today and Belichick to scheme and shut down Zach Wilson. The Patriots win on the road 19-13. Take Bill Belichick.
Tennessee Titans/Houston Texans Under 39
The first start in what Titan fans hope to be the long career for rookie QB Malik Willis.
He will go on the road in his first game at the underwhelming Houston Texans. The total is of interest here to me because of the situation at hand. I think the Titans and Texans both want to lean on their very good running backs to take pressure off of their young Qb's. I expect the clock to be rolling in this game for most of the time. I think Willis will resort to taking off and running instead of throwing the ball away which will also keep the clock running. I think the Texans win this one because of a late turnover from Willis 17-14. Take the under.
Henry Porter (11-7 record)
Indianapolis Colts -3 vs Washington Commanders
Sam Ehlinger vs Taylor Heinicke, not the matchup we thought we would see at this game in Week 8. But alas, it’s going to be the second year man out of Texas making his first career start against everyone’s favorite underdog. Matt Ryan had been absolutely awful this year and I agree with the Colts decision to look elsewhere for the rest of the season. The Colts have a decent all around team and we are still waiting for Johnathan Taylor to regain some form from last year. The Commanders are coming off of a nice win at home over the Packers but I think this could be a letdown spot after last week. I think Ehlinger will spark some life into this Colts offense and lead Indy to a much needed victory. Give me the Colts to win a close one and cover, 20-14.
49ers -1.5 @ Los Angeles Rams
These two teams were the front runners in the Christian McCaffrey sweepstakes and I think the 49ers are favored here in part to acquiring the All-Pro running back; that and the Rams look nothing like their Super Bowl team last season. McCaffrey returns to where he played his final game as a Panther, and you’d think he will have a much larger role in this week’s affair than last week against Kansas City. I’m also not worried about a home field advantage because the Rams really don’t have one and we remember the sea of red in the NFC Championship last year. According to ESPN, Kyle Shanahan is 9-3 ATS against Sean McVay including playoffs, with six straight covers. I like San Fran’s defense to continue to stifle the Rams offense and for the 49ers to come away with the W, 24-17.
Atlanta Falcons TT under 23 vs Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are in a very unique position considering the fact they currently hold the number three pick in the 2023 draft, and could gain first place in the division with a win over Atlanta on Sunday. The Panthers defense is the main reason they even have two wins on the season. We saw what can happen last week when the defense is locked in and I think the chance to be competitive in the division again will have them ready to roll. Atlanta has been able to put up some points this season with Marcus Mariota but he has limits. If Carolina can hold Tom Brady to three points, there’s no telling what can happen with Mariota. I’m not as confident in the Panthers spread or the game under so give me the Falcons to not score many points on Sunday, no matter the result. I’ll throw out a prediction and say Falcons win 19-14.
Roger Murdock (8-10 record)
New England -2.5 @ NY Jets
It’s time for the Jets to come back down to earth. Breece Hall has been incredible for them, but he’s out for the season. Zach Wilson might be the worst QB in the entire league so far this year, and Belichick will have the Patriots defense all over him. Some order will be restored in the NFL here, patriots win 24-17.
Carolina +4 @ Atlanta
Carolina may have found something with PJ Walker. He looked phenomenal against Tampa, making throws that Baker couldn’t dream of. Atlanta’s secondary is banged up and I think Walker can expose them. Defensively, Carolina has been one of the best units in the league and I expect them to take away the run game, forcing Mariota to beat them through the air. Mariota hasn’t shown any ability to do that, so I think Carolina could win this one outright.
Seattle -3 vs. NY Giants
I’m going to keep fading the Giants here. They have won so many close, comeback games that the public is attributing to coaching, but I attribute it to luck. I believe Seattle has the better offense, running game, quarterback, and defense. They are only laying 3 at home so I have to take it. Seattle puts the Giants in their place today with a 28-14 win.
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