Since I was all the way down in Johnstown last night, this week’s picks are going to be brief. That, and I’m not feeling spectacular having watched the Bills lay an egg on Thursday night.
On to the picks:
Baltimore at Tennessee
Two AFC teams who have been maddeningly inconsistent this year square off in a game with major playoff implications for both sides. While I don’t think the Ravens are nearly as good as they looked in their Thursday night blowout of the Dolphins, I do think their defense is legit.
Nick’s pick: RAVENS
Tampa Bay at New Orleans
The Saints can really pull away in the NFC South with a win at home against a Bucs team that scored just three points last week. Against a New Orleans defense that is better than usual (though that’s not saying much), points could again be tough to come by for Jameis Winston and company.
Nick’s pick: SAINTS
L.A. Rams at N.Y. Giants
Before the season, some folks might’ve had these two teams’ records swapped from what they are right now. The Rams continue to show their success isn’t a fluke, while the Giants are already wishing this year would just end already.
Nick’s pick: RAMS
Denver at Philadelphia
If you find yourself turning to Brock Osweiler at QB, that’s probably not a good sign. That’s where the Broncos find themselves, and it comes at a very bad time. The Eagles have looked like the class of the league so far, though Carson Wentz will face one of the tougher defenses he’s had to this season.
Nick’s pick: EAGLES
Atlanta at Carolina
The Falcons finally snapped a three-game losing streak against the Jets last week, but it wasn’t that convincing of a victory. Carolina, meanwhile, has to shake off the stunning Kelvin Benjamin trade to keep their playoff chances on track. This could be a low-scoring affair, not something you’d normally expect from Matt Ryan and Cam Newton-led teams.
Nick’s pick: PANTHERS
Cincinnati at Jacksonville
Two very good defenses go head-to-head, with the Jags’ ‘D’ perhaps the best in the league. Even if Blake Bortles isn’t great, Jacksonville will be in every game it plays. Cincy, on the other hand, simply hasn’t found a consistent rhythm this season.
Nick’s pick: JAGUARS
Indianapolis at Houston
Well this game got a lot less interesting. In the past couple of days, both teams lost their franchise quarterbacks for the rest of the season, with the Colts placing Andrew Luck on IR and Deshaun Watson tearing his ACL in practice. That’s a major blow to an NFL season already struck dumb by huge injuries.
Nick’s pick: TEXANS
Arizona at San Francisco
The addition of Jimmy Garoppolo instantly makes the 49ers at least a semi-watchable team. I’m going to hold off on anointing him the next great quarterback since he’s only played a handful of games. But against a Cardinals team on the brink of a major upheaval, the new energy Garoppolo brings should give the Niners their first win of the season.
Nick’s pick: 49ers
Washington at Seattle
The Redskins desperately need a victory to keep their slipping playoff hopes alive, while Seattle is coming off an exhilarating victory over the Texans. This is quietly one of the better matchups of the week, but I think Seattle’s home field advantage gives them the edge.
Nick’s pick: SEAHAWKS
Kansas City at Dallas
This looks like a fun matchup. Two high-octane offenses going against a pair of defenses that have had their struggles recently. With Ezekiel Elliott scheduled to play, his matchup against rookie stud Kareem Hunt should provide plenty of fireworks.
Nick’s pick: COWBOYS
Oakland at Miami
Talk about two teams that need a win. Both Oakland and Miami were drubbed last week, and another loss would likely torpedo their hopes of making the playoffs. I don’t see either side playing as poorly as they did last week, but I have just a little more confidence in the Raiders.
Nick’s pick: RAIDERS
Detroit at Green Bay
With no Aaron Rodgers around, it’s not surprising to see the Packers starting to slip. Even at home on national TV, there can’t be a ton of confidence in Brett Hundley to pull this one out. The Lions get a desperately-needed ‘W’ to stay alive in the NFC wild card race.
Nick’s pick: LIONS
Last week: 9-3
Overal: 62-35
