It took a while but we actually got lines for all 14 scheduled games this weekend - I stress the word scheduled...
Green Bay @ San Francisco - Welcome to the NFL in 2020. I had every intention to go with the 49ers. The Niners dominated Green Bay twice last season and the GBP never, ever wins on the West Coast. Injuries and Covid have decimated the Packers RB ranks, but SF is likewise decimated at wide receiver plus quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and All-World TE George Kittle on the shelf with actual football-related injuries. Complicating matters is that SF must have this game to have any chance in the NFC West Group of Death while Green Bay's division title aspirations likely rest on two late-season games v. Chicago. I have seen this spread jump up to -7.5 for Green Bay, so will go with them at -5.5. Am far more confident on the under 47.5 hitting.
Denver at Atlanta - The Broncos can thank the NFL office for scheduling the league's two come-from ahead choke kings on consecutive weeks. ATL jumps out to an early lead until Drew Lock turns into Sammy Baugh in the second half.
Seattle @ Buffalo - For all the global warming bros, game-time temperature expected to be sunny, 71 degrees and little wind. Where that leaves two teams used to playing in rain, gale force winds and wildfire smoke has me SMH. Seattle needs every win it can get while Buffalo is in decent shape to win the AFC East. Chicago @ Tennessee - The Titans two-game slide ends here, the Bears slide continues through end of season.
Baltimore @ Indianapolis - The Ravens are no longer amongst. AFC elite and either Lamar Jackson has regressed and/or the opposition has figured him out. Baltimore has heard the narrative and will temporarily silence the doubters come Sunday.
Carolina @ Kansas City - Christian McCaffrey returns but the Chiefs 6-2 against the number and even cover the double-digit spreads.
Detroit @ Minnesota - Losing coach leaves town? Vikings shocked world last week but look for them to return to their true form, even though Lions RB Adrian Peterson is in the Fat Elvis stage of his career. NY Giants @ Washington - If you like moral victories and covering the spread, the Giants have been stellar. Will go with Washington because they seem to be the only electable NFC East representative besides Philadelphia.
Houston @ Jacksonville - At least Texans know how to take down J-Ville, who start Oregon State product Jake Luton at quarterback. Las Vegas @ LA Chargers - Basically a pick 'em game, Chargers 5-2 against the number but actually have to win to cover this week. Pittsburgh @ Dallas - Steelers league best 6-1 against the number, Cowboys 0-8 ATS. Look past the -13.5 and go with Pittsburgh with the Cowboys now on their fourth quarterback in as many weeks.
Miami @ Arizona - The Dolphins have one heck of a fan base in Arizona, well, at least they did in 2003. Some have likely left bandwagon since. Wish this was the lead late game over Pittsburgh/Dallas. Dolphins have beaten the Rams and 49ers and were competitive v. Seattle, will take them and the +5 in close game.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay - Heard something about Antonio Brown being active. That would be an accomplishment for someone who has made enough news over the past two years for someone who has barely played. The Marvin Barnes of this generation.
New England @ NY Jets - Same script as last Monday, remember the Jets can actually win a game and still be in hunt for No. 1 overall draft choice. Patriots sleepwalk through the first half only to win, but not cover, late. Locks: Seattle @ Buffalo, Tennessee v. Chicago, Baltimore @ Indianapolis, Houston @ Jacksonville, Tampa Bay v. New Orleans
Overall Record: Last Week 6-7, Season 59-53-1 Locks: Last Week 2-3, Season 24-16