Last week the Tampa Bay offense came into the game with the NFL’s top-ranked total offense and passing game but after starting strong and racing out to a 14-3 halftime lead they were shut out in the last two frames. They finished with season lows in total yards (274) and passing yards (174). Jameis Winston also struggled. Will this volatile offense keep the Bucs within 8 to cover against the spread?
Detroit’s week 14 run defense was stout. The Lions had been at or near the bottom third of the league in defending the run for much of the season but they held Arizona to 61 yards on 21 attempts, including keeping running back David Johnson to 49 yards on 15 carries. Detroit will need that defensive effort again to beat the bookie’s line of -2.5. RW has the NFL pick and analysis.
Houston brought the NFL’s third-ranked ground game into Indianapolis Sunday with an average of 140 yards per outing (146 per during their 9-game winning streak) but got stuffed to the tune of 89 total yards. Deshaun Watson led all rushers with 35 yards on 5 carries, which of course means the running backs were a nonfactor. Can the Texans get the wheels turning again on Saturday? Rick has your NFL prediction.
On Monday Carolina fired defensive line coach Brady Hoke and secondary/cornerbacks coach Jeff Imamura. Head coach Ron Rivera has reportedly taken over calling the defense so first-year defensive coordinator Eric Washington looks to be packing his things… and not for the road trip! Despite the changes, can Carolina pull out a straight up win to cash Panther bets?
Colt McCoy is out for the season after going down with a fractured fibula against the Eagles and that leaves Mark Sanchez, who the Skins signed just two weeks ago. Sanchez wasn’t horrible, finishing 13-of-21 for 100 yards and 1 interception but this offense is reeling since losing Alex Smith to injury. Can Sanchez be the QB that can stay on the field and take advantage of a terrible Giants passing defense?
Philadelphia improved to 6-6 after outlasting the Washington Redskins 28-13 Monday night, setting up an NFC East showdown with the Cowboys on Sunday that could make or break its chances of returning to the postseason. Dallas is a 3.5 point favorite. Rick Wise has your NFL pick.
The Buffalo offense isn’t exactly setting the world on fire. Their passing game ranks 30th in the NFL and their running game ranks 17th but they’ve been doing enough lately to win back to back games. And against Miami’s 21st-ranked pass defense and 29th-ranked run defense they might just be able to extend that winning streak. What are the odds they can at least stay within the bookie’s 6 point spread?
It looks like Chase Daniel will get the start again in place of an injured Mitch Trubisky but as he showed last week against the Lions, he’s capable of leading this offense to a win. Against the Giants 18th-ranked pass defense, 26th-ranked run defense and 25th-ranked scoring defense, he should be far more than capable. Does his brief history bode well for a 5 point win to win against the spread? Rick Wise offers his prediction.
Tom Brady was solid after laying an egg against Tennessee and sinking to his lowest quarterback rating (29.5) and second lowest passer rating (70.6) of the season. He looked like himself again against the Jets, finishing 20-of-31 for 283 yards and 2 touchdowns, and in the process became the NFL’s career leader in total passing yards in both the regular and post seasons. Is Tommy going to stay with his winning ways and help Pats bettors cover the spread with a seven point victory?
The Jaguars defense, heralded as one of the best coming into the season, continues to be a major disappointment. There’s a lesson to be learned in Jacksonville’s current defensive struggles and that is that you probably shouldn’t talk trash about players you’ll be facing in the near future. Jalen Ramsey said some unflattering things about Ben Roethlisberger and Josh Allen in the offseason and they have both come back to light the Jags up. Does the defense for this 3-8 team have any pride left? Rick gives his prediction for Jags hosting the Colts.