Week 16 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

The last two weeks of regular season football are upon us and the playoff race is tightening as teams are playing must win games if they want to get into the dance. Some teams are already experiencing heartbreak as we have had 4 games already. However, outside of the Vikings and Raiders, nobody who lost is dead in the water yet. With that being said, let’s get to the picks!

Sanders went 12-4 last week putting him to 147-81-1 on the season. He is 2-2 to start Week 16 as he picked the Vikings (loss), Bucs (win), Cardinals (loss), and Dolphins (win) to win their games.

IND Colts vs PIT Steelers

The Steelers offense has been putrid for the last few weeks now causing an 0-3 skid after a grand 11-0 start. While most have called the Steelers fake going undefeated (partially due to the hatred for PIT, let’s be honest), this Steelers team still has pieces to win games and it starts with the defense. Unfortunately for them, the defense is not as strong as it used to be with Bud Dupree out for the season. They play a Colts team which has come on strong in the last few weeks. The Colts defense is to be feared, and Philip Rivers is quietly having himself solid season. Unless Pittsburgh picks it up on offense, looks like a 4 game losing streak coming on.

Colts 28 Steelers 21

ATL Falcons vs KC Chiefs

While there’s potential for this game to be explosive, I’m thinking that this game won’t be as close as the “on-paper” matchup says it should be. Not only does KC look unbeatable, they look like the AFC’s Super Bowl representatives. They’ve won in every single way possible this season and have lost only one game that appears more and more like it was a fluke than an actual weakness on them. Many could point to the “one score” wins but the truth is KC is just that good. My philosophy is you gotta score 35 points or more if you wanna beat KC. Don’t see Atlanta doing that.

Falcons 24 Chiefs 38

CHI Bears vs JAX Jaguars

We are living in a reality where playoff hopes lie hanging in the balance for the Bears with Mitch Trubisky tasked to take them to the promised land. Yes, you read that right. After all the slander, Trubisky has had himself a surprisingly okay season when he has had his chance to play. The Bears get arguably the worst team in the NFL on their Sunday slate. Looks like an easy dub on way to a Week 17 NFC North showdown in the frozen tundra. We wouldn’t want it any other way for a Bears-Packers matchup. Sorry Jaguars fans. Nothing much to say about Jacksonville as a team. They’re terrible and Mike Glennon is starting. Not even any Minschew mania to hype up.

Bears 29 Jaguars 13

CIN Bengals vs HOU Texans

I perfectly understand that the Bengals upset the Steelers last week and that the Texans have a bottom 3 defense in the League. That being said, I’m not going to let an upset convince me that a Burrow-less Bengals team is going to step up to the plate two games in a row. Deshaun Watson and the Texans should pull off the W here.

Bengals 17 Texans 20

NY Giants vs BAL Ravens

The Giants have the unfortunate timing of playing one of the hottest AFC teams when they are banged up. The Ravens on the other hand, get the benefit of playing a banged up NFC East team while playing their hottest ball all season. Barring an unforeseen circumstance where Lamar Jackson gets hurt, the Ravens should be back to their 2019 ways of putting up 30+ points on bad teams. Danie Jones is also set to play against a defense that is elite at forcing turnovers. None of this benefits New York.

Giants 16 Ravens 34

CLE Browns vs NY Jets

So. The Jets caught a W against the Rams. That’s nice and I no longer am allowed to say they will lose a game because they are coached by Adam Gase. However, that doesn’t change the fact this Jets team is….shall we say….bad? And the next team on their slate is a Browns team that’s looking to lock up a playoff seed. To be a playoff team, you gotta beat the teams you are favored against. The Browns have been doing that almost all season and i don’t see that stopping. Browns W right here.

Browns 27 Jets 17

CAR Panthers vs Washington

If I were the media, I would drop the revenge game narrative. If you ask me, Rivera is not worried about beating his former team but is far more concerned with clinching the NFC East which they can do this week with a win and the Giants losing to Baltimore (which is likely). Washington is a team fighting for their football lives while the Panthers are trying to figure out what works and what won’t heading into 2021. I’ll take the desperate team over the team still trying to figure things out.

Panthers 17 Washington 24

DEN Broncos vs LA Chargers

This is an AFC West clash that doesn’t necessarily matter anymore. However, I find this game rather intriguing. I think this game will be fun. The last time, it was a fun matchup where Drew Lock lead a furious rally back in the 4th quarter to catch a win for the Broncos. This time around, I think Justin Herbert and company will come ready for a revenge type of game. That, and the Broncos have a long way to go before they are consistently competing. They need to get healthy.

Broncos 20 Chargers 27

PHE Eagles vs DAL Cowboys

If you haven’t taken the hint already, I do not like this Dallas Cowboys team this year and it starts with their defense. The first move that needs to be made is for Mike Nolan to be out of there next season. Until they get a better DC, I can’t place faith in a Cowboys team to handle dynamic QBs whom they face this week. I would have given this one to the Cowboys were Carson Wentz playing. However, Jalen Hurts provides another dimension to the Eagles offense that the Boys may not be prepared for.

Eagles 28 Cowboys 23

LA Rams vs SEA Seahawks

Well then. The Rams certainly got a wake up call last week losing to the winless Jets. You think they had the best practice they’ve ever had all season? Yeah, I think so too. However, they play against a Seattle team that has improved defensively down the stretch the last few weeks. And while the Seahawks certainly are a threat, I don’t view them the same way I did weeks ago. Despite the loss to the Jets, I think the Rams got a fire lit under them and that’s going to be enough to put them over the edge in a rather even matchup that I believe goes into OT.

Rams 27 Seahawks 24 (Final OT)

TEN Titans vs GB Packers

This is the hardest matchup for me personally to try and predict. It’s the No. 1 offense in the league vs MVP candidate Aaron Rodgers. Who scores more? Well, let’s start off with the fact that weather is supposed to be awful in Green Bay which poses well for Tennessee. Run run run with King Henry to a win. That’s how they win this game in the frozen tundra. However, I just can’t help but think not only does Aaron Jones have a big day, but Aaron Rodgers also takes advantage of a mediocre Titans secondary. I give the edge to Green Bay, although, I’m not highly confident in this pick either. If you ask me, it’s a 50/50 coin toss, and you gotta decide on which offense you think has the bigger day.

Titans 27 Packers 30

BUF Bills vs NE Patriots

Another traditional MNF game where we get to watch a bad matchup. Fun stuff. Anyhoo, let’s talk about the teams. The Patriots have officially been eliminated from the playoffs and are looking forward to 2021. However, there are still players like Cam Newton who are playing for their jobs. A Bill Bellichick isn’t going to just come out flat. However, the Bills also aren’t going to just let a divisional opponent who is weaker than them come in and beat them. The Bills haven’t been division winners in 25 years. They’re division winners now, and I think the team knows that it’s not enough. Keep working. Keep going. Don’t stop. That message is something along the lines of what Sean McDermott is saying right as I’m typing this.

Bills 31 Patriots 17

Week 15 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

I would like to apologize for not posting the last two weeks. The weekends were filled with finals preparation, grading for my students, and getting my quarantined students caught up and prepared for finals. I also took a mini staycation last weekend. Either way, I’m back baby and the playoff race is heating up. The NFC and AFC feel decided with seeding left to go. However, there’s certainly some surprises that could happen. Let’s unpack it all!

Sanders is currently 135-77-1 and is 2-1 heading into Week 15 after picking the Raiders (loss), Bills (win), Packers (win) to win their games.

SF 49ers vs DAL Cowboys

It looks like Andy Dalton gets better each week. That being said, both Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh have been getting more of their team and 3rd string roster than probably any other coach duo in the league could. Knowing that, I think Mike McCarthy and Mike Nolan will be outmatched here through gameplan, scheme, and mid-game adjustments.

49ers 27 Cowboys 21

SEA Seahawks vs Washington

You see, I originally thought that Washington was going to pull off the upset here. However, now that I know Gibson may not be playing AND Haskins is starting at QB? Forget about it. Haskins is a terrible QB and is not a starter in this league. He may be facing one of the worst defenses in the league, but that won’t matter if he can’t match Russell Wilson this weekend.

Hawks 29 Washington 17

CHI Bears vs MIN Vikings

It’s sort of a running joke at this point that I can’t pick Vikings games. However, I got the last Vikings game correct. Which means nothing for this game, but It’s untrue I can’t pick Vikings games. I just struggle with reading this team every year. That being said, I know exactly what this Bears team is. A great team with an elite defense when the offense can just simply MOVE the ball. Not even score a ton. Just move the ball. But when the offense is anemic and Trubisky is playing horribly, the elite defense doesn’t matter and this team goes from great to fake. Seeing that it’s not possible to predict a good or bad Trubisky day, I’m going to point to wards the team with the better head coach and quarterback. Both of those are in Minnesota. Hopefully Cousins doesn’t throw 3 picks. He’s had some rough games against better defenses, but I believe here.

Bears 14  Vikings 20

NE Patriots vs MIA Dolphins

Normally, I believe that I would try and make a case for the Patriots and there certainly is one here. However, the Dolphins are so well coached and even if their gameplan falls apart, they make great half-time adjustments. Brain Flores is the real deal and I truly believe he’s gonna lead this team to a victory whether the on-field execution struggles or not. We’ve reached an era where Bill Bellichick is still the best coach of all time, but his division has competition in the head-coaching department.

Patriots 16 Dolphins 23

JAX Jaguars vs BAL Ravens

There is legitimately a case to be made that the Jaguars are the worst team in the NFL. However, Gardner Minschew is coming back to start against a Ravens team that has lost 70% of it’s secondary to the injury/inactive list. There’s a big chance for an upset here where Minschew goes crazy and DJ Chark has a 100+ yard day. However, the Jaguars have a terrible running defense and they’re playing against Baltimore? Seems like a classic recipe for the Ravens to score 30+ points.

Jaguars 24 Ravens 38

TB Buccaneers vs ATL Falcons

There’s a hot chance that the Falcons can pull off an upset here but I think that’s trying too hard to predict an upset. The matter of the fact is, is that the Buccaneers are a team that lack a solid identity, but hold way too much talent to lose games. Seems like that’s the recipe that wins another game for the Bucs here. I anticipate the Falcons to keep this one competitive though.

Bucs 31 Flacons 27

DET Lions vs TEN Titans

Not only has Derrick Henry but running rampant on the football field every Sunday, but he gets to play December football against one of the worst defenses against the run. The man is about to feast and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Titans throw less than 15 times. An important note for the Lions is that Matt Staff will be playing with torn rib cartilage and a right thumb injury. Doesn’t sound like a good day for the Lions.

Lions 13 Titans 23

HOU Texans vs IND Colts

It’s completely irrational of me to pick the Texans here and I want to very badly. However, the Colts found a spark on offense last week. A spark which I anticipate to continue against one of the worst defenses in the League. It’s true that Watson could go wild and win this game all on his own. However, this is a team game and that would require his receivers to get separation with they haven’t been doing well at all season. And it’s against a top Colts defense? Forget the upset….it ain’t happening as much as I want it to.

Texans 17 Colts 28

PHE Eagles vs AZ Cardinals

Look. The Eagles beat the Saints and there’s a lot to be said about the efforts they made, the juice that Jalen Hurts gave to the offense, and the inspiration the entire team had. However, I don’t anticipate the Eagles to pull of a repeat performance. If you have eyes, you’ll see that despite the cover of the Cardinals book saying they should be a pass first team, they are a running team with a solid defense. This is perfect December football and while the game will be in Arizona and not winter weather, the point remains the same. At this point in the season, the teams with better running games and defense typically win the games. That favors Arizona.

Eagles 23 Cardinals 31

NY Jets vs LA Rams

Same head coach. Same story. Different week. The Jets lose because they are coached Adam Gase. No other analysis here necessary. I’ve been writing these same sentences for Jets games since Week 5. Has anything changed? Nope. They are still winless. Again, a Jets team coached by Adam Gase isn’t winning a game.

Jets 13 Rams 30

KC Chiefs vs NO Saints

For a game that’s supposed to be between two gods of football, this matchup feels more like a god vs titan matchup. And if you know your Greek mythology, the titans are considered superior to the gods, at least in their basic forms although the gods did overtake the titans. Back to football, I think the Chiefs are the titan and the Saints are the god in this matchup. Both are formidable but one team is clearly better than the other. It seems that unless the Chiefs are playing an AFC West rival, they tend to annihilate everyone in their way. The Dolphins had arguably the best possible game you could have against the Chiefs and still lost. At this point, I don’t think I’m picking the Chiefs to lose till otherwise. That, and you think this Saints team without Michael Thomas is gonna keep up with KC? Probably not.

Chiefs 35 Saints 27

CLE Browns vs NY Giants

The Browns played a great game offensively and still came up short 5 points against Baltimore in a thrilling 47-42 outlet. Needless to say, the Browns proved they can hang with the big dogs and are playoff ready. That being said, they need to make the playoffs first. They play the Giants this week on Sunday Night Football, a game that probably doesn’t deserve the time slot, but gives the Browns a chance to prove themselves again against a weaker team. I don’t have much to say on the Giants here. They’re a well coached team that’s missing quite a few pieces across the roster. They’ll be a team to keep an eye on over the offseason. I’d at least like to see Daniel Jones play better this week than he did last week against AZ.

Browns 27 Giants 16

PIT Steelers vs CIN Bengals

It’s kinda sad but the Bengals have dropped into Jets territory for me. As long as Joe Burrow isn’t playing for the Bengals, they are just as bad as they were last year. And last year, they were worst team in the NFL. Steelers defense mauls the Bengals offense and they pick up the win here getting just one more win closer to clinching the AFC North for the first time in 3 seasons.

Steelers 27 Bengals 17

Week 12 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

Thanksgiving has come and gone but there is still much more action left on NFL’s Week 12 slate. But before I get there, I would like to take the time to say I am thankful to anyone who reads this. I am thankful for my family, friends, and my job that I get to work at everyday. I love being a teacher and I love doing these picks as a side-hobby. Thank y’all for reading. On to the picks!

Sanders went 7-7 last week (boooooo) putting him to 105-55-1 on the season. He also went 1-1 on Thanksgiving picking the Lions to win and the Washington team to win.

MIA Dolphins vs NY Jets

Same old Jets, same old pick from me. The Jets are coached by Adam Gase still. Enough said. They’ll keep losing until the HC position changes.

Dolphins 24 Jets 17

AZ Cardinals vs NE Patriots

Certainly a matchup that I think favors the Cardinals but is in no way a guaranteed win either. The Cardinals defense is in the bottom-10 when it comes to allowing rushing yards per game to opposing teams. This presents a favorable matchups for the Patriots as they own a top rushing offense in the league this year. However, all that considered, I still think the Cardinals are favored. Better roster and better QB.

Cardinals 23 Patriots 20

CAR Panthers vs MIN Vikings

Tough one to pick here as the Vikings were presumably on the move up but then fell to the Dallas Cowboys. I take it this game swings either way, but considering the very nature of the types of teams that both have been this year, I feel this one is a coin flip. For what it’s worth, Run CMC is out again and the Vikings defense matches up well against the Panthers offense. But the Vikings offense isn’t necessarily a fantastic matchup either against Carolina. Like I said, flip a coin.

Panthers 17 Vikings 26

CLE Browns vs JAX Jaguars

Not sure I’ve mentioned this before. But outside of the Jets, the Jaguars are arguably the worst team in the NFL. With no real threat at QB and a lack of playmakers across the board, it’s tough to imagine the Browns losing this one here. Not to mention, this Jaguars defense probably won’t be able to handle everything Cleveland will throw at them on Sunday.

Browns 28 Jaguars 10

TEN Titans vs IND Colts

I originally was going to be picking the Colts in this matchup but with DeForest Buckner reportedly out for this game, I have since changed my mind. This Colts defense has certainly been carrying this team to some nice W’s while the offense has been playing complimentary football. However, with Buckner out, I find that the Colts defense may not perform as well as they normally do. Not only that, but the Titans seems to have found their groove back after a clutch come from behind win against Baltimore.

Titans 31 Colts 27

NY Giants vs CIN Bengals

One of the reasons the Bengals were even remotely competitive was because Joe Burrow was the quarterback. Now that Burrow is out of the season, the Bengals will go back to being a non-competitive punching bag. The Giants, on the other hand, are also a losing team but have remained somewhat competitive throughout the season. Giants, easily.

Giants 20 Bengals 13

LA Chargers vs BUF Bills

I’m quite sure many expect this game to be close and have fire works. I, for one hand, have the minority opinion. I believe McDermott is going to create a gameplan that fools Justin Herbert and the Bills offense just demos the Chargers defense. And that’s pretty much all I’ve got on this one. Not much more thought went into this matchup after I examined the key matchups on the rosters.

Chargers 17 Bills 35

SF 49ers vs LA Rams

There’s no doubt in my mind that this game has the potential to come down to the wire. Last time these teams faced, the 49ers beat the Rams without their starting QB and starting TE. Now the 49ers are in the same situation again facing the Rams. This time around though, I’ll say that the Rams have become a better team since, and the 49ers haven’t improved much due to both injuries and COVID wrecking the team. It’s been an unfortunate season for the defending NFC champions, and it doesn’t get much better.

49ers 17 Rams 26

NO Saints vs DEN Broncos

The Broncos are playing without a QB this week. The Saints are the best team in the NFC. I think that’s enough said on this matchup right? Quite an unfair predicament, but they, that’s 2020 for you.

Saints 31 Broncos 10

KC Chiefs vs TB Buccaneers

On paper, this matchup looks pretty good. However, the Chiefs are a team that play football for a full 60 minutes and the Bucs seem to disappear sometimes in the middle of their games. With them being so hot and cold, and the Chiefs staying red hot, it’s hard to imagine the Bucs winning this game, despite how great of a matchup this looks on paper. Bucs gotta show me something for me to believe.

Chiefs 33 Bucs 24

CHI Bears vs GB Packers

Regardless of whether Trubisky is starting or not, it’s hard to imagine a scenario where the Bears offense suddenly becomes competent again. Maybe Trubisky shows us he has grown in practice while being on the bench. However, I have doubts in my mind. There is certainly a timeline where the Bears win this game and get right back into the thick of the playoff hunt. I carry my doubts though. Rodgers and Co. on Sunday Night Football typically fare pretty well against the Bears.

Bears 20 Packers 24

SEA Seahawks vs PHE Eagles

Reports are coming out that Jaylen Hurts are getting QB1 reps in practice. That don’t matter. This Eagles team is bad. It’s not just Carson Wentz. The team, as a whole, is bad. And this Seattle team is (not elite but) very good. They’ll maul whoever is at QB because the Eagles offensive line can’t play well enough to save their own lives let alone the quarterback’s.

Seahawks 31 Eagles 19

BAL Ravens vs PIT Steelers

COVID or no COVID, I had the Steelers winning this game anyway. The Steelers are just a good matchup against the Ravens and are currently the best team in football. Sure, it will be exciting to see RG3 get some starting time in a game that matters, but it’s unfortunate he is tasked with playing against one of the more fearsome defenses in the League. It’s just an overall nightmare for Baltimore, and a field dream for the Steelers.

Ravens 16 Steelers 28

Week 11 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

*no pre-picks blurb this week*

Sanders went 9-5 last week putting him to 98-48-1 on the season. He also picked AZ to win on Thursday and is 0-1 to start Week 11.

PIT Steelers vs JAX Jaguars

The Steelers are a well balanced team and carry a mean defense that won both tight games and blowouts. They face a Jaguars team that hanged with the Packers longer than they should have. Against this Pittsburgh defense, that just won’t happen.

Steelers 26 Jaguars 14

DET Lions vs CAR Panthers

The Panthers offense is too banged up for me to faithfully pick the Panthers to win here. The Lions have been a competitive team that blows away too many wins under Matt Patricia. They barely didn’t blow it to Washington last week. However, I don’t think they’ll blow it against Carolina this week especially because Carolina will be absent both Teddy B and Run CMC.

Lions 24 Panthers 10

NE Patriots vs HOU Texans

The Patriots have established themselves as a top 5 running offense and they travel to Houston to face the worst rushing defense in the league. While the Patriots certainly don’t have the potential explosiveness that the Texans do on offense, they’ll grind this game out through tough runs and solid defensive play. Bellichick will make this game a short one, if his gameplan goes through. Don’t see the Texans having the ability to stop it either.

Patriots 20 Texans 14

TEN Titans vs BAL Ravens

The Titans have had a rough go of it ever since they started 5-0. They’ve lacked the ability to be competitive in games (see vs Colts) or close out games (see vs PIT). Either way, this week should be a bounceback week as they play a Ravens team who hasn’t found a secondary identity on offense and will also be without their run defenders this week. I anticipate King Henry to gain 150+ scrimmage yards on Sunday.

Titans 27 Ravens 20

PHE Eagles vs CLE Browns

Even when Carson Wentz played one of his best games of the season, the Eagles still lost to the Giants last week. That’s foretelling of the kind of season that Philly has been having this season. They lack the talent to stop the Hunt-Chubb combo that Cleveland will punch them in the mouth with, and it’s likely that Wentz tries to do too much his week (again) and throws the game away before there is ever truly a chance to win it in the first place.

Eagles 16 Browns 19

ATL Falcons vs NO Saints

There’s potential for an upset here, however, I think the Saints still win whether Winston or Hill starts at QB. Historically, when Drew Brees has missed games, Sean Payton has come up with creative gameplans to continue the Saint’s winning ways. Despite Atlanta being a much better team since the firing of Dan Quinn, I don’t anticipate Sean Payton to lose a game to ATL this year. Both Hill or WInston will get it done, even if it’s ugly.

Falcons 24 Saints 28

CIN Bengals vs Washington

It’s really odd that Alex Smith had his best statistical game of his career and still couldn’t carry Washington to a win. That’s just how flawed this Washington team is, and just from that I’m not sure how they are going to beat a Cincinatti team that is also flawed, yet has a quarterback who has played phenomenally this season. Joe Burrow may just grab his 3rd win here.

Bengals 21 Washington 20

NY Jets vs LA Chargers

Same thing everytime. The Jets are coached by Adam Gase still. Not sure what you want from me. Chargers pick up the W (if they don’t blow it, that is). Justin Herbert goes crazy this week and Joey Bosa comes back to rock the Jets O-line.

Jets 23 Chargers 27

MIA Dolphins vs DEN Broncos

The Dolphins have shown themselves to be the surprise of the year as they have racked up a 6-3 start while making a QB switch midseason to a rookie no less. Brian Flores has been like his mentor and has created a defense that plays well to their strengths, while employing an offense that plays complimentary football to a solid defense. The Broncos have been the exact opposite of this with mediocre QB play, lack of defensive playmaking, and questionable coaching. All signs favor Miami.

Dolphins 31 Broncos 20

DAL Cowboys vs MIN Vikings

If you were thinking the optimist in me was going to say something positive about Andy Dalton returning, well you’d be wrong. It’s impossible for me to place faith in a Dallas team that couldn’t even win when their offense was explosive. Now they face a Vikings team that is starting to make the train tracks go in the right direction, AND their defense still can’t stop an opponent from scoring? How about you try being optimistic about Dallas? I can’t be.

Cowboys 17 Vikings 27

GB Packers vs IND Colts

For whatever reason, the Packers kryptonite seems to be physical football teams. Under Matt Lafleur, the Packers only terrible losses have been to teams who decide to get down and dirty with them, and the Packers typically have zero answer for those types of teams. Here come the Colts who are one of the most physical football teams of the 2020 season, and play with a “punch you in the mouth” kind of style. Until Green Bay wins against these kind of teams, I don’t place faith in them to win against those kind of teams.

Packers 17 Colts 20

KC Chiefs vs LV Raiders

The Chiefs may have lost last time, and the Raiders may matchup well with the Chiefs, but it’s incredibly hard to beat a good team twice in one season. That’s why I favor the Chiefs here. The Chiefs had a lot to learn from the defensive looks they got, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they come out with a gameplan the Raiders won’t be prepared for, especially because the Raiders couldn’t have their starting defense practice this week with them being on the COVID list.

Chiefs 35 Raiders 30

LA Rams vs TB Buccaneers

This game will get messy before it gets good. I anticipate a “down and dirty” style of game from both teams. Normally, these type of games dictate that the better defense wins and yet I’m not sure that’s the case here. With both defense playing so well this year, I’ve got a creeping feeling that the offense who plays just a bit better comes out on top on MNF. To me, that’s going to be Tom Brady and Co. I can’t imagine they’ll allow another primetime embarrassment like they have suffered the last two times.

Rams 20 Bucs 23

Week 10 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

No excerpt here this week. A lack of drama (probably for the better) and a lack of talking points has me thinking it's best to just get to the picks for this week!

Sanders went 16-12 the last two weeks putting him to 89-41-1 on the season. He also picked Tennessee to win on TNF and they lost to the Colts putting him to 0-1 going into Week 10.

PHE Eagles vs NY Giants

The Giants are a tough 2-7 team who don’t have a good QB and and also own a lack of talent. They face a divisional opponent in the Eagles who have seen Carson Wentz improve down the stretch but still make some mind-numbing decisions as the season has gone on. I think I give the better QB the pick here, but man, it feels like Joe Judge could coach himself to a win here especially after the last two weeks the Giants have played.

Eagles 24 Giants 20

JAX Jaguars vs GB Packers

Not much to say here. The Jaguars are the 2nd worst team in the NFL bar none and they’re playing one of the best teams in the NFL. The Packers have been great at putting away bad teams this year and stomping them into the ground. Expect the same results here.

Jaguars 13 Packers 31

WAS Football Team vs DET Lions

I am going out on a limb and picking an upset in Washington. The Lions represent a team who has potential explosiveness but also the ability to just falter in the most incredibly dumb ways possibe. I still believe that falls on Matt Patricia. I don’t have a lot to say about this game, but it is exciting to see Alex Smith start a game after having not started one in 728 days. Let’s hope both these teams play a clean game for his sake.

WAS 24 DET 23

HOU Texans vs CLE Browns

The Browns are getting Nick Chubb back and just at the right time as the Browns need to get back to their winning ways. Running a dual-headed monster in the RB while Mayfield compliments the success of the running game. It’s the type of game they need to play in order to keep Deshaun Watson off the field. This game really comes down to whether Watson gets hot enough to force CLE in a shootout instead of a ball-control game. I don’t think that will happen though.

Texans 24 Browns 28

TB Buccaneers vs CAR Panthers

Despite the fact that the Panthers are a competitive team, they’re being forced to face a Buccaneers team who just got nationally embarrassed. And while I understand that the Panthers have the full potential to beat the Bucs here, especially if the Bucs don’t show up again, I am not going to pick against a pissed off Tom Brady. So often when Tom Brady is under the news headlines in a bad light, he always comes out on top. It’s not superstition, it’s just proven fact that he does that all the time. I imagine this happens here. I pray for the Panthers defenses this weekend.

Bucs 35 Panthers 21

LA Chargers vs MIA Dolphins

What a fantastic rookie QB matchup. This game alone should be exciting because Herbert should bring out more fireworks like he has all season. However, the excitement ends there as there is a leveled-difference in the coaching and talent between both these teams. Believe it or not, the Dolphins are 10-7 in their last 17 games. DURING A REBUILD PHASE. Brian Flores is the real deal and his team is going to beat teams that are inferior to them on paper.

Chargers 24 Dolphins 29

DEN Broncos vs LV Raiders

I believe that the Raiders have proven themselves to be a decent/good football team. They’re a team with an old-fashioned style using a modern playbook. It’s an awesome modern smashmouth style that’s fun to watch and Derek Carr remains one of the most under-rated QBs during his time. They remain a better team in comparison to their counterparts in the Broncos who are hurt, starved for healthy playmakers, and just may not be up to the task for winning a smashmouth game.

Broncos 20 Raiders 31

BUF Bills vs AZ Cardinals

Tough one to pick. Both of these teams play with dynamic QBs who are both currently in the MVP conversation at the moment. This game will seemingly come down to the defense that breaks down faster. After watching the Bills defense have somewhat of a renaissance in the last three weeks, I believe that the Cardinals defense is going to break before the Bills do. That being said I expect a high flying game here. You’re about to see one of the best non-conference games you’ll see all year.

Bills 38 Cards 35

SF 49ers vs NO Saints

The 49ers have waived the white flag. They traded Kwon Alexander and both Jimmy G/George Kittle will be out for (most likely) the rest of the season. The Saints are also starting to get fully healthy again, and they’ve showed that they can dominate a good team. Don’t go rewatch that game or the highlights. You won’t need to. However, I would love to see the Saints do it again. If the Saints really are as dominant as they showed in their last game, well, they may just be Super Bowl favorites.

49ers 14 Saints 35

SEA Seahawks vs LA Rams

I anticipate this game to be high flying and high scoring. The Seahawks defense just isn’t good but their offense soars higher than any other offense in the NFL currently.  The Rams also have the ability to win a shootout with creative play design and exceptional route-running from its WR core. If you ask me though, I feel that the Seahawks are just a bit of a better team than the Rams. I expect this one to be an exciting one.

Seahawks 31 Rams 27

CIN Bengals vs PIT Steelers

This FEELS like the game where the Bengals finally upset the Steelers for their first loss. However, Joe Burrow gets to play against one of the toughest secondaries in the NFL and the Steelers secondary matches up so well with the Bengals WR core. Barring some NFL magic pulsing through Joe Burrow’s veins, this hardly feels like the game for the Steelers to lose. I do anticipate this to be a close one though.

Bengals 23 Steelers 24

BAL Ravens vs NE Patriots

This game will be billed as Lamar vs Cam. And yet, the spice isn’t there because these rosters are just so vastly different in talent level. While the Bellichick-Harbaugh matchup has been known to give us some exciting games, it’s not fair to compare this year. One roster is relatively healthy and dominant on defense. The other roster is barely beating the Jets on MNF. Sad to say, this doesn’t seem like it will be a classic. I do expect it to be close though because of Bellichick’s gameplanning wizardry.

Ravens 23 Patriots 17

MIN Vikings vs CHI Bears

The Bears are the most frustrating offense in the NFL to watch. So often a play is there to be made, and then it’s not made at all. The Vikings have also been incredibly frustrating to watch as well as they should be a better team than they have been for most of the season. However, the team I expected them to be has shown up in recent weeks. If they continue to be the team I expected them to be back in August, well then we might have ourselves looking back at a 4-5 Vikings team running full speed ahead in the NFC. So how do the Vikings win this game? I anticipate Dalvin Cook to have another monster day and run out the clock as soon as the Vikings are ahead by 10 points. Cousins, hopefully, doesn’t have a nightmare game against a strong Bears defense.

Vikings 27 Bears 17

Week 8 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

We’re at the half way mark and yet still, it feels like we have relatively no idea who the powerhouses are and who the pretenders. Sure, I could make a top 5 list involving both the Steelers and Packers, and I would probably be right in saying one (if not both) of those teams ends up in the AFC/NFC Championship. However, there’s a lot of teams like the Colts/Bears who’s records claim they are real but on-field play would seem to indicate otherwise. Either way, we’ll be halfway through the season once this week has come and go. On to the picks!

Sanders went 11-3 last week putting him to 73-31-1 on the season. He also picked Carolina to win on TNF so he is starting Week 8 0-1.

PIT Steelers vs BAL Ravens

Arguably the game of the week, this matchup not only features one of the best rivalries in football, but clashes two of the best teams in the AFC. Normally I go longer on a game of the week as I’m generally undecided on the game, but I’m gonna come out and say the Steelers pick up the win here. The Steelers are currently playing some of the best ball in the NFL and the core strength of their defense shuts down every opponents running game. This means that the Ravens need to win the game through their passing game. With so few weapons and a lack of explosiveness in the receiving game by Baltimore, and their offense not even remotely resembling their 2019 achievements, I think it’s safe to say the Steelers have the ability to close out the game better than Baltimore. The Ravens defense will keep them in this game for a while though.

Steelers 24 Ravens 20

LA Rams vs MIA Dolphins

The Dolphins are better than most NFL fans give them credit for. Sure, they’ve been beating up on some teams that aren’t starpowered, but hey, Ws are Ws and the Dolphins have been taking them recently. What’s odd, is this is going to be Tua’s first start of the season and it’s going to be against a Rams defense which has found itself to be the strength of a Sean McVay coached team. This seems to spell trouble for Tua, and I’m not sure the rookie will be prepared for the looks that the Rams throw at him. Jared Goff and Co. should be fine (not great) against Miami’s D this week

Rams 20 Dolphins 17

NY Jets vs KC Chiefs

Per my usual take on here. The Jets are still coached by Adam Gase. Thus I am never choosing them to win. Plus they are playing the Chiefs this week. Lev Bell revenge game anyone?

Jets 10 Chiefs 35

MIN Vikings vs GB Packers

Theoretically, this is a game that the Packers should win, but my gut is telling me the results won’t be so obvious like I’m thinking. Let’s get this straight. Mike Zimmer is a wonderful defensive mind, and it’s likely he’s going to give Rodgers problems. However, this Vikings team has been dreadful with Cousins playing poorly, the defense sorely missing yesteryears starpower, and their overall inability to create any game changing plays to provide some sort of momentum. The Packers are the complete opposite of the Vikings in every category and thus why one team is 1-5 and the other is 5-1. Everything points to the Packers winning this game with relative ease. Yet, weirder things have happened…

Vikings 21 Packers 27

IND Colts vs DET Lions

I am not the biggest fan of the Colts this year and this Lions team is growing on me. Yet, I am being cautious about the Lions, because they’re a team who massively disappoints the second you start to feel like you should be considering them as a decent team. Let’s see how they do against one of the best defenses in the League that the Colts so happen to have. Let’s keep in mind though, Rivers hasn’t gotten past his mind-numbing turnovers. If anything, the Lions can steal this game away by taking advantage of a QB who loves to make dangerous throws.

Colts 20 Lions 17

LV Raiders vs CLE Browns

What can I say, this matchup has fun written all over it. The Browns are a feisty team that has a decent coaching staff, overwhelming talent, and a poor history that makes you want them to just win for the sake of winning. The team they face, also maintains that narrative as well and that’s why I think this game should be fun. This one is certainly a litmus test in proving whether each team is a contender or pretender for the playoffs in the AFC. This game matters quite a bit, and both Derek Carr/Jon Gruden and Baker Mayfield/Kevin Stefanski will have to come in with some creative gameplans if they want to ruin the others chances this year. I anticipate there to be a lot of mistakes made in a game that has quite a few stakes in it, but the game goes to the team with the better defense.

Raiders 24 Browns 28

TEN Titans vs CIN Bengals

Titans lost a close one last week in a game that should have gone to OT had Gostkowski not missed his kick. The Bengals encountered similar heartbreak last week as they should have won their game as well, but Baker Mayfield had other plans. Both of these teams represent offenses that have the ability to the move the ball down the field and score some points, yet the difference between is that TEN has a defense capable of stopping the opponent in clutch moments, while the Bengals seem to falter when the lights get bright and a play needs to be made. Seems like an easy Titans pick to me.

Titans 27 Bengals 17

NE Patriots vs BUF Bills

It has come to my attention that we may need to consider that the Patriots are just a mediocre/bad team after having lost so much talent to the offseason and COVID departures. Their first 3 games are a mirage of what the could have been, and their most recent games represent what they likely are this year. The Bills on the other hand have been looking less so like the super team that they looked like in the first quarter of the season and have been barely scraping by against the Jets while getting pummeled by their AFC counterparts: KC and TEN. It’s another game for the Bills to try to steer the ship right. Play a weaker divisional opponent, work on your game, and prepare for better teams. All you really can do right now. Beware of Cam Newton and Bill Bellichick though.

Patriots 17 Bills 21

LA Chargers vs DEN Broncos

Both of these teams have a legitimate shot at winning this game, and yet I’m inclined to just pick the Chargers outright. Justin Herbert has been a rookie sensation lighting the league on fire with 300+ passing yards per game. I don’t know anyone who saw this coming and, if you ask me, he’s the candidate to pick for OROTY right now and that’s no slight against Burrow. His counterpart, Drew Lock, has been…..uninspiring, to say the least this season. Sure, he’s been hurt, but his games haven’t shown the promise that last year’s games did. I expect Herbert to outplay Lock, and for Lock to make the mistake that doom the Broncos here.

Chargers 30 Broncos 20

SF 49ers vs SEA Seahawks

Tough one. Very tough one to predict as Kyle Shanahan must be licking his chops to play this defense after watching the Cardinals buzzsaw through them for a full 69 minutes. I’m inclined to pick the 49ers here, and yet I can’t seem to convince myself that the 49ers will outscore the Seahawks in this matchup. Thus, if you ask me, the game really comes down to how much the Seahawks defense is a liability this time around.

49ers 27 Seahawks 31

NO Saints vs CHI Bears

Man. Watching the Bears lose on MNF was a thing of beauty. Not because I’m a Bears hater (I promise, I’m not), but because the Bears finally showed who they really are. They are a team with a stellar defense but employ an offense that just can’t move the ball well. This Bears defense needs to set up short fields if it wants to give this Bears offense a chance, and even then I don’t see them scoring all that often here. The Saints, on the other hand, will probably come in and treat this game with business as usual. The Saints certainly aren’t a powerhouse, but they’re a decent team with a better roster and better coaching staff.

Saints 23 Bears 20

DAL Cowboys vs PHE Eagles

This game wasn’t flexed of the SNF slot. May the football gods help us all. I keep telling myself I won’t watch this game, but you’ll find me right in front of the tv when it’s on. Ugh. There isn’t much to say about this game. Both teams suck as of right now. The Cowboys are done for this season with a team that looks like it has zero leadership and zero spirit without Dak Prescott. Meanwhile, the Eagles are an injured mess again. What’s new? Eagles win by default because Dallas is just that bad this year.

Cowboys 16 Eagles 23

TB Buccaneers vs NY Giants

Another primetime game in week 8? You guessed it! Another terrible matchup. Listen, I don’t necessarily believe in no-win scenarios, but I do believe in percentage winning. If you ask me, the Bucs have a 95% chance to win this game because they’ve got a tough defense, a stellar WR core, and a quarterback who’s having himself another MVP type of candidate. Do the Giants even remotely matchup well to any of the things I just listed? Quite sad how much of a joke NY football has become since that picture of the Giants WRs on a boat in Florida. The good ol’ days…

Bucs 35 Giants 17