Week 7 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer as the saying goes. That’s what happened this last week as the Baltimore Ravens just traded for Yannick Ngokue and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Antonio Brown. But how did the poor get poorer? Well, the hapless Vikings traded away Ngokue and the Jaguars appear ready to bench Minschew for *checks notes* Mike Glennon. Man that’s a name we haven’t heard for a while. Guess that’s just the way of the NFL sometimes. No one ever said life was fair, eh?

Sanders went 8-6 last week putting him to 62-28-1 on the season. He also picked the Eagles to win on TNF and is 1-0 on the start of Week 7.

PIT Steelers vs TEN Titans

Arguably, this is the game of the week. There are some good matchups on the slate this week, but none of them feature two undefeated teams like this one does. To pick this kind of game, you need to be able to pick apart the teams and see what their weaknesses are. For the Titans, their weakness seems to lie within the secondary. Outside of that, they have a strong passing game, a decent front seven on the D-line, and the best runner in football with King Henry. When it comes to the Steelers though, I truly can’t find a real “weakness.” One could argue that James Conner being the No. 1 back isn’t all that impressive. While I would agree, Conner has fulfilled the role just fine. This Steelers defense is among the best in the NFL and Big Ben is playing excellent football. I’m thinking the Steelers are just tiny bit better than the Titans.

Steelers 27 Titans 24

DAL Cowboys vs Washington

Some matchups every week, I look at and tell myself “Yeah, I would just rather not write about that matchup at all” and this is one of them. The Cowboys look putrid without Dak. They were already terrible with him leading a great offense. Take away their best player and leader on the field, and you get the results of an embarrassment on the field. I’m still of the opinion Mike Nolan needs to be fired with reports that players don’t feel they’re being coached well at all. All this to be said that they’re playing Washington this weekend which is another terrible football team. Washington has some pieces both on offense and defense but neither really complement each other. This Dallas defense is so bad I would love to pick against them, but I don’t think Kyle Allen starting for Washington is going to get them a W here. It would be a different story if I saw Alex Smith was starting.

Cowboys 17 Washington 16

BUF BIlls vs NY Jets

As usual for a Jets matchup, I got a short one here. I will keep banging the idea into this column that Adam Gase needs to be fired and as long as the Jets have Adam Gase, I am never picking them to win a football game this season. It would also be quite an embarrassment to the Bills if they lost this game.

Bills 35 Jets 17

CAR Panthers vs NO Saints

Both of these teams need a win here. Moreso than their other NFC counterparts. How come? Essentially, this is one of the toughest games on the schedule for both teams. If you can win your tough games (and assuming you win your easy games), then playoff spots are pretty easy to lock up. If I had to make the case, I’d say the Panthers need this one more than the Saints today. However, the Panthers are traveling to play a Saints team that just came fresh off a bye meanwhile they got battered by a Chicago Bears defense. I don’t think the Panthers will come falling flat, but I don’t expect a fresh Saints team to just roll over for the Panthers despite missing both of their top two WRs this week.

Panthers 20 Saints 27

GB Packers vs HOU Texans

Both the Packers and Texans had rough weeks last week. The Packers got outclassed by the Bucs while the Texans were at the mercy of King Henry. They face each other this week in a non-conference clash in Texas. That’s about as hype as I can make this game because I foresee this one being a stomp. Deshaun Watson has really turned it on, but I don’t anticipate the Packers to A. lose two in a row or B. not take advantage of a porous Texans defense. It’s gonna be a long year Houston. Almost as if B.O.B. wasn’t the entire problem….

Packers 35 Texans 26

CLE Browns vs CIN Bengals

Listen, I really like what the Bengals got going on offensively. Joe Burrow has been fun to watch and they’re putting up competitive games which is something this team didn’t do last year. However, there’s still a ton of holes on this roster, and they’re facing a Browns roster that doesn’t have too many holes in it. While this one could be a high scoring affair like it was early in the season, I anticipate this one to be a little more one-sided. The Browns have gotten better since these teams met and the Bengals have stayed relatively the same. Just….don’t let Baker repeat last week’s performance, and it’s an easy W.

Browns 28 Bengals 21

DET Lions vs ATL Falcons

After last week’s performance, I can confidently say that I think the Lions are a better team than the Falcons. The Falcons have all the potential in the world to blow off the ceiling of their opponent, but the defense is still….mediocre. I don’t want to hear how they blew up the Vikings offense. They caught Kirk Cousins having a bad Kirk Cousins game. That’s not convincing to literally anyone. However, the Lions on the other hand have been showing some positives and Swift has been having a bit of a breakout year. I don’t like Patricia, but the Lions roster has been, overall, better than Atlanta’s so far. Give me Atlanta.

Lions 38 Falcons 34

TB Bucs vs LV Raiders

The would-be SNF matchup was moved to the afternoon due to some COVID concerns. That doesn’t take away just how fun of a matchup this is. It’s the high flying Bucs vs the ground and pound Raiders. These offenses have completely opposite styles and I love that. This game comes down to which defense bends first. Once one of the offenses gets their way, they’ll probably control the game the rest of the way. In other words, I’m picking the team with the better defense and I think that belongs to the Buccaneers. The Raiders can win a shootout, but I’ll take Tom Brady and Co. still over Derek Carr and Co. Should be a close one though as I love both of these teams.

Bucs 35 Raiders 31

JAX Jaguars vs LA Chargers

Listen here. If it weren’t for the Jets being so terrible, then the Jaguars would be the worst team in the NFL. They sold the farm in the offseason and left the team with no help and they play like it. There isn’t much to say about the Jaguars when there isn’t much that they’re giving us on the tape. The Chargers on the other hand, give us a lot to be excited for on tape. The offense has some dynamic weapons and Justin Herbert is a blast to watch. The defense leaves something to be desired, but that happens when you lose your best defensive player in the preseason. Anyway, the Chargers are better than a 1-4 record would indicate. They’ll beat up on the Jags here.

Jaguars 14 Chargers 23

SF 49ers vs NE Patriots

Tough one to pick here. I guess it depends on which 49ers offense shows up and which Cam Newton shows up that determines the outcome of this game. However, one thing that’s been bothering me is that the Patriots lost last week. Bellichick normally doesn’t ever lose two games in a row. I mean, it’s quite possible. But for some reason, I can’t convince myself that the Patriots lose a 2nd game in a row. If they do, they’re in quite a bit of trouble. I’m not trying to underestimate Shanahan’s ability to gameplan, but I’m certainly not going to pick against Bellichick coming off a loss.

49ers 24 Patriots 26

KC Chiefs vs DEN Broncos

This isn’t a negative when I say this. But the Chiefs are really struggling against divisional opponents. They were almost knocked off by the Chargers and then got outmatched offensively by the Raiders. So the Broncos are going to do the same right? Honestly, I doubt it. But, I do think this game will be close for a bit of time before the Chiefs take over. Also, the Chiefs have Le’Veon Bell coming in this week. Good luck Vic Fangio and Co. You’ll need it.

Chiefs 31 Broncos 20

SEA Seahawks vs AZ Cardinals

Huge game here. Plenty of playoff seeding implications here. I’ve gone back and forth on this quite a bit, but ultimately reached a conclusion. This Seattle offense is sizzling and their matchup has also been sizzling as well. Budda Baker has been showing the NFL why he’s currently the highest paid safety in football. But, the one time the Cardinals D played against a mobile QB this year, they got crushed. So I’m not sure how they’ll keep the Seahawks offense in check. On the other hand, I think the Cardinals offense is a great matchup against the Seahawks. The Cardinals offense is productive and the Seahawks defense is pretty leaky. This all leads to the conclusion that, barring Wilson just making everybody on the field look like a fool, that the matchup favors the Cardinals by just a smidge. So, it’s an upset pick for me.

Seahawks 24 Cardinals 27

CHI Bears vs LA Rams

 There’s a theory I have going on about the Rams and it’s that they’re pretenders. Why? They’re 4-2 how can you say that? Well, they lost to a flawed Bills team and an injury-riddled 49ers. They’re wins? THE NFC EAST!!!!! That’s who they’ve beat. The worst teams in football and they’ve fallen short to two decent teams. So here they come hosting a MNF against another decent team. Let me break this down: Jared Goff looked awful against the 49ers last week. It seems that Goff still struggles when playing against good defenses. Well, the Monsters of the Midway are coming to town. If you ask me, this reminds me of a game where it gets ugly real quick and that’s the type of game the Bears want to play. It’s gonna be dirty, ugly, and defensive-minded. Give me the Bears.

Bears 17 Rams 14

Week 6 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

Short blurb here. It’s only Week 6 and NFL teams are feeling the impact of injuries already. From the 49ers, to the Broncos, and most recently, the Cowboys, this year feels almost unfair in how some teams are staying healthy while others are just falling apart. Either way, I just wanted to say that my heart genuinely does go out to those players. Yes, they are making millions and far more than I ever will as a teacher. However, I love my job. And I would be crushed if I were forced to miss time with my students due to a bodily injury or just miss an entire semester of school. That sounds awful. Perspective matters people. There’s more to life than money. Get over yourselves.

Sanders went 9-5 last week putting him to 54-22-1 on the season. There was no TNF game so he is 0-0 going into this week.

DEN Broncos VS NE Patriots

Drew Lock and Cam Newton are both coming back to this week. Don’t get me wrong. I think this game will me much closer than some are predicting. I truly believe in the potential of this Denver team when they are healthy. However, the 2020 season has robbed the Broncos of a healthy season. And for that reason, I’m picking the team with the best head coach in football. Also, the Patriots get Cam Newton back this week. Seems like the right type of game to get the season back on track for New England. Tough, gritty, but very much winnable.

Broncos 17 Patriots 21

HOU Texans vs TEN Titans

I’ve read a few picks this week (yes, I do read other people’s picks. It’s called research.) stating that this match was going to be closer than others are thinking. My question is this: How? All these analysts have stated is that Tennessee will win because the firing of O’Brien masks where Houston is truly terrible which is defense. But isn’t that the exact reason why this game should be a blowout? That Texans defense is bad. Like, really bad. And this Titans team just blew the doors off a tough BUF Bills team. Where in the world is anyone thinking this game is close? Just because? Or maybe it’s an AFC South game? I couldn’t tell you. Titans are a far superior team in the running game, stopping the run, and in pass coverage. They only lack at the QB position in comparison to Watson but that really doesn’t matter this year.

Texans 19 Titans 30

CLE Browns vs PIT Steelers

I understand everyone is super excited for the Bucs vs the Pack. But this right here should be the best game on Sunday. The Browns and Steelers are showing some serious AFC powerhouse potential 5 weeks into the season. Now they get to face off against each other to try and place themselves in first place for the AFC North crown. With both teams humming along, how can you make a solid pick here? While I’ve been on the Browns hype train for quite a while, I gotta tell you that the Steelers are a better team so far. The Browns O-line can neutralize the Steelers pass rush, but that means that Baker’s gotta be precise against that Steelers secondary. If you ask me, Baker really hasn’t improved from last year. The QB is probably the biggest liability this year on the Brown’s offense. And for that reason, I think Big Ben and Co. outperform Baker and Co.

Browns 20 Steelers 28

BAL Ravens vs PHE Eagles

It’s odd to say, but this Ravens offense just isn’t anything special this year. Nothing really changed from last year to this year talent-wise. They just aren’t exploding like they did last year. The scoreboard might say otherwise, but let me tell you the giant score gap has been because the upgrades on defense are panning out. This Baltimore defense has become elite and their games currently are reminiscent of the Joe Flacco days. Mediocre offense with stellar defense. When it comes to facing the Eagles, this is the classic kinda game where the Ravens defense swallows their opponent whole. The Eagles O-line is decimated, Carson Wentz might be the most inconsistent QB of the 2020 season, and this Eagles team probably isn’t stopping the run for Baltimore. This blurb was more about the Ravens than the Eagles, but it’s been that kinda year for the Eagles. Ouch.

Ravens 29 Eagles 23

WAS vs NY Giants

Listen, the Washington team shows signs of life at times. They even showed signs of life against the Rams despite the scoreboard saying they got pummelled. The Giants, meanwhile, lost a shootout against a Dallas team without Dak Prescott. All this just for me to conclude that both teams are terrible and I have to pick one. Really short blurb here, but I don’t have much positive to state about either team. They’re both bad. Both looking towards top 5 picks in the draft next season. That being said, I like the potential upside that Washington has over the Giants.

WAS 20 Giants 17

ATL Falcons vs MIN Vikings

I’m not sure the Dan Quinn firing matters so much because the Falcons must be what their record is telling me they are: a bad team. They appear lifeless at times and Matt Ryan looked incredibly pedestrian last week. The Vikings, on the other hand, lost another heart-breaker in classic Minnesota fashion last week. If there’s anything to be said about these teams that combine for 1 win in total, is that the Vikings look like a legitimate threat to face against and I can’t say the same for the Falcons at this time. Blow it all up and start over Atlanta. You’re already 75% of the way there anyway.

Falcons 24 Vikings 30

DET Lions vs JAX Jaguars

I think I’ve stated several times in a row just how bad the Jaguars actually are. Week 1 feels like a fading memory at this point. The Jaguars lose their games because they lack talent, a competitive culture, and a competent organization. While the Lions also lack in a couple of these categories too, they don’t lack in talent. By that standard, I feel that the Lions are a much better team than they’re showing if their coaching just wouldn’t fail them every Sunday. The Lions are a better team than their 1-3 record says. Maybe not that much better, but better than the Jags. Whether that results in a W for the Lions or not….uhhh remains to be seen.

Lions 17 Jaguars 16

CIN Bengals vs IND Colts

So Joe Burrow got a massive wakeup call to elite NFL defenses work by getting sacked multiple times and getting picked off. This week’s matchup? Another elite defense. Whew. The Colts have one of the best teams defense is terms of both yardage allowed and points allowed. The Colts defense has been so stingy, they are the only team to not allow 30 points yet. That’s pretty good if you ask me in a time where NFL offenses are exploding everywhere. So where does the actual analysis come in about the matchup? It doesn’t. Joe Burrow is a rookie QB facing a tough defense. What more do you want to know? About the Colts offense or the Bengals defense? LOL. Not relevant in this column.

Bengals 14 Colts 24

CHI Bears vs CAR Panthers

I will repeat what I said last week: “They can’t keep getting away with this! The Bears are NOT this good! How do they keep doing it?!?!” So yeah. The Bears are 4-1 and they seem to be putting themselves into the conversation for contenders and not pretenders. However, the Panthers have surprisingly done the same thing. In a division where everyone expected the Panthers to be in rebuild mode, they are sitting pretty at 3-2 with a competent offense and a competent defense. The Panthers are currently the definition of a balanced team with no true strengths. If you ask me, this is the reason they beat Chicago here. The Panthers have a team that can win in all 3 phases of the game and I can’t say the same for the Bears.

Bears 17 Panthers 24

NY Jets vs MIA Dolphins

The Jets are coached by Adam Gase still. The Dolphins are coached by Brian Flores. One team has a competent game plan. The other never has a competent game plan. That’s all I’m ever going to say about the Jets and this matchup here. In other news, the Jets let Lev Bell go to sign with the Chiefs. Rich get richer and the poor get poorer. One last thing: Dolphins. Where in the world did that blowout come from? Can that happen again this weekend so Gase can be fired? Thanks.

Jets 10 Dolphins 28

GB Packers vs TB Buccaneers

I think a ton of people are getting caught up in the idea that the Bucs are going to come out and upset the Packers after a tough loss to the Bears. While that’s a great narrative (and I’m a sucker for narratives), it doesn’t fit the billing for this matchup. The Packers greatest weakness is that they still can’t stop the run. The Buccaneers haven’t established themselves as a team who wants to run the ball down your throat. If anything, the Packers pass rush is an excellent answer to the Buccaneers wishes to throw the ball. I imagine this matchup going the exact same way it did with the Bears-Bucs matchup. Except this time, the Packers have a REAL offense with a real quarterback. You know, something the Bears don’t have.

Packers 35 Buccaneers 27

LA Rams vs SF 49ers

The 49ers are hurt. Like, so hurt you get blown out by the Dolphins kinda hurt. Man, what a nightmare for a 49ers team that was looking to lock and reload for another Super Bowl run. They’ll also be without Jimmy G again because of his ankle on Sunday night. All this tells me is that the Rams are primed to announce their official comeback on Sunday Night Football. It’s the perfect game to dismantle a divisional opponent and say “We’re baaaaccckkkk” to the NFL with a 5-1 record. Aaron Donald has been a monster again this season, and the Rams have found a new offensive identity by sprinkling in some West-Coast style offensive plays. It’s not flashy, but it’s clean. And that’s all you can ask for from good teams. Clean wins.

Rams 28 49ers 16

KC Chiefs vs BUF Bills

Both of these teams were dealt an upset last week. The Chiefs lost to a tough divisional opponent while the Bills were blown out in spectacular fashion. One loss was not like the other if you haven’t guessed that already. However, I’d like to say that I think the Bills were caught in a bad predicament because the Titans had so much rest leading up to that game. That being said, I would be picking the Chiefs whether the Bills had won that game or not. Why? This Chiefs offense matches up so well with a Bills defense that has been giving up a ton of points lately. This isn’t the Bills defense we are used to seeing.

Chiefs 38 Bills 30

AZ Cardinals vs DAL Cowboys

I’ve said my peace on Dak’s injury so I won’t mention that more here. What I will mention is that we were robbed of K1 vs Dak on Monday Night Football. I truly believe that was going to be an exciting shootout. Now? I have no idea what the Cowboys game plan is going to be. Will they trust Andy Dalton or will they feed Zeke? Maybe both. Couldn’t tell you for sure. What I can tell you is that it really doesn’t matter what the Cowboys do on offense if they can’t clean up their act on defense. Giving up 34 points to the Giants is straight up embarrassing.  I also really couldn’t tell you what the Cardinals are going to do. Theoretically, the Cardinals should have designed runs for Murray, start Chase Edmonds, and give Hopkins as many looks as possible. But that hasn’t been their offensive gameplan at all this season. This Cardinals offense, if you ask me personally, has been a massive disappointment outside of Hopkins. Yes, the stats say Murray is doing great. But as someone who watches Cardinals games every week because I live in AZ, I can tell you right now the stats are lying. This offense needs to step up and be the frontrunner in scoring points when their defense stops the opponent on 3rd down. A weak Cowboys defense and a Cowboys team without their leader under the primetime lights is a perfect time to get them going. I’m not looking for explosiveness, just efficiency for the eye-test. If they don’t, I may have to re-evaluate how I see this Cardinals team.

Cardinals 24 Cowboys 23

NFL Week 5 Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

Hey all. No real intro blurb this week. Chose to focus on taking time off with Fall Break (I’m a teacher for those who didn’t know) and in doing so, also didn’t prep for these predictions as much as I normally would. I still watched some film, but not enough for me to create narratives like I normally do. This week’s predictions will be based off what I saw in live games and highlights. So. The predix might be bad this week. Anyway…..

Sanders went 11-4 last week putting him to 45-17-1 on the season. He also had the Bucs winning TNF and thus is 0-1 starting Week 5.

LA Rams vs WAS

On a personal level, Washington naming Kyle Allen their starting quarterback tells me they have given up on the season already. Sure, Rivera might be saying he made a QB switch because he believes they can win the division. I refuse to believe he’s that delusional in deciding Kyle Allen gives them a better chance to win than Alex Smith. On the other side of this week’s matchup, the Rams are coming off a tough win against the Giants. In a game that felt like they should have pummelled the Giants, it took a deep connection with Cooper Kupp to seal the deal. Honestly, that same type of game could happen here, and the Rams come away 4-1 still.

Rams 23  Washington 14

PHE Eagles vs PIT Steelers

This is just rough. A banged up Eagles team managed to limp away with a win against another banged up squad in the 49ers. Carson Wentz also didn’t look too shabby either. But now they have to play the Steelers in PIT who are fresh off a bye week. Not necessarily the break you are looking for after a win. Here’s the narrative for this game: Carson Wentz has no line. Wentz runs for his life from TJ Watt. TJ Watt racks up (I’m guessing) 2-3 sacks. This makes Wentz erratic and the Steelers pull off an easy win because they matchup so well against the Eagles. That’s the storyboard. Did I do it right?

Eagles 17 Steelers 28

AZ Cardinals vs NY Jets

Well. The Cardinals got a wake up call. They need Budda Baker in the secondary and need depth help. They added Prince Amukamara which should help them rotationally. As for the Jets, they just need help. A lot of help. They’re injured from top to bottom and their coach is still Adam Gase (how does he still have a job?). Despite the fact that Joe Flacco is starting and could take advantage of a poor secondary with his deep passing style, there simply just isn’t enough weaponry for the Jets to be competitive with even the worst or most injury-riddled teams. Did y’all watch that Broncos-Jets game? Oof.

Cardinals 27 Jets 20

LV Raiders vs KC Chiefs

I’m going to say this. I truly believe the Patriots win on MNF with Cam Newton. This isn’t some mainstream media take. It’s not some wild-take. It’s just fact that I can’t buy new England only having 3 points in the first half with Newton. I imagine they game would have been 16-6 at that point. Anyway, my point being that these Chiefs can be vulnerable at times. We saw that against the Chargers as well. However, against a Raiders team who has crash landed to earth since starting 2-0, I don’t see them faltering. I really do like this Raiders team. And they could easily upset the Chiefs. However, this game is in Arrowhead with fans. I don’t think the Raiders will have it easy this time around in this divisional matchup. Maybe next time?

Raiders 24 Chiefs 31

JAX Jaguars vs HOU Texans

This one is quite the coin-flip to pick. With B.O.B. seemingly run out of town by his own roster, it’s time for the players to prove they were correct in running him out of town. Why? If you lose to this 1-3 Jaguars team who is starting to show that they are just as bad as advertised, and you start 0-5? Ha! There’s no taking you seriously then. Neither of these teams seem to be in the running for the playoffs. But there’s a lot of pride on the line in this game. So how does the matchup go? Well, you see. Both these teams are bad. And frankly, both teams have no real strengths to point out. Thus, I’m just picking the team with the better QB. Lazy analysis, isn’t it?

Jags 24 Texans 27

CIN Bengals vs BAL Ravens

Either this, or the Steelers matchup is going to be the “Welcome to division rivalry games” for Joe Burrow. Yes, I understand he played Cleveland already, but Cleveland didn’t necessarily make his life hard in that game. I anticipate both PIT and BAL to make Joe Burrow life absolute hell for 3 hours and it starts with BAL this week. Historically, the Ravens have been one of the best teams ever against rookie QBs. That could change with Burrow looking as good as he has been. However, considering the huge talent gap between the two teams, I can’t see a scenario where Burrow has a good day. Maybe statistically he will, but it results in a loss either way.

Bengals 17 Ravens 26

CAR Panthers vs ATL Falcons

Are the Falcons doomed to not win a game this season? I couldn’t tell you but what I can say is that the Panthers have looked nice in the last two weeks. It appears that Matt Rhule and Teddy B are gaining a connection which is a good thing for a Panthers team that appears to be in rebuild mode despite the positive of recent weeks. That being said, I don’t want to talk about Carolina, I want to talk about Atlanta. This team, is bad. Sometimes when a team tells you they are bad, you just have to believe them. Through 4 games, there has been so much potential, and no payoff. They’ve got a shot to beat a Panthers team who isn’t exactly stellar on either side of the ball, but they are far more balanced than what the Falcons have going on. Plus the best player on their roster is inactive this week. Ugh.

Panthers 24 Falcons 20

MIA Dolphins vs SF 49ers

Clearly, Fitz-magic isn’t the answer. With the Bills and Patriots playing as well as they are, it’s also clear that the Dolphins aren’t going to make the playoffs at this current rate. So why not start Tua? News flash: they aren’t. Which leads me to believe they’re going to get more of the same middling results, start 1-4, and make a banged up 49ers team look really good. By the way, this 49ers team has played relatively well for the injury cards they’ve been handed in this poker season. Starting 3-2 without your starting QB for most of those games, is pretty good.

Dolphins 18 49ers 23

NY Giants vs DAL Cowboys

Unlesss you’re a fan of either team, I advise you stay away from this matchup. There’s some drama with Jason Garrett being the OC of the Giants, but both of these teams combine for 1 win. It’s honestly pathetic. There’s also a case to be made that the Cowboys should be 0-4. Don’t get me wrong, I have Dallas winning this game because the Giants are just terrible. My fear though, is that Dallas wins a few of their next games because the schedule is pretty easy for them, and they don’t get rid of the problem which is Mike Nolan as DC. Calling it now, the Cowboys miss the playoffs, because they didn’t have the foresight to fix their defense when it wasn’t too late. Oh was this blurb too much about the Cowboys? Fine then. Let me remind you that Daniel Jones isn’t a good QB, and that without Saquon Barkley, this Giants offense is accomplishing nothing this season. Happy?

Giants 10 Cowboys 24

IND Colts vs CLE Browns

In the alternative universal words of Gordon Ramsey “Finally a good f****** football matchup.” This week is loaded with lopsided matchups (which spells for a lot of upsets that I didn’t predict) and this matchup right here is finally one worth mentioning. Quietly, the Colts have had the NFL’s best offense through four games. Quietly, the Browns have had one of the most efficient offenses this season. So who do you pick in what turns out to be such a juicy matchup? I’m super high on the Browns this season. I have been since they hired Kevin Stefanski. However, I anticipate the Colts defense to be just a little too much for Baker and Co. Being 3-2 isn’t a bad thing for the Browns. They’re far better than what most people thought. But also, how about them Colts at 4-1 after this week? Anyone see that coming? I didn’t.

Colts 20 Browns 17

MIN Vikings vs SEA Seahawks

Putting my Viking predictions woes aside for a second here. I firmly believe that this Seattle team is far superior to this Vikings team. I also believe that Russell Wilson will dominate this Vikings defense. All that being said, this is a make or break game for the Vikings. You start 1-4? You aren’t making the playoffs. It just isn’t happening. Start 2-3 though, and things start to look much better. There’s going to be a lot of fight from this Vikings team, and they’re going to play hard. But just like the last time these two teams met up and played hard, it’s going to result in Cousins playing well, the defense disappointing and, for whatever reason, the media blaming Cousins anyway despite finishing with a 3TD 1 INT statline. Ugh. The Cousins hate has to stop. It’s also not his fault that his counterpart is probably going to throw for 350+ yards and 4 TDs.

Vikings 31 Seahawks 35

LA Chargers vs NO Saints

Only three games in, but I am fully admitting I was wrong about Justin Herbert. Kid looks like a stud slinging the ball out there. Sure, he’s missing some throws and making some classic rookie mistakes, but he’s also the reason the Chargers are remaining and competitive and I LIKE that. Against the Saints, they have a matchup that’s winnable but also not easy. In addition, the big MT is making his return. With a fresh body and fresh legs, I already can envision him running over this Chargers secondary and single-handedly taking over the game. I think the Saints team we were supposed to see all year shows up this week.

Chargers 28 Saints 38

BUF Bills vs TEN Titans

Well. If this game happens, it’s a fun matchup. It’s enticing and both teams are undefeated. I also anticipate the Bills to rock the Titans. Why? Byes are nice. But not having been able to practice with your team is a hard sell for a winning formula. The Bills are a tough team with an MVP-level QB this year. And minimal football practices is going to beat that? Nope. Nu-uh. No thanks. Ain’t taking bait. Bills win it. Unfortunate for the Titans but at this point, you gotta stay healthy. No one really to blame but the circumstance.

Bills 28 Titans 21

Week 4 NFL Predix

 By Jacob Sanders

Week 4 is under way which means we’ll be finished with 25% of the season by the end of Monday night. At the quarter, it’s normal for fan bases to start panicking, start getting cocky, and even some just thinking they’ve got a shot to make the playoffs. I think this line of thinking is a little…..irrational to say the least. After 4 games, there isn’t much guaranteed. However, it also means there’s a lot of work to do if you’re further behind than you should be. Thinking about the Vikings and Texans unfortunately when I said that. Anyway, let’s get to the picks.

Sanders went 11-4-1 last week putting him to 34-13-1 on the season. He also picked the Broncos to win on TNF putting him to 1-0 on the week.

AZ Cardinals vs CAR Panthers

The Cardinals got some humble juice last week. After starting 2-0, it’s apparent this team is on the rise. However, their two wins were not perfect and they certainly didn’t appear invincible. In came the Lions to show that this Cardinals defense has a chance to be a liability this season and that Kyler Murray still has a while to go in just his 2nd season. At the same time, the Panthers were catching their groove against an identity-ridden Chargers team and Teddy B seems to be settling down in Carolina with Matt Rhule. Now these two teams meet to decide if the first quarter of their seasons points in an upward or downward trajectory. The Cardinals secondary alone can lose this game if they allow Teddy B to connect with DJ Moore and Robby Anderson all day. That’s pretty much the key here to me. If you can limit Teddy B, you can win this game easily.

Cardinals 21 Panthers 20

MIN Vikings vs HOU Texans

It honestly pains me knowing that the team that loses this game is not making the playoffs. It also pains me to say that the team who wins this game probably doesn’t make the playoffs. Allow me to give a quick dissection of both team’s problems at the same time in just two words: identity crisis. Both the Vikings and Texans suffer because their previous identities (defense for MIN and offense for Texans) do not exist anymore. The Vikings are giving up too many points and the Texans can’t seem to get a consistent offense going. The losses on defense for the Vikings have loomed large as has the Deandre Hopkins trade for the Texans. There’s obviously more than just this for these teams but, at their core, I have no idea how either team wins a game and it’s because an identity doesn’t exist for either team. Now that they’re matched up, I think I just pick the team with the better quarterback. It’s a real coin-flip if you ask me. If you disagree and pick the Vikings, then hey, I don’t disagree with you either. Can they just tie?

Vikings 26 Texans 28

JAX Jaguars vs CIN Bengals

Ah yes. The terrible JAX Jaguars team we all expected to see finally reared it’s ugly head against the Dolphins. Minschew was off-target all night and the Dolphins dominated at the point of attack on both sides of the ball leaving the Jaguars to wonder where their first two weeks of progress had gone. The Bengals also didn’t win their game either but they also didn’t lose. There is a certain spunk to this Bengals team with Joe Burrow under center. They’re fun to watch and they’re competitive. In a sense, these two teams share that in common. However, I think Cincy pulls out a win here. Why? I think I’m starting to trust Joe Burrow for consistency more than I would Minschew.

Jaguars 16 Bengals 20

CLE Browns vs DAL Cowboys

If I could, I would write an entire essay on this game here. It’s the game I am most excited for in the morning. In my honest opinion, I truly believe both of these teams are good football teams. Even if the Cowboys start 1-3, they’re one of the few (the only) 1-3 teams I wouldn’t be worried about. Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest games of the year for both these teams. This game may define how seriously the NFL takes them, how much morale each team has, or even possibly define the rest of their season. Drama and storylines aside, this game comes down to whether the Cowboys defense will decide to show up or not. They’ve given up 77 points in the last two games. Can’t be doing that if you want to win. Especially against a Browns team who has found their identity on offense. Feed Chubb-Hunt, and let Baker play complimentary football. It works. It’s fun. And it’s exactly the type of I don’t expect the Cowboys to beat. This one’s gonna be a banger.

Browns 34 Cowboys 21

NO Saints vs DET Lions

The decision for this game actually came down to whether Michael Thomas was going to be in this game or not. After seeing that MT is ruled out for this game, I am going with the crazy upset pick here. The Saints offense is frustrating to watch outside of Alvin Kamara and I believe the Lions have the roster to hold down Kamara. Without Kamara, what type of offense do the Saints really have? Honestly, I couldn’t even tell you. One other thing, Matt Stafford still remains underrated like he has his entire career. He was cookin last week, and I expect him to continue this week.

Saints 21 Lions 26

BAL Ravens vs Washington

I really tried to right something positive here about Washington. However, with Chase Young ruled out and Terry McLaurin having a thigh injury, the two positives I would give to Washington don’t exist anymore. Oh, and they got to play a Ravens team that just ate some humble pie and is ready to curb-stomp everyone in their path to prove they still belong in the elite conversation. Ravens by, more or less, a million. Not much more commentary needed here.

Ravens 35 Washington 14

SEA Seahawks vs MIA Dolphins

Dolphins had a fun week last week by dominating their fellow Florida team. They probably come screeching back to earth as Russell Wilson and Co. come to town. Russell Wilson has currently been on a tear being the early MVP favorite and carrying his team to 3-0. When examining this matchup, you have to wonder how the Dolphins are going to stop the air-attack that no one has seemed to be able to stop yet. The solution for the Dolphins? There isn’t one. Wilson continues his MVP campaign.

Seahawks 24 Dolphins 14

LA Chargers vs TB Buccaneers

Don’t look now, but the Buccaneers have been quietly dominant on their 2-1 run so far. Brady has the offensive timing down, and there is still room for improvement which is scary. Believe it or not, I have quickly turned from thinking “meh” about the Bucs to suddenly keeping my eyes on them. On their next list of opponents, they have the Chargers who, like a few other teams in the NFL currently, suffer an identity crisis. Justin Herbert has looked okay in his last two starts, but he’ll be asked to carry the offense as the Bucs have one of the top running defenses in the League. In other words, can Herbert outpace Tom Brady? Well….

Chargers 17 Bucs 28

NY Giants vs LA Rams

I’ve officially given up on Daniel Jones. Harsh. And maybe too soon for that kinda take. I’m giving up anyway. Danny Dimes has given the ball away more than he’s thrown dimes. While there has been some improvement in his throwing mechanics, he can’t stop turning over the ball and setting his team up to lose. Jared Goff is the exact opposite and has been a primary reason for the Rams coming back into the top 10 conversation. So. WIth this game, you basically say “Ay, Jared Goff is looking pretty good and can carve up a lacking Giants defense. Daniel Jones is facing Aaron Donald.” Don’t say anymore. The pick is obvious.

Giants 10 Rams 30

BUF BIlls vs LA Raiders

The Bills had an early statement game last week starting 28-3 and finishing the game 35-32. It looked like they were going to choke the game away, but in came Josh Allen on the final drive who has ascended into franchise-QB territory. Allen is setting himself up for a nice payday, while also being a core reason as to why the Bills are one of the best teams in the NFL. The coaching is phenomenal. The defense is stellar. And the offense is quietly explosive. This all bears bad news for a Raiders team who seems to have figured themselves out, but also seems like they are a bit worse than the Bills. Good QB. Good coach. Great RB. A monstrous defensive player in Maxx Crosby. I don’t think Carr, Gruden, Jacobs, and Crosby can alone secure the win here. However, I expect a tight game. This is a possible wildcard playoff game preview.

Bills 24 Raiders 20

IND Colts vs CHI Bears

“No! They can’t keep doing it! They can’t keep getting away with this! It’s not possible!” Those are the exact phrases of Bears doubters.I am included in that category. It’s SO. WEIRD. how the Bears are 3-0 and yet I just can’t see them making the playoffs right now. Even with Nick Foles named the starting QB, it’s impossible to understate just how lucky the Bears have been in all three of their wins. On the other hand, the Colts have looked like a nice balanced team. In other words, it’s a classic Frank Reich led team. Barring Rivers throwing 3+ INTs, I can’t get myself to believe that the Bears get lucky 4 games in a row. If the Bears win here, I may have to start considering the Bears in a different light…

Colts 28 Bears 24

PHE Eagles vs SF 49ers

Let me get this out of the way. The Eagles, are flat out bad. They couldn’t beat the Bengals in OT despite being gifted an opportunity and they just lost another offensive lineman for the year. Carson Wentz has been borderline erratic and there’s nobody getting open for the Eagles. The secondary for the Eagles has also been incredibly leaky. All this for me to say that the 49ers are getting George Kittle and Deebo Samuel back and that both of them are going to run wild against Philly’s defense. Injuries in San Francisco? Doesn’t matter when they’ve embraced the next man up mentality.

Eagles 17 49ers 26

NE Patriots vs KC Chiefs

I fully understand that Bellichick has coached good games against the Chiefs. I understand that the Patriots know how to slow down Mahomes enough to win a game. I’m telling you right now, they aren’t going to win this game with Cam Newton not playing. Mahomes is far too dynamic, and as long as the Patriots offense doesn’t carry a QB who can’t match Mahomes’s wow factor, then it won’t matter how much the Patriots can slow down the Chiefs. You gotta score if you want to beat this team. I don’t see Stidham outsourcing Mahomes. Shallow analysis? Yes. It’s also going to be a shallow game so take that for what you will.

Patriots 16 Chiefs 30

ATL Falcons vs GB Packers

The entire football world is essentially waiting to see if the Falcons can actually close out a game and they have an unfortunate task of trying to prove it against the best team in the NFC currently. This game has all the potential in the world to be explosive, fun, and a wild ride. But when you’re asking me whether to pick the Packers 2020 team or the Falcons 2020 team to win a shootout, who do you think I’m gonna pick. I highly anticipate the Falcons to score a decent amount of points. I also anticipate the Packers to actually finish the game over the Falcons.

Falcons 21 Packers 28