SNF: RAVENS
Pittsburgh’s defense was fortunate to only allow 27 points on Monday. It benefited from several interceptions thrown by the opposing quarterback. We can’t expect Baltimore’s Joe Flacco to make the same mistakes. This season, he’s throwing for more yards per attempt and more touchdowns because he has better playmakers around him. Two of them include wide receiver John Brown, who leads the team with 222 yards. He’s a viable deep threat with four receptions of over 20 yards. Moreover, Michael Crabtree leads the team in receptions. They'll have a field day against a defense that ranks towards the bottom in opposing pass yards per game.
The Ravens defense has suffered a host of injuries. The fear mongers speak of a depleted secondary. But the numbers show how resilient Baltimore has been. The Ravens rank second in opposing passer rating. Pass defense is huge because, without Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh’s offense has become predicated on the success of its pass game. Baltimore’s health will only improve and it will limit Pittsburgh’s offense in ways that Pittsburgh can’t limit Baltimore’s.
SNF: BRONCOS
Denver is a formidable opponent at home, where it hasn’t lost by more than three points since November 12 against New England and yet oddsmakers are asking Kansas City backers to give five points. The Broncos have won both home games so far. Their biggest asset on offense is controlling the clock. Against Seattle, for example, they maintained time of possession for 35 minutes. Their multi-pronged rush attack helps them sustain drives. Like Denver's first two opponents at home, the Chiefs rank in the bottom five in opposing rush YPC. Kansas City’s defense is still porous without safety Eric Berry. Denver’s rush attack is led by two budding stars-- Royce Freeman, who averaged 4.7 YPC against Seattle, and Phillip Lindsay, who averages six YPC.
Time of possession is also crucial because, by controlling the clock, Denver can hinder the opposing offense from building rhythm. The Chiefs are all about their star quarterback Mahomes. His worst game came against San Diego, where he attempted his fewest passes on the season and suffered from only 25 minutes TOP. Denver’s secondary will be healthy and ready to go.
TNF: Vikings
Buffalo made Minnesota pay for looking ahead. Sunday’s disaster notwithstanding, this is the toughest defense which the Rams will face. The Vikes rank eighth in opposing YPC with a defensive line anchored by run-stopper Linval Joseph, who led the line in tackles last season. The Rams offense likes to be balanced, but it will have to become more one-dimensional. Superstar running back Todd Gurley had one of his worst games ever, averaging 2.5 YPC against the Vikings last season.
When Gurley has struggled, so has Goff. When the former’s numbers were paltry against the Vikings and Seahawks last season, Goff could only threw interceptions and help his team to 10 points max. The key Viking is Xavier Rhodes, one of the best cover corners who has suffocated the likes of Antonio Brown. The Rams are 3-0 ATS and it’s easy to cover when the offense produces over 30 points in every game. This time, Minnesota will hang tight because of its defense.
VIKINGS: Vikings will play with chip on shoulder after embarrassing defeat and concentrate to avoid the penalties, fumbles, and big plays from lack of defensive awareness that cost them. Rams will face their toughest defensive test so far.
BENGALS: Bengals need to avoid shooting themselves in the foot with turnovers. Another big day is in store for Andy Dalton against Atlanta defense that’s looking too vulnerable with significant injuries at safety, defensive end, and linebacker.
BUCCANEERS: As strong as Chicago’s defense is, the offense is going to need to score some points, but the offense is still struggling thanks to its inept quarterback and lack of chemistry between newly acquired weapons.
COWBOYS: I get that Dallas, like New England, has its problems on offense, but Detroit’s defense will come down to Earth after Super Bowl-like effort against Patriots on primetime. Dallas ‚D‘ second in opposing YPP.
PACKERS: Looked awful after deflating tie against rival Vikings and weren’t able to recover from initial punch in mouth. They won’t overlook Buffalo. Rodgers is healthy enough and Bills will go back to allowing 30+ points.
TITANS: Will take points in another expected slugfest. Philadelphia’s offense is still taking time to click with injuries and fluctuating pieces. Mariota’s mobility gives the Eagles defense something else to account for.
COLTS: Texans are getting outscored 55-16 in first half. Pass defense has been especially vulnerable, making Gabbert and especially Manning look very good. Colts are 14-2 SU L16 at home vs Houston.
DOLPHINS: Patriots have too many problems on offense for Josh Gordon to solve. Rush attack is non-existent and the defense is vulnerable especially to the run. Dolphins defense will, worst-case scenario, keep the game close.
JETS: Outside of inspired effort against Patriots, Bortles has looked super unconvincing. Jags won’t cover the large spread with their run game alone, especially if Fournette is still hurt. Jets defense is keeping its team in games.
BROWNS: Buying into Baker hype. He gives offense a spark with his big play ability with legs and strong arm. Hyde looked alive and faces porous Oakland run defense. Browns’ defense has yet to allow over 21 points.
CARDINALS: Bradford finally benched. Rosen will help offense lift off and star running back David Johnson will benefit. Seattle’s offense has been lackluster, especially with top receiver Baldwin injured, ranking 26th in YPP.
SAINTS: Don’t trust Giants ‚D,' ranked 20th in opposing pass YPP, especially with Apple and Vernon injured. Brees, Kamara, Thomas have been superb and will score enough to cover. I also don’t trust Manning to have another good performance.
CHARGERS: 49ers lost Garoppolo to injury. Not only do they lose crucial playmaker in an offense missing skill, it has to be deflating. Who will they rally around instead? Hot Chargers’ ‚O’ will get plenty scoring oppos
RAVENS: How many points would Pitt have yielded without absurd number of turnovers? They still miss Shazier, even if getting Haden back helps. Flacco has nice rapport with new receivers Brown and Crabtree.
BRONCOS: Healthier on defense, Broncos will look to maintain winning ways against Chiefs at home (12-5 SU last 17). Chiefs defense still porous without Berry. Keenum will bounce back, Lindsay needs to not get ejected again.
Pittsburgh’s defense was fortunate to only allow 27 points on Monday. It benefited from several interceptions thrown by the opposing quarterback. We can’t expect Baltimore’s Joe Flacco to make the same mistakes. This season, he’s throwing for more yards per attempt and more touchdowns because he has better playmakers around him. Two of them include wide receiver John Brown, who leads the team with 222 yards. He’s a viable deep threat with four receptions of over 20 yards. Moreover, Michael Crabtree leads the team in receptions. They'll have a field day against a defense that ranks towards the bottom in opposing pass yards per game.
The Ravens defense has suffered a host of injuries. The fear mongers speak of a depleted secondary. But the numbers show how resilient Baltimore has been. The Ravens rank second in opposing passer rating. Pass defense is huge because, without Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh’s offense has become predicated on the success of its pass game. Baltimore’s health will only improve and it will limit Pittsburgh’s offense in ways that Pittsburgh can’t limit Baltimore’s.
SNF: BRONCOS
Denver is a formidable opponent at home, where it hasn’t lost by more than three points since November 12 against New England and yet oddsmakers are asking Kansas City backers to give five points. The Broncos have won both home games so far. Their biggest asset on offense is controlling the clock. Against Seattle, for example, they maintained time of possession for 35 minutes. Their multi-pronged rush attack helps them sustain drives. Like Denver's first two opponents at home, the Chiefs rank in the bottom five in opposing rush YPC. Kansas City’s defense is still porous without safety Eric Berry. Denver’s rush attack is led by two budding stars-- Royce Freeman, who averaged 4.7 YPC against Seattle, and Phillip Lindsay, who averages six YPC.
Time of possession is also crucial because, by controlling the clock, Denver can hinder the opposing offense from building rhythm. The Chiefs are all about their star quarterback Mahomes. His worst game came against San Diego, where he attempted his fewest passes on the season and suffered from only 25 minutes TOP. Denver’s secondary will be healthy and ready to go.
TNF: Vikings
Buffalo made Minnesota pay for looking ahead. Sunday’s disaster notwithstanding, this is the toughest defense which the Rams will face. The Vikes rank eighth in opposing YPC with a defensive line anchored by run-stopper Linval Joseph, who led the line in tackles last season. The Rams offense likes to be balanced, but it will have to become more one-dimensional. Superstar running back Todd Gurley had one of his worst games ever, averaging 2.5 YPC against the Vikings last season.
When Gurley has struggled, so has Goff. When the former’s numbers were paltry against the Vikings and Seahawks last season, Goff could only threw interceptions and help his team to 10 points max. The key Viking is Xavier Rhodes, one of the best cover corners who has suffocated the likes of Antonio Brown. The Rams are 3-0 ATS and it’s easy to cover when the offense produces over 30 points in every game. This time, Minnesota will hang tight because of its defense.
VIKINGS: Vikings will play with chip on shoulder after embarrassing defeat and concentrate to avoid the penalties, fumbles, and big plays from lack of defensive awareness that cost them. Rams will face their toughest defensive test so far.
BENGALS: Bengals need to avoid shooting themselves in the foot with turnovers. Another big day is in store for Andy Dalton against Atlanta defense that’s looking too vulnerable with significant injuries at safety, defensive end, and linebacker.
BUCCANEERS: As strong as Chicago’s defense is, the offense is going to need to score some points, but the offense is still struggling thanks to its inept quarterback and lack of chemistry between newly acquired weapons.
COWBOYS: I get that Dallas, like New England, has its problems on offense, but Detroit’s defense will come down to Earth after Super Bowl-like effort against Patriots on primetime. Dallas ‚D‘ second in opposing YPP.
PACKERS: Looked awful after deflating tie against rival Vikings and weren’t able to recover from initial punch in mouth. They won’t overlook Buffalo. Rodgers is healthy enough and Bills will go back to allowing 30+ points.
TITANS: Will take points in another expected slugfest. Philadelphia’s offense is still taking time to click with injuries and fluctuating pieces. Mariota’s mobility gives the Eagles defense something else to account for.
COLTS: Texans are getting outscored 55-16 in first half. Pass defense has been especially vulnerable, making Gabbert and especially Manning look very good. Colts are 14-2 SU L16 at home vs Houston.
DOLPHINS: Patriots have too many problems on offense for Josh Gordon to solve. Rush attack is non-existent and the defense is vulnerable especially to the run. Dolphins defense will, worst-case scenario, keep the game close.
JETS: Outside of inspired effort against Patriots, Bortles has looked super unconvincing. Jags won’t cover the large spread with their run game alone, especially if Fournette is still hurt. Jets defense is keeping its team in games.
BROWNS: Buying into Baker hype. He gives offense a spark with his big play ability with legs and strong arm. Hyde looked alive and faces porous Oakland run defense. Browns’ defense has yet to allow over 21 points.
CARDINALS: Bradford finally benched. Rosen will help offense lift off and star running back David Johnson will benefit. Seattle’s offense has been lackluster, especially with top receiver Baldwin injured, ranking 26th in YPP.
SAINTS: Don’t trust Giants ‚D,' ranked 20th in opposing pass YPP, especially with Apple and Vernon injured. Brees, Kamara, Thomas have been superb and will score enough to cover. I also don’t trust Manning to have another good performance.
CHARGERS: 49ers lost Garoppolo to injury. Not only do they lose crucial playmaker in an offense missing skill, it has to be deflating. Who will they rally around instead? Hot Chargers’ ‚O’ will get plenty scoring oppos
RAVENS: How many points would Pitt have yielded without absurd number of turnovers? They still miss Shazier, even if getting Haden back helps. Flacco has nice rapport with new receivers Brown and Crabtree.
BRONCOS: Healthier on defense, Broncos will look to maintain winning ways against Chiefs at home (12-5 SU last 17). Chiefs defense still porous without Berry. Keenum will bounce back, Lindsay needs to not get ejected again.
