Blog

1:00 PM EST

Rotation # 456

Patriots +4 over Rams (loss)

Patriots/Rams Over 43 (win)

 The Rams were embarrassed last week at home against the struggling Dolphins and now have to play an early Eastern Time start coming from the West Coast. Last week, the Rams returned key offensive linemen to the lineup. It didn’t help them; to make matters worse, they were injured again. Tackles Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein will miss today’s game. The Rams have outstanding skill players in Tutu Atwell, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, and Tyler Higbee, so I expect them to move the ball. New England has confidence after beating up the Bears last week. Drake Maye will get better each week, and there are even talks of using Tennessee Vols grad Joe Mixon more as he is surging in practice. The Patriots can win this game in the trenches by running the ball with Rhamondre Stevenson. New England has excellent tight-end play that can help them move the chains. The Patriots might be at the bottom of the division, but so were the Dolphins when they beat the Rams last week. Los Angeles is an unconfident team playing on a short week turnaround. Look for the Patriots to keep it close. Take New England and the Over. No Parlays.

 

NFL

1:00 PM EST

Rotation # 460

Dolphins -7.5 over Raiders (win)

The Dolphins looked like a playoff contender last week, as they were a different team off their bye. It might be too late for Miami to get back into contention, but they will go down swinging. The Raiders have dealt with a lot of drama this season. There have been coaching changes, QB changes, injuries, and trades. The Raiders’ running game must be better to compete on the road. On defense, the Las Vegas secondary has a lot of holes. Miami runs the ball well and is playing their best defense of the year. There is no better formula for success. Tua Tagovailoa looks to be back in game shape and should find his targets today at home. The only similarity between both organizations is their records. Take the Dolphins. 

 

NFL

1:00 PM EST

Rotation # 463

Vikings -6 over Titans (win)

Sam Darnold looked like he never played the game of football last week on the road against the Jaguars. Letting a lousy defense stop him from scoring touchdowns was a head-scratcher. Minnesota can’t settle for field goals. The Vikings will get back on track against another AFC South team that struggles to score. The Titan offensive line is dealing with injuries, and Will Levis is not a quarterback who will light up the scoreboard. Both team’s defenses should play well today, but in the end, the running ability of Aaron Jones and the playmaking of Justin Jefferson will be too much. Minnesota has a better coaching staff, but that will frustrate the rookie staff of the Titans. Take the Vikings.

 

NFL

4:25 PM EST

Rotation # 469-470

Chiefs/Bills Over 46 (win)

It’s a rematch of the Divisional Playoff Game from a year ago, in which Kansas City won in a close finish. It’s hard for a game to live up to the hype in the middle of the year, but both teams are healthy and should put on a show. Kansas City is still undefeated, while the Bills are red-hot, winning five straight. The Bills have a massive offensive line that allows the running game to get going and for Josh Allen to work his magic. Speaking of magicians, on the other side, Patrick Mahomes creates plays that few in the game’s history could make. Both teams have great quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers. Both offensive lines are solid. Both offenses can spread the ball anywhere on the field, and both QBs can improvise with their legs. The defenses can create short fields. I expect a repeat of the game we saw back in January. Take the Bills.