Blog

NFL

1:00 PM EST

Rotation # 456

Bills -6 over Bucs (win)

According to Weather.com, the kickoff winds in Orchard Park, New York, will be around 20 MPH. Tampa will be without Bucky Irving again at running back. The Bucs’ already weak offensive line is down a few starters, as Ben Bredeson will miss today’s contest, and Cody Mauch is on IR for the season. The conditions will be dry, but that wind is a serious factor in the passing game. I trust the Bills’ running game a whole lot better right now. Both quarterbacks can escape the pocket, but the clear edge goes to Josh Allen. Buffalo should be much better in the trenches and win the point of attack. Buffalo is built more for these conditions. Take the Bills.

 

NFL

1:00 PM EST

Rotation # 463

Panthers +3.5 over Falcons (win)

After the first couple of weeks of the season, one could never imagine the Panthers would be in the hunt for a playoff spot at this point in the season. Sure, it will be tough, but the fact that they are still mathematically alive is a testament to their coaching staff’s outstanding work. Carolina can bump past the .500 mark on the season with a win today. Carolina has been inconsistent this season, but so have the Falcons and every other team in the NFC South. The Panthers’ offensive line was down a few starters, but they have slowly gotten a few key players back and are now running the ball effectively with Rico Dowdle. The Falcons have issues on their offensive line as well, with Matthew Bergeron missing today’s game and Kaleb McGary on IR. Chris Lindstrom has been dealing with a foot injury, so Bijan Robinson might have a tougher time getting going today. The Falcons are also missing a few starters on their defensive front seven today. The Panthers have a good chance to control the trenches. The roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be open, which makes it feel more like a traditional football stadium. Take the Panthers.

 

NFL

4:05 PM EST

Rotation # 468

Rams -3 over Seahawks (loss)

It’s a battle for top spot in the division at SoFi Stadium this afternoon. The Seahawks have the youngest offensive line in football, but they are incredibly talented. Seattle will be without their starting center today as Jalen Sundell will miss the game. The question is, can backup center Olu Oluwatimi stay healthy as he has yet to do so in his short career? The QB/center exchange, especially on the road, is often overlooked. The Rams will look to run the ball with Kyren Williams behind their massive and experienced offensive line. Matthew Stafford will be able to throw the ball effectively, as the offense should be well-balanced. Davante Adams is dealing with an oblique injury and, hopefully, will play, but at the very least should be on the field as a decoy. Take the Rams.

 

NFL

4:05 PM EST

Rotation # 469

49ers -3.5 over Cardinals (win)

I’m at a loss to understand how the 49ers have a winning record despite all their injuries. I am sure their fan base lost all hope in the first few weeks, but they now have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. Arizona is a mess when it comes to injuries, as they are relying on their backup QB, their top two running backs are out, Marvin Harrison might miss a few weeks, and the right side of the offensive line is injured. I don’t have much confidence in Jacoby Brissett at QB and banged-up Bam Knight as RB1. Tight End Trey McBride is outstanding, but with Harrison out, the 49ers can spend more time on McBride and dare anyone else to step up and make plays. Mac Jones has filled in well for Brock Purdy. Christian McCaffrey is also a threat running the ball, and at the very least, softens up the defense, allowing the 49ers to throw the ball all over the field. San Francisco is eager to get a few big names back at receiver, but they have a veteran receiver room with a lot of talent that has picked up the slack. Kudos to Arizona if they can put together a good enough offensive game despite their shortcomings. Take the 49ers.

 

NFL

8:20 PM EST

Rotation # 475-476

Lions/Eagles Over 46.5 (loss)

The Lions have scored the most points in the NFC this year, meaning Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator, Kevin Patullo, must allow the offense to operate at the levels it is capable of, or the Lions will outscore the Eagles regardless. Detroit has dealt with injuries to its secondary for a few weeks now and hasn’t really caught up with them much, as its defensive line has done a fantastic job of not allowing the quarterback time to load up. The Eagles’ offensive line has been better in the past, but it’s massive and can give the quarterback time to throw. Jalen Hurts is elusive and creates plays with his pure athleticness. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni must allow his team to spread the field. The Eagles’ offensive woes are hard to comprehend, as the personnel is basically the same unit that shredded defenses last year. It’s a 110% coaching issue. The Lions will be without tight end Sam Laporta as he heads to IR, but have a plethora of weapons to throw the ball and a powerful 1-2 punch at running back with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The winds in the Philadelphia area are gusty; however, it actually helps the offenses that it’s a night game, as the winds will start to diminish as the game progresses. Look for both teams to do enough to make it a higher-scoring game. Take the Over.