Picks for 11/1/26
NFL
Bengals -12.5 over Titans (loss)
Rotation #254 / 1:00 PM ET
|Cincinnati is trying to gain ground in the AFC North, and a win today would help, since the Browns and Steelers are playing each other and one of them has to lose. Tennessee is still searching for a winning formula under a first-year coaching staff. The Bengals’ staff has been together for years, and that continuity gives them an edge. Their offensive line also has a major experience and size advantage over the Titans’ front seven. Chase Brown and Samaje Perine should help set up Joe Burrow to throw to Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. The Titans have pieces to build on, but I’m not sure QB Cam Ward is Tennessee’s long-term answer. Cincinnati should use its offensive advantages to pull away and win by double digits. Take the Bengals.
Bengals -12.5 over Titans (loss)
Rotation #254 / 1:00 PM ET
|Cincinnati is trying to gain ground in the AFC North, and a win today would help, since the Browns and Steelers are playing each other and one of them has to lose. Tennessee is still searching for a winning formula under a first-year coaching staff. The Bengals’ staff has been together for years, and that continuity gives them an edge. Their offensive line also has a major experience and size advantage over the Titans’ front seven. Chase Brown and Samaje Perine should help set up Joe Burrow to throw to Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. The Titans have pieces to build on, but I’m not sure QB Cam Ward is Tennessee’s long-term answer. Cincinnati should use its offensive advantages to pull away and win by double digits. Take the Bengals.
NFL
Falcons/Bucs Over 43.5 (loss)
Rotation #245-246 / 1:00 PM ET
Tampa, Florida, is experiencing some nasty weather today. Rain doesn’t scare me when betting a total. In fact, slippery conditions can favor the offense, since the defense has to react. Wind is the biggest factor. It will be windy early, but by the second half, it should die down along with the rain. Lightning within 10 miles of the stadium can trigger a weather delay. I think we could see that this afternoon, maybe even before kickoff, which works in our favor because the heaviest storms should diminish as the day goes on. Tampa Bay should be able to attack a Falcons defense that has not been good at slowing down the pass. The Falcons have the most experienced offensive line in football, which makes Bijan Robinson a threat on every play and gives Michael Penix Jr. time to throw to a host of outstanding receivers. Look for a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
Falcons/Bucs Over 43.5 (loss)
Rotation #245-246 / 1:00 PM ET
Tampa, Florida, is experiencing some nasty weather today. Rain doesn’t scare me when betting a total. In fact, slippery conditions can favor the offense, since the defense has to react. Wind is the biggest factor. It will be windy early, but by the second half, it should die down along with the rain. Lightning within 10 miles of the stadium can trigger a weather delay. I think we could see that this afternoon, maybe even before kickoff, which works in our favor because the heaviest storms should diminish as the day goes on. Tampa Bay should be able to attack a Falcons defense that has not been good at slowing down the pass. The Falcons have the most experienced offensive line in football, which makes Bijan Robinson a threat on every play and gives Michael Penix Jr. time to throw to a host of outstanding receivers. Look for a high-scoring game. Take the Over.
NFL
Steelers -3.5 over Browns (win)
Rotation #256 / 1:00 PM ET
Both teams have offensive line issues. The Steelers have an inexperienced offensive line, second only to the battered Chargers. The Browns have two rookies on their offensive line and are in rebuilding mode themselves. I don’t like the Browns’ receiver options outside of Jerry Jeudy. I don’t think Deshaun Watson has enough options to get into a rhythm on the road in a hostile environment. Pittsburgh will look to run the ball with Jaylen Warren, and then Aaron Rodgers will look to get the ball in space to big, physical receivers who have a decent size advantage against the Browns’ secondary. Pittsburgh is looking to even the score with Cleveland after losing a close game to them on the road a month ago. Kaden Wetjen is the “X” factor in the return game. Take the Steelers.
Steelers -3.5 over Browns (win)
Rotation #256 / 1:00 PM ET
Both teams have offensive line issues. The Steelers have an inexperienced offensive line, second only to the battered Chargers. The Browns have two rookies on their offensive line and are in rebuilding mode themselves. I don’t like the Browns’ receiver options outside of Jerry Jeudy. I don’t think Deshaun Watson has enough options to get into a rhythm on the road in a hostile environment. Pittsburgh will look to run the ball with Jaylen Warren, and then Aaron Rodgers will look to get the ball in space to big, physical receivers who have a decent size advantage against the Browns’ secondary. Pittsburgh is looking to even the score with Cleveland after losing a close game to them on the road a month ago. Kaden Wetjen is the “X” factor in the return game. Take the Steelers.
NFL
Broncos +1.5 over Chiefs (win)
Rotation #260 / 4:25 PM ET
The Broncos’ offense got off to a slow start, but after Sean Payton took back control of the play-calling, Bo Nix has looked more comfortable in the pocket and can contribute with his legs. Denver will look to control the clock with J.K. Dobbins to keep Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense off the field. The Broncos are happy to have Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss back in the secondary. Denver has the talent in its front seven to slow down Kenneth Walker III and get after the quarterback. Kansas City was not good on the road a year ago. A lot of that was due to injuries, but playing at a high altitude as the visiting team is never fun. Look for Denver to control the trenches and get the home win. Take the Broncos.
Broncos +1.5 over Chiefs (win)
Rotation #260 / 4:25 PM ET
The Broncos’ offense got off to a slow start, but after Sean Payton took back control of the play-calling, Bo Nix has looked more comfortable in the pocket and can contribute with his legs. Denver will look to control the clock with J.K. Dobbins to keep Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense off the field. The Broncos are happy to have Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss back in the secondary. Denver has the talent in its front seven to slow down Kenneth Walker III and get after the quarterback. Kansas City was not good on the road a year ago. A lot of that was due to injuries, but playing at a high altitude as the visiting team is never fun. Look for Denver to control the trenches and get the home win. Take the Broncos.
NFL
Patriots -7 over Dolphins (loss)
Rotation #261 / 4:25 PM ET
The Patriots have shown they are far from perfect and vulnerable, especially on an offensive line that has dealt with injuries this year. The question is, can the Dolphins take advantage? Miami has a young defense and serious inexperience in the secondary. JuJu Brents is their most experienced player and is questionable with neck and concussion-related issues. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will look to exploit coverage mismatches. Drake Maye should be able to find targets downfield for quick strikes. The Dolphins’ offense will struggle without De’Von Achane, as the running game is average at best. Malik Willis isn’t the type of quarterback who scares you with his arm for four straight quarters. If the Patriots can avoid mental breakdowns or self-inflicted turnovers, they should take control of this game and win by double digits. Take the Patriots.
Patriots -7 over Dolphins (loss)
Rotation #261 / 4:25 PM ET
The Patriots have shown they are far from perfect and vulnerable, especially on an offensive line that has dealt with injuries this year. The question is, can the Dolphins take advantage? Miami has a young defense and serious inexperience in the secondary. JuJu Brents is their most experienced player and is questionable with neck and concussion-related issues. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will look to exploit coverage mismatches. Drake Maye should be able to find targets downfield for quick strikes. The Dolphins’ offense will struggle without De’Von Achane, as the running game is average at best. Malik Willis isn’t the type of quarterback who scares you with his arm for four straight quarters. If the Patriots can avoid mental breakdowns or self-inflicted turnovers, they should take control of this game and win by double digits. Take the Patriots.