Blog

NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 259
Jaguars -1 over Texans (loss)
The Texans’ defense has been stingy this season because QB CJ Stroud would lead the team on long drives, controlling the clock. Stroud is out today, so the Texans will turn to Davis Mills, who makes his first start of the year. Mills came into the game early last week and couldn’t lead Houston to much offense, ultimately losing the game late. The Texans will be without 40 percent of their starting offensive line today as Ed Ingram and Tytus Howard will miss today’s contest. Mills is not a mobile QB and can’t extend drives like Stroud can. Houston is also missing many pass catchers as they are on IR. The Jags have the best running back on the field in Travis Etienne, which makes life easier for QB Trevor Lawrence. The Jags will have more balance in their offense today. If Houston can pull off the win despite their offensive shortcomings, then you tip your cap and move on. In an essential divisional matchup, the Jags must take advantage of the Texans’ misfortune. Time will tell. Take Jacksonville.

NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 263-264
Patriots/Bucs Under 48.5 (loss)
Both teams are in similar scenarios, as both of their top-producing running backs will miss today’s game. Rhamondre Stevenson has a toe injury, and Bucky Irving has a shoulder injury. Both players will also leave their pass-catching abilities on the sidelines. Tampa has major issues at receiver as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are still out, and Jalen McMillan has yet to suit up. The Bucs are simply thin across the board in the receivers’ room. I don’t see the Bucs being balanced enough on offense to put up points drive after drive against a good Patriots defense. Tampa is good at stopping the run with Vita Vea. I don’t see New England balanced enough to score drive after drive. Both teams will get their offense, but this contest should come up short of the number. It’s too bad this game doesn’t start a little later, when the weather could be a factor. Take the Under. 

NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation # 271
Rams -5.5 over 49ers (win)
Rams/49ers Over 49.5 (win)
It’s interesting to see the line jump all week as the Rams are now -5.5 points. San Francisco, sitting at 6-3, should be pleased to be halfway through the season with a winning record, considering the numerous injuries on both sides of the football. The 49ers traded for Keion White to get a little more depth on their shuffled front seven, but they are still lacking a lot of talent with Nick Bosa on the shelf for the year. The 49ers’ linebackers are already without Fred Warner, and today Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune are questionable after being limited in practice all week. The 49ers’ front seven cannot slow down Kyren Williams or stop Matthew Stafford from spreading the field and finding a host of great targets. Mac Jones will get the start again for San Francisco. The 49ers’ offense is holding its own, thanks to Christian McCaffrey and the receiving room, despite many key players still being out. The 49ers will put up offense, but I don’t think they can do it at a rate the Rams can do today. I understand why Vegas is pumping this line up, especially if the 49ers are down another linebacker or two at kickoff. It’s a good spot to play side and total. Of course, always straight bets and no parlays. Take the Rams and the Over.

NFL
8:20 PM EST
Rotation # 273
Steelers +3 over Chargers
The Steelers have been inconsistent this year, but are coming off a nice win against the Colts last week, looking to build momentum. The Chargers’ running back room only needs one seat, as Kimani Vidal is the only healthy running back. Vidal has been good this year, but I don’t trust him to carry the workload alone. The Chargers are without two starters on the offensive line for the year on IR, and today will be down another as Bobby Hart will not participate. The Steelers’ front seven should be able to get to the quarterback with T.J. Watt leading the way. Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen should slow down the running game. The Steelers must pressure Justin Herbert and bait him into making a few mistakes. If they don’t, Hebert could pick apart a weak Steeler secondary. Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren should keep the Chargers defense on their toes enough for Aaron Rodgers to find his targets. The Chargers’ special teams have been shaky. Pittsburgh getting the points has decent value. Take the Steelers.