Picks for 10/15/23
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 253-254
Commanders/Falcons Over 42.5 (loss)
The Commanders got lit up by the Bears of all teams last week and, making matters worse, had to wait ten days to play their next game. Look for the Commanders’ offense to be much better today by running Brian Robinson and Sam Howell should his receivers better than last week. Atlanta will look to do precisely what the Bears did last week. Desmond Ridder is gaining confidence, as is running back Bijan Robinson. Ridder has excellent receivers and will be able to find them more as the season grows. Both young QBs could also pull head-scratching plays that lead to points for the other team. Take the Over.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 258
Bengals -3 over Seahawks (win)
The Seahawks can run the ball well with Kenneth Walker, but their offensive line has many injuries. Thin offensive lines on the road are often the kiss of death. Look for the Bengals to pressure Geno Smith for most of the afternoon. Trey Hendrickson is licking his chops for multiple sacks. Cincinnati has yet to get going, as Joe Burrow has not lived up to his new contract. Cincinnati should throw the ball well today, as the Seattle pass defense is one of the worst in the league. Take the Bengals.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 264
Jaguars -3.5 over Colts (win)
Trevor Lawrence has a chance for a big game, as the Colts’ cornerbacks are inexperienced. The Colts’ passing defense gets beat more than just about any team this year so that the Jacksonville offense can put up points today. Colts QB Anthony Richardson is out for a few weeks, but Gardner Minshew will step in. I wouldn’t call it a downgrade, but if Minshew were the best QB, he would have been the starter this year. Having a backup QB on the road is never an ideal situation. The Colts have limited depth on their offensive line so any in-game injuries will set their unit back. Jacksonville is a second-year staff going against a first-year staff, so they have the upper hand and are the home team. Take the Jaguars.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation # 425-426
Eagles/Jets Over 42.5 (loss)
The Jets are a big underdog at home today as the Eagles are a well-rounded offense that will exploit the weaknesses of the Jets’ poor run defense and hit them for chunk plays as they are missing their top three cornerbacks. Jalen Hurts will have a big day if he protects the ball. Jets QB Zach Wilson has a big arm and can throw on the Eagles secondary today, who are without Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox and are not deep with talent at that position. There will be a lot of backups today in the secondary. Both teams’ offensive coordinators should attack them. The rain is out of the way, and the gusty wind is forecasted to settle down around kickoff. It will be an excellent afternoon for football. Take the Over.