Blog

NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 251
Patriots +1.5 over Dolphins (win)
It’s no secret that something looked wildly off with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovaila last week. Miami will be without Jaylen Wright, and first-string running back De’Von Achane is still not 100% dealing with a calf injury. The Dolphins are missing Austin Jackson on the offensive line, in addition to already being down Liam Eichenberg and James Daniels. Anything is possible, but seeing the offense fully functional will be challenging. The Patriots can run the ball and have the added luxury of a running quarterback. New England won just four games last year, yet the linemakers still made them slight underdogs on the road. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniels’ seat might go from warm to hot if they lay another egg today. Take the Patriots. 

NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation # 267-268
49ers/Saints Over 40.5 (win)
The Saints and 49ers have the lowest total on the board today, mainly because San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy is hurt. Mac Jones is a capable backup with 49 career starts, but more importantly, they can run the football, and they return four of the five starting offensive linemen from a year ago. The 49ers have been hit with the injury bug at receiver to start the year, but they have depth, bringing up Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Kendrick Bourne from the practice squad. Saints coach Kellen Moore and new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier are former quarterbacks and will look to put Spencer Rattler in a position to find targets down the field. Both teams have outstanding running backs, which helps take the pressure off the quarterback and keeps the defense guessing. Look for a higher-scoring game. Take the Over.

NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation # 273-274
Eagles/Chiefs Over 46.5 (loss)
It’s a Super Bowl rematch. Saquon Barkley is one of, if not the best, running backs in the league. The monstrous Eagles’ offensive line is intact from a year ago and does a tremendous job protecting the QB and opening up running lanes. The offense is familiar with each other and should be in mid-season form. One area of concern for the Eagles that showed last week, before the weather delay, was their lack of camaraderie on defense. Philly lost a lot of quality defenders from a year ago. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will look to get his running game going and challenge the Eagles’ front seven. Both teams can run the football, not to mention quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes can move the chains with their legs. The Chiefs will seek revenge on their home field, as there has been little love between these two teams over the last few years. Look for a higher-scoring game. Take the Over.

NFL
8:20 PM EST
Rotation # 275
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Last week, late in closing time, it was a tale of two cities. The Vikings were outstanding in their comeback against the Bears, and the Falcons missed a chip shot to tie the game against the Bucs. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy looked like a rookie for 75% of the game against the Bears, and chances are, he will continue to make rookie mistakes that cost his team points in his growing pains stage. It happens to every quarterback. The Vikings will be without Christian Darrisaw on the offensive line and are working with three new starters on the line’s interior. The musical chairs isn’t good for the running game and tends to lead to more penalties. Minnesota is also without receiver Jordan Addison for another 2 weeks, and Rondale Moore is out for the year. The Falcons will look to run the ball with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Minnesota is still short-handed in the secondary as Jeff Okudah is out, and Harrison Smith’s illness is still a concern. Atlanta QB Michael Penix Jr. must step up and make plays against a Vikings team lacking depth. Atlanta is the healthier team at this point of the season and must take advantage of the young quarterback making his first home start. Take the Falcons.