Picks for 9/17/23
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #270
Lions -4.5 over Seahawks (loss)
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #270
Lions -4.5 over Seahawks (loss)
The Seahawks moved the ball up and down the field in the first half of last week’s game against the Rams. Both the starting right and left tackle got hurt in the second half and were out of sync for the rest of the game, failing to score a second-half point. The average fan doesn’t look at the trenches, but games decided there. Detroit got a big road win against the Chiefs and is looking to run the ball more in 2023 with David Montgomery. Lions Right Tackle Taylor Decker is out today, but the Detroit offensive line is in much better shape and should operate well at home. The Seahawks defense has a lot of new starters, and they will need help to stop the run on the road. Detroit is a confident football team heading into week two and should shut down a Seattle team that will crack with the loud crowd noise and penalties on the offensive line. Take the Lions.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #271-272
Bears/Bucs Over 40.5 (win)
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #271-272
Bears/Bucs Over 40.5 (win)
Quarterback Baker Mayfield looked decent for the Bucs last week and will face a Bears Secondary that is injured and not good. Mayfield has big shoes to fill, stepping in for the retired Tom Brady. Look for Chris Godwin and Mike Evans to be wide open or be decoys for the rest of the receivers. The Bears are not the best passing offense in the NFL, but they should get chances to hit significant strikes against a Bucs secondary missing Carlton Davis. Justin Fields is an electric runner, and if he can make some long passes, it will be a nightmare for Tampa’s Defense to figure out. The Bears should be able to use misdirection and run the ball on Tampa. Look for a solid offensive day from both teams. Take the Over.
NFL
4:05 PM EST
Rotation #279
Giants -4.5 over Cardinals (loss)
4:05 PM EST
Rotation #279
Giants -4.5 over Cardinals (loss)
The New York Giants were embarrassed last week on their home field against the Cowboys, but their defense didn’t play as badly as the final score. Arizona is breaking in a new staff, and Joshua Dobbs will struggle at QB until Kyler Murray gets back in the lineup. The Cardinals’ offensive line consists of guys who were injured a lot last season and will have a tough time protecting the QB. The Giants should be a better team this year, as the staff is a year older. Daniel Jones has been the guy for a few years, so he shouldn’t be embarrassed like last week. Look for Saquon Barkley to have a big game on the ground and for the receivers to step up. The Giants must throw away last week’s tape and return to the fundamentals. Take the Giants.
NFL
4:05 PM EST
Rotation #281
49ers -7 over Rams (push)
4:05 PM EST
Rotation #281
49ers -7 over Rams (push)
Most people can’t appreciate what the 49ers did against a Steelers defense with elite players up and down their defensive lineup. The 49ers were among only a few teams that looked ready to start the season. The Rams’ defense looked great last week in the second half against Seattle, but much of that was due to significant injuries on the Seattle offensive line. The 49ers have more offensive weapons than the Rams to handle. Aaron Donald can only be in one place at one time. Look for the San Francisco offensive line to give Brock Purdy ample time to find any target he wants or for the running game to flourish. San Francisco is an elite team on both sides of the ball and should win by double digits. Take the 49ers.