Last week was rough for my predictions to say the least. I am hoping to rebound with this round of games, so let’s get right into it! (Thursday night game ended with the Texans defeating the Dolphins convincingly)
Sunday:
Eagles at Jaguars (London) – Jaguars win 24-21
This is a game between two teams seen initially as Super Bowl contenders, before the season started, but have failed to impress so far. I think this is the game where QB Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars bounce back and win. I think starting with this result, the Jags are back on their division winning aspirations.
Ravens at Panthers – Ravens win 17-13
This will be a back and forth game between two respectable sides. QB Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers will be trying to impress at home, to match the hype they received last week after coming back from a 17-point deficit entirely in the 4th quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite both sides being strong, the Ravens have the slight edge in my opinion, as they have a more formidable defense and a somewhat more consistent offense. Ravens win a close one.
Broncos at Chiefs – Chiefs win 30-17
I expect this to be another dominant performance from QB Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. He played well the last time these two sides met in Denver, but he’s a different kind of beast when he’s playing in Arrowhead Stadium. Even with a decent defense, with a generational talent in Von Miller, it won’t be enough for the Broncos to compete with the Chiefs in this one.
Browns at Steelers – Steelers win 28-16
I feel as if the Steelers see this as the game that can secure them a top two spot in their division. They are playing at home and are looking to make a positive statement, as a response of the grieving city of Pittsburgh, due to the tragic synagogue shooting on Saturday. I think the Browns showed up to the “Steel City” at the wrong time and have little to no chance of winning this football game. Steelers win convincingly.
Seahawks at Lions – Lions win 21-14
Both of these teams have respectable defenses and decent offenses. I have to give the edge to the home side here, as the Seahawks are the more beatable between the two sides and aren’t nearly as strong on the road as they are in Seattle. Despite having the Lions winning, I by no means expect this to be a rout of any kind. Detroit pulls out a close one.
Buccaneers at Bengals – Bengals win 28-10
After a huge overtime win against the Cleveland Browns last week, people are starting to creep back on the Bucs hype train from earlier in the year. To that I say, settle down. Sure, the Bengals got their butts kicked against the Chiefs last week on primetime, but they still have a strong defense and a solid offense. The Bengals have been one the biggest surprise teams of this season so far, and I anticipate them handling these poor Tampa Bay Buccaneers quite well at home. Bengals win by a respectable margin.
Jets at Bears – Bears win 33-17
After two heartbreaking losses to two other AFC East sides, the Chicago Bears will take their anger out on the New York Jets. The Jets come in with a turnover prone rookie QB in Sam Darnold and will face arguably their toughest defensive opponent at their place. This has trouble written all over it for the Jets and I believe the Bears will capitalize on their strengths.
Redskins at Giants – Giants win 27-24
In an upset, I have the New York Giants defeating the Washington Redskins at home. Sure, the Redskins came off of two very huge wins against the Carolina Panthers and divisional rivals Dallas Cowboys, but this is the week where their mediocrity shines. I think Washington comes into this game not taking the Giants very seriously and fail to play with the determination they had the past two weeks. I think this is the game where WR Odell Beckham Jr. shines and guides his offense to a much-needed win.
Colts at Raiders – Raiders win 24-19
Another upset, I know, but hear me out. The Raiders come off of their bye week trading one of their best players on the offensive end, in WR Amari Cooper and are looking like the stepping ground for the rest of the league. Here, they are facing an Indianapolis Colts team that isn’t looking much better and has a tendency to play up to their opponents. This is a game in which Oakland can capitalize on at home, and come out victorious.
49ers at Cardinals – 49ers win 27-21
In what could be argued as the worst matchup of the entire week, we have two of the league’s worst sides playing against each other. I am not going to waste your time reading analysis for this game, so I’ll keep it short. The Cardinals will choke at home and lose to the beaten up 49ers.
Packers at Rams – Packers win 38-36
In my upset of the week, I have QB Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers going into the L.A. Coliseum and defeating the Rams in a shootout. This is by far the game of the week, which is sure to be a very entertaining contest. The Rams are by far the stronger of the two sides, but there is no questioning at Aaron Rodgers is capable of making magic happen. I think he pulls a rabbit out of his hat and guides his sides to a victory, which will serve as one of his strongest career performances.
Saints at Vikings – Vikings win 32-27
This is the game where the Vikings show their worth in the deep playoff conversation. They host the on fire New Orleans Saints at home, where it’ll surely be an extremely competitive game. In the end though, it will be Minnesota winning in dramatic fashion.
Monday:
Patriots at Bills – Patriots win 27-10
In what I classify as another “snoozer,” I anticipate the Patriots going into Buffalo and easily defeat the Bills. There is nothing much else to it frankly.