steve brownlee
The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde business in the NFL is enough to make your head spin.
Well, it might not be yours, but it’s definitely mine.
Even looking in the rearview mirror days after these games were played, I’m still trying to figure out how the New York Giants picked themselves up from the dead and defeated Cleveland.
You know, the Browns who upset Dallas a week ago.
Or how New Orleans only scored 12 points in a 15-12 loss to Philadelphia, even though the defense had been in shambles for two weeks.
What about Denver beating Tampa at Bucks Stadium and the Rams beating the mighty San Francisco 49ers?
Don’t even get me started on the Washington Commanders rolling all over Cincinnati on Monday night and then hanging on for the win.
Like, do you expect two Dr. Jekylls to show up and sit in an outdoor cafe in London sipping tea with their little fingers in the air?
Or will the two Mr. Hydes tear each other to shreds, leaving behind only a pile of steaming corpses?
Apparently, they are showing their true potential, as they have gone 7 wins and 9 losses over the past two weeks, following a 12-4 opening weekend.
Without a doubt, please use my selections for entertainment purposes only. Or you can declare my advice as a loss on next year’s windfall profit as a tax dodge, or something like that.
Anyway, let’s take a look at this week’s picks:
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Today, 8:15 p.m.
Dallas vs. New York Giants — This was a surefire decision at the beginning of the season. Not so much anymore. But my loyalty is “Law” Those on the other side of the ball say Dallas should be hungrier and the Giants will be fat and satisfied with their win over the Browns. Cowboys, 27 wins, 24 losses.
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Sunday, 1 p.m.
NEW ORLEANS AT ATLANTA — What I’ve been hearing is that New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr thrives when he doesn’t face as much pass rush pressure, and the Eagles put it on him Sunday. That’s what it did.
From what I see, the Falcons don’t seem to have much talent at pass rusher, but they do have All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas, who will shine at receiver.
Intuitively, I’d give the Saints 31-29.
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Cincinnati vs. Carolina — It may sound strange, but I see the opposite momentum philosophy of going to the favorite, but another slam dunk. Bengals, 32 wins, 27 losses.
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Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago — The Rams are considered a bottom-five defense, and some players are currently missing. That’s exactly what a rookie QB like Caleb Williams needs. Bears, 34 wins, 30 losses.
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Minnesota at Green Bay — I don’t know, my online sources aren’t saying the Vikings have a better defense, they’re saying Minnesota has the best defense in the NFL — just ask San Francisco and Houston.
However, the Packers are easily a top-10 defense as well, leading the league in turnover rate and number of turnovers.
I don’t know if the No. 1 defense will specifically help stop the loss, so I’m going to follow my instincts and take the Packers 20-16.
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Jacksonville vs. Houston — These two teams were outscored by a combined 64 points last week. But while it looked like Houston had to eat humble pie in Minnesota, the Jaguars looked downright humble in Buffalo on Monday night. Give me the Texans, 33-27.
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PITTSBURGH, INDIANAPOLIS — OK, I’ll admit I wasn’t too sure about the Justin Fields and Russell Wilson experiment in Pittsburgh. But the former Bears QB certainly looks good in the black and gold, and I don’t see anything stopping that from continuing in Indy. Steelers, 24 wins, 17 losses.
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DENVER, New York Jets — Even though Aaron Rodgers didn’t really play last year, he’s still trying to rub Denver coach Sean Payton’s nose for comments O coordinator Nathaniel made this time last year. Are you planning on doing it? Do you think Hackett was in a worse situation than the disaster he was in Denver? I think so. Jets, 30 wins, 25 losses.
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PHILADELPHIA, TAMPA BAY — Alas, it turns out Tampa has a leaky rushing defense. The Eagles need to make the most of it with Saquon Barkley leading the way. Eagles, 26-20.
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Sunday, 4 p.m.
WASHINGTON AT ARIZONA — Something tells us Monday night’s upset was more a product of Cincinnati’s misfire than Washington’s resurgence. Then you can see how bad Arizona’s defense is. Hmm…Okay, tell me the commander, 34-29.
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New England at San Francisco — The Patriots are already turning back into the team they want to play against when they’re struggling. And San Fran is certainly struggling. 49ers, 27-21.
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Kansas City vs. Los Angeles Chargers — How would Jim Harbaugh run around Andy Reid & Co. without Justin Herbert? He’s not like that. Chiefs, 30 wins, 23 losses.
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CLEVELAND, LAS VEGAS — Well, Vegas was embarrassed at home by Carolina, losing by two touchdowns to stinky Carolina.
At least the Browns…oh wait…I forgot, they lost at home to the equally stinky New York Giants by, oh yeah, just two field goals.
I’m reading that Cleveland may have to go without reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, but his latest performance is… “day to day.” That’s enough for me, Browns, 19-12.
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Sunday, 8:20 p.m.
BUFFALO AT BALTIMORE — The Bills are roaring like a finely tuned engine. Same goes for the Ravens, but only on a part-time basis. Bills, 35-26.
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Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Tennessee vs. Miami — Wow, Miami is down to a third-string QB, and Tennessee at least has… Levis?
Will he be able to beat the Dolphins’ third-string QB with the way he’s been playing?
Well, maybe he can. Even if that doesn’t happen, Miami’s “D” It might seem that way to him. Titans, 31 wins, 27 losses.
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Monday, 8:15 p.m.
SEATTLE, DETROIT — Ah, the place we’ve been waiting for. Detroit is starting to feel intimidated by Kansas City and can pull out as many wins as if they don’t need to.
Based on that alone, I give the Lions a 28-26 win.
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Last week — 7-9, 44 percent. Season — 26 wins, 22 losses, 54 percent.
Steve Brownlee can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 600. 552. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.
