Too bad I can’t brag about my straight picks. So last week they were 14-1, with their only loss being the New Orleans Saints, who gave up a lead in the fourth quarter to the Carolina Panthers. That’s impressive.
On the other hand, my Against the Spread pick from last week was 8-7, and I’m going with it after the terrible results of the previous two weeks. The ATS designated player’s season record is 64-71-3, which is terrible. Straight record: 82 wins, 56 losses, 0 draws.
As for last week’s ATS picks, I was excited to see the Eagles open up a huge lead over the Jaguars and the Titans allow the Patriots a touchdown on the final play of regulation. ah.
There are some interesting games this week, including Bengals vs. Ravens, Steelers vs. Commanders, and Lions vs. Texans.
Let’s keep this momentum going. It’s November and it’s time to push for the playoffs. OK, so I’m going to make the playoffs no matter what. But you get the idea.
All NFL odds via Caesars Sportsbook. To get in on the game, check out Caesars’ latest promotions.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (-6)
Thursdays, 8:15pm ET (Prime Video)
If the Bengals truly want to be considered a playoff contender, they have to win this game. While both offenses can score, both defenses are struggling. Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson will put on an offensive show here and the Ravens will come away with a close victory down the stretch.
Designated players: Ravens 34, Bengals 33
Bonus: SportsLine expert Mike Tierney has a 52-22-2 record in Ravens games. He disagrees with me and is leaning towards the under in this monumental AFC North showdown. Check out which side he retreats to on SportsLine.
New York Giants (-6) vs. Carolina Panthers (Germany)
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network, Fubo)
It’s a shame that Germany’s poor fan base has to be subjected to this mess. The Panthers won their game against the Saints last week despite being dominated. Bryce Young was better. The Giants are skidding. But they are the better team. It will appear. The Giants accept it.
Pick: Giants 21, Panthers 14
New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears (-6)
Sunday, 1pm ET (Try Fox, fubo for free)
The Bears have lost their second straight road game, and the Patriots have lost their second straight road game after losing to the Titans last week. Drake Maye reversed three times in that match. This Bears defense will test him even more. Look for the Bears to get back on track here. Caleb Williams plays better in his rookie campaign.
Picks: Bears 27, Patriots 16
Sunday, 1pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
Joe Flacco’s move to play didn’t pay off for the Colts last week. But he would start again. The Bills have run game issues, so look for a lot of Jonathan Taylor here. Still, I don’t think the Colts will let up on Josh Allen and his offense. Expect the Bills to get hot.
Pick: Bills 30, Colts 17
Sunday, 1pm ET (Try Fox, fubo for free)
The Jaguars have lost a lot of close games and are currently dealing with a lot of injuries. Jacksonville’s defense ranks last in the league in pass defense, so Minnesota’s offense should have a good day here. Justin Jefferson lights them up. The Vikings take it.
Designated players: Vikings 31, Jaguars 23
Sunday, 1pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Broncos lost on the road last week, but the Chiefs are playing a short week. Kansas City seemed to be a little off offensively against Tampa Bay, but the Broncos’ defense was shattered by Lamar Jackson last week. That’s a tough ask for Denver, who is on the road again. Look for the Chiefs defense to get the best out of Bo Nix and stay undefeated.
Designated players: Chiefs 29, Broncos 17
Sunday, 1pm ET (Try Fox, fubo for free)
The Saints fired coach Dennis Allen this week and replaced him with special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi. He’ll liven things up.
The problem is talent. The Saints are too injured. The Falcons will ride into New Orleans and beat their rivals with Kirk Cousins and the offense continuing to perform well.
Pick: Falcons 30, Saints 17
Sunday, 1pm ET (Try Fox, fubo for free)
The Bucks play on Monday, while the 49ers receive a bye. But this is a long journey for the 49ers. Still, they are getting healthier. That’s important. Christian McCaffrey might be back here. Tampa Bay is still rocking. The 49ers will win from behind in the run game.
Pick: 49ers 28, Bucks 20
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington Commanders (-3)
Sunday, 1pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Steelers received a bye and the Commanders won the division against the Giants. This will be Russell Wilson’s first road start for the Steelers. He has a new receiver in Mike Williams, but the Commanders have a new corner in Marshon Lattimore. I think Jaden Daniels is better than Russell Wilson.
Pick: Commanders 23, Steelers 17
Sunday, 4:05pm ET (Fox, fubo free trial)
The Chargers are on a roll with two straight wins, and last week the Titans defeated the Patriots. This is a big step up in the class of opponents for the Titans, and it’s going well. Keep an eye on Justin Herbert until the Chargers win.
Picks: Chargers 28, Titans 17
Bonus: The SportsLine model has paid well over $7,000 for $100 players on the NFL’s top-rated picks since its inception, all on one team in this AFC showdown. Check out which teams our models are rooting for on SportsLine.
Sunday, 4:25pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Cardinals have been one of the surprises so far, winning three straight to take over first place in the NFC West. In their last game, the Jets defeated the Texans on Thursday. It’s a long journey, but the Jets seem to have found something against the Texans. Aaron Rodgers and the offense showed signs of life. This will continue to be the case until the Jets win some tough road games.
Pick: Jets 24, Cardinals 21
Philadelphia Eagles (-7.5) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, 1pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
The Cowboys are expected to start Cooper Rush in place of injured Dak Prescott. Good luck. The Eagles will run the ball against the Cowboys’ bad run defense with Saquon Barkley expected to have a field day. I expect the Eagles to win on the ground, but the Cowboys will hang on.
Pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 21
Use this Caesars promo code to bet on Saquon Barkley props.
Detroit Lions (-3.5) vs. Houston Texans
Sunday, 8:20pm ET (NBC, Fubo Free Trial)
This will be the second straight road game for the Lions against a team that played on Thursday and was rested. Normally, that would be a huge advantage for the Texans, but they haven’t been playing well. The Lions do. Still, I expect the Texans to bounce back and upset the Lions.
Pick: Texans 28, Lions 27
Monday, 8:15pm ET (ESPN, try fubo for free)
The Dolphins have back-to-back road games and desperately need this game, but the Rams are back at home with a win in Seattle. Now that the Rams are healthy, their offense has improved as well. The defense is growing. Expect a big day for Matt Stafford.
Pick: Rams 31, Dolphins 23
