The spreads used for this week are as of Tuesday October 8th.
Records Year to Date:
Rory: 35-39-4
Chris: 31-43-4
Records Week 5:
Rory: 8-7
Chris: 8-7
Phi @ NYG +3
Rory: Philadelphia has certainly not started the season as many expected they would have. However, facing the generally inept Giants is the type of game that should help turn that frown upside down.
Chris: The Eagles appear to have a bit of a Super Bowl hangover. The Giants offensive attack was rolling last week but a 63-yard field goal closed the door on their second win. I’ll take the Giants at home and the hangover continues for the defending champs.
Buf @ Hou PE
Rory: I hate Pick ‘Ems. I also hate putting my faith in a rookie quarterback. I additionally hate trusting Bill O’Brien. I am torn. Give the Texans if nothing else because they have a few legitimate studs.
Chris: The Bills have impressed in recent weeks, however, the Texans have finally got back in the groove of winning. I think Watt helps shut down the Bills offense and the Texans win big at home.
Sea @ Oak +3
Rory: I am a Raiders fan so I will simply let them abuse me until I can no longer cope and my legs begin to look like Silas’ in the Da Vinci Code. On a serious note, Seattle plays teams very tough, but their offensive line is poor. At some point the Raider defense will begin to get it together. I hope.
Chris: The Raiders looked atrocious last week. The Seahawks put a valiant effort against the Rams last week and lost a close one. Seattle will win this one easily.
Chi @ Mia +3
Rory: Coming off of a bye week the Bears will be rested and ready for the Dolphins, but getting three points against a quarterback who is very scripted is something I like. This should be tight and I think the Dolphins will cover.
Chris: Miami is a confusing team thus far, starting 3-0 then getting blown out by the Patriots and almost beating the Bengals in week 5 before allowing 24 fourth-quarter points. The Bears bring in a fierce defensive front but my gut says the Dolphins at home will take this one.
Pit @ Cin -2.5
Rory: Andy Dalton has this Bengal team humming at this point and I am not inclined to mess around with the NFL version of a Bollywood soap opera aka the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Chris: The Bengals are one of the most slept on teams in the NFL. I think they put together a statement win this week over the Steelers.
Ind @ NYJ -2.5
Rory: Indianapolis is one of those teams that will end up driving me crazy by week 17. Last week they lived up to what I expected and got trounced by the Patriots. I expect the Jets to win a squeaker.
Chris: What version of the Jets will we see this week? Sam Darnold has shown he can play at an elite level but he, unfortunately, has made rather obvious rookie mistakes. I think we see the elite level of Darnold this week and the Jets cover the spread at home over the Colts.
Car @ Was -1
Rory: The Redskins being favorites in this game is a little weird. So I am going to take that mistake and run with it! Go Panthers and the points!
Chris: I am shocked the Redskins are favored at home. They got dismantled by the Saints on national TV last week and now face a Panthers team that put up 33 points in week 5. I’ll take the visiting Panthers to cover in this one.
Az @ Min -10.5
Rory: Arizona did well against a derailed 49ers team, but the Vikings tend to squish bad teams.
Chris: I think the Vikings will win at home, but I’ll take the Cardinals to cover the spread here. Vikings win by 8.
LAC @ Cle +1
Rory: How seriously can I take the Browns? I mean, the Raiders beat them…. #Chargers
Chris: I’m on the Browns hype train! The could very well be undefeated right now but as they have done for many years, have lost games in some rather disappointing ways. However, they have now won two games, which is a huge accomplishment based on their recent success…or lack thereof. Either way, I think they beat the Chargers in a close one.
TB @ Atl -3.5
Rory: Per the usual the Falcons put up points in the cozy confines of a dome and Tampa is not to be trusted under any circumstance until proven otherwise.
Chris: The Falcons might be the best 1-4 football time I’ve seen. I think they begin their bounce back with a divisional win at home against the Bucs.
LAR @ Den +7
Rory: The stupid Broncos were completely useless last week against the Jets and I expect them to be a speed bump for the Rams.
Chris: The Rams have (in my opinion) the best running back in football. The Broncos run defense has been non-existent in recent weeks. Translation, Todd Gurley will have a monster game and the Rams blow this one open early.
This is one of the upcoming NFL games to bet on if you plan on making a wager. The Rams have already replaced the Patriots as the top contender for Super Bowl 53, proving that they’re one of NFL’s top defensive lines this season. Not sure how long this will last so take advantage of that top spot for now.
Jac @ Dal +3
Rory: After being humiliated by the Chiefs, the Bortles lead Jaguars should do some decent work against the Cowboys who will struggle outside of Ezekiel Elliott.
Chris: Blake Bortles has not been able to remain consistent and has been the main thing holding this team back from true greatness. It is hard to pick opposite of such a stout defense, but I’ll do it anyway, Cowboys cover the spread!
Bal @ Ten -3
Rory: Tennessee has torn my heart out in this season already and they are a spunky team. This is pretty much a toss-up to me so I am going with the team getting points and that is the Ravens.
Chris: The Titans remind of the Jaguars. They have a great defense and an inconsistent offense. That is enough for me to pick the Ravens to cover here on the road.
KC @ NE -3
Rory: O great, two teams I despise. Give me the Pats at home and make it entertaining because i will need to cleanse my soul after watching this.
Chris: AFC Championship preview? I’ll continue to pick the Chiefs in the regular season but once these teams match up in the playoffs, I can’t guarantee my confidence in the Chiefs.
Where we disagree: Phi @ NYG +3, Sea @ Oak +3, Ind @ NYJ -2.5, Az @ Min -10.5, LAC @ Cle +1, Jac @ Dal +3
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