The Colts don’t exactly run up the score on teams, have
a suspect quarterback under center in Carson Wentz, and have allowed
teams to score over 28 points a game in their five loses. But
the J-E-T-S aren’t the Titans or Ravens so why worry?
Well, if you didn’t see Mike White last week against Cincinnati,
go watch the tape. He got hit, knocked out of the game, and came
back to lead his team to an improbable win. Michael Carter is
starting to find room to run, and Ty Johnson is a perfect compliment
as a pass catching back. There is hope in the Meadowlands for
a team that has been stuck in the cellar since 1972.
There is no way Indianapolis covers the 10.5 spread and if this
game was in New York, I’d be inclined to say the Jets win.
But on the road, this game should be avoided if you wish to remain
in your pool.
#3: New Orleans over Atlanta
(7-1: buf, TB, AZ, GB, MN, PIT, LAR, KC)
The Saints lost Jameis Winston to a torn ACL and the big question
is, will Taysom Hill be ready to play (concussion – Week
5). If Hill isn’t cleared, Trevor Siemian will take the
helm. In either case, you can expect a heavy dose of Alvin Kamara
and Mark Ingram in a division game that New Orleans would really
like to have.
A strange year in Atlanta for sure. The Falcons will be without
Calvin Ridley who is taking time off from football for his mental
health. It’s unfortunate, but as he has said, its “in
his best interest” and will make him a better person and
player. In the meantime, rookie Kyle Pitts has become Matt Ryan’s
go to receiver over the last two weeks and Cordarrelle Patterson
has become their workhorse.
Atlanta’s three wins have come against teams that are a
combined 5-19. On most weeks you should avoid the division rivalry
games, but this week, take the Saints as they march on to victory.
#2: Miami over Houston
(5-3: TB, GB, DEN, no, NE, LAR, bal, cin)
This number two pick seems to be my killer this year. Last week
the Jets took out a Bengals team that had that big letdown. This
week, the Dolphins, in a game between two 1-7 teams is your second
best choice. Sure, doesn’t it doesn’t make sense,
but if you to remain in your pool, you’ll have to pick a
losing team one week… and this is the week to do it.
Miami is getting healthy and starting to play better. Tua Tagovailoa
is being given the chance to lead his team after the trade deadline.
If they can avoid turnovers, the one category where Houston’s
defense is good at, this may be the one game that Miami might
win - other than against the Jets.
Meanwhile, Houston traded Mark Ingram back to New Orleans, and
held on to Deshaun Watson because no GM in their right mind wants
to take that issue on. So, that leaves Tyrod Taylor to lead this
32nd ranked offense in points scored to pull off the upset on
the road. Based upon the stats below, take the Dolphins and relax.
Texans-O / Dolphins-D Comparison
HOU Off
Rk
Stat
Rk
MIA Def
281.1
31
TOT YDS
32
406.9
205.0
30
PASS YDS
31
291.1
76.1
31
RUSH YDS
19
115.8
14.9
32
PTS SCORED
29
29.1
13
27
T OVERS / T AWAYS
16
9
Texans-D / Dophins-O Comparison
HOU Def
Rk
Stat
Rk
MIA Off
401.4
30
TOT YDS
30
301.9
253.3
19
PASS YDS
25
223.3
148.1
31
RUSH YDS
30
78.6
30.1
31
PTS SCORED
28
17.3
9
15
T OVERS / T AWAYS
29
13
#1: Dallas over Denver
(8-0: SF, CLE, CAR, BUF, TB, KC, AZ, LAR)
Well, if you are still paying attention to my picks, it means
that you avoided the Jets upset over the Bengals last week. This
week, America’s Team hosts the Broncos in Irving and Dak Prescott is expected back under center.
Meanwhile in Denver, Von Miller was traded away to the Rams, and
his heart and soul, and pass rush, will be sorely missed. But
as their owners said, it was time to “do what was right”
for him, and they got incredible value in a 2nd and 3rd round
pick in April for a player who is in his contract year.
Putting player moves aside, the Cowboys are leading the NFC East
and there doesn’t seem to be much competition. The same
can’t be said for the Broncos, who are in one of the strongest
divisions in football, let alone the AFC, and are finding that
Teddy Bridgewater and Melvin Gordon don’t exactly scare
most teams. Yes, Jerry Jeudy is back to add an additional reliable
deep threat, but the Broncos will be hard pressed to keep up with
the No.1 ranked rushing offense, and No.3 scoring offense in the
league. Combine that with Dallas’ ability to generate turnovers
and you have an easy No.1 Survivor Pool pick.