I wasn't expecting much from last week as it was a brutal slate of games to call, but I would have liked a little better than 8-6 outright and 6-8 on the spread. Particularly vexing was San Diego's convincing loss to Oakland, sending my SFBOTW category back to comparative levels with my regular guesses.
At least Gnome proved she is an astute pundit, nailing her first choice convincingly. It is both funny and a little depressing that the animals have a higher hit percentage than my well informed choices.
Week 5:
Outright = 8-6
Spread = 6-8
SFBOTW = 0-1
Animal Corner = 1-0
2013/14:
Outright = 48-29
Spread = 38-36-3
SFBOTW = 3-2
All Time:
Outright = 214-120
Spread = 178-150-6
SFBOTW = 11-10-1
Animal Corner = 5-2-1
Thursday Night:
Giants @ Bears -9.5 Sky Sports 1
The Giants have been my most consistent team this season - I've gone against them every week and am 5-0. This week's match up is no easier for the floundering team, with a turnover hungry Bears' defence facing an offence that seems to enjoy giving the ball away. 9.5 is a large amount, but in Chicago I think the Bears should just about win by 10.
Bears -9.5
Sunday First Wave:
Packers @ Ravens +1 Sky Sports 2
One of the more attractive spreads on the face it, in my opinion. Even with Matthews out for the foreseeable future, the Packers should score enough points to outpace Flacco and the Ravens. I like GB to come in and win by at least a score.
Packers -1
Bengals @ Bills +7.5
With EJ Manuel out this game should be fairly one-sided. The Bengals weren't exactly prolific in their 13-6 win over NE, but their defence shut down Brady for almost an entire game. Even with limited weapons, that's an impressive feat, and they should win here by a solid margain.
Bengals -7.5
Lions @ Browns +1
Even with Megatron questionable to play, I still fancy the Lions' chances here. A Weeden led Browns team is far less dangerous than one with Hoyer at the helm, and whilst their defence played outstandingly in the second half versus Buffalo, having a QB who can actually throw the football attempting to score against them will be slightly more challenging.
Lions -1
Rams @ Texans -9
Interesting one here, as the Texans are typically much stronger at home. I think the Rams can stay in this game enough to break the spread, even if it's a gritty Bengals/Pats kind of game, with both defences dominating.
Rams +9 (Texans win)
Raiders @ Chiefs -9.5
Pryor proved he was the real deal versus San Diego, despite playing behind a patchwork o-line. That o-line will face a much tougher test in this game, though, against a dominant Chiefs defence that boasts standout sack-master Houston. The Raiders own defence has also been playing well lately, but don't match up well against KC's explosive quick passing offence. I think 9.5 is a little generous for the Chiefs, but I'll still take it. They've proved to be one of the most consistent teams in the league, and the Raiders will need to feast on turnovers which the Chiefs just don't typically provide to be in with a chance.
Chiefs -9.5
Panthers @ Vikings -1
Josh Freeman provides an instant, and considerable, upgrade over Christian Ponder, but it takes more than a week to learn a new offence. The Panthers are coming off a tough loss to the Cardinals, but their elite front 7 should limit the Vikings' attack enough for Cam to do his thing.
Panthers +1 (and to win)
Steelers @ Jets -1
Geno smith looked the real deal versus Atlanta, and nobody was more surprised than me. He simply didn't look like the same QB who gifted Tennessee the game 2 weeks ago, and couldn't have asked for a much smoother encore to his heroics than hosting the struggling Steelers.
Jets -1
Eagles @ Buccaneers Pick 'em
It's Foles versus Glennon in what should be a very interesting game, which will come down to Philly's excellent offence versus Tampa's solid defence. I like Philly to get the win here, as he proved in leading them to their win over the Giants he can operate well in their explosive offence. Glennon should have an easier time than most weeks completely passes, but I don't think he'll be consistent enough to match scores. SFBOTW
Eagles
Sunday Second Wave:
Jaguars @ Broncos -26.5
Crikey, what a spread. Remember though, this is a historically bad team playing at a historically outstanding one. There is no chance Jax can keep pace the way Romo and the Cowboys did, and the only thing that makes me think Denver won't ease past this huge spread is the concern they might pull Manning and their starters long before the end.
Broncos -26.5
Titans @ Seahawks -13.5
Seattle will be hungry for revenge following their late loss to Indy, but Tennessee is no easy test. Whilst I think the 'Hawks will definitely win at home, the spread makes me a little nervous. I really can't decide on this one, so will hand it over to the lil' monster...
 |
| Titans Seahawks |
Titans +13.5 (Seahawks to win)
Saints @ Patriots -1 Sky Sports 2
NE have fallen on hard times, despite their still impressive 4-1 record. This is another though game, with a rolling 5-0 Saints team coming to town. I like Brady to match scores with Brees, but ultimately his lack of weapons will cost him in a narrow loss.
Saints +1 (and to win)
Cardinals @ 49ers -11
The 49ers have not been consistently putting up big points, despite their demolition of Houston at the weekend. The Cardinals present a tough contest with a dangerous if not consistent offence, strong defence and deadly special teams. I like Arizona to keep this one close, being the divisional grudge match it is.
Cardinals +11 (49ers win)
Sunday Night:
Redskins @ Cowboys -6
Coming off the Cowboys impressively narrow (and wildly entertaining) loss to Denver, this seems like a no-brainer. My only concern is that it is a divisional encounter, and the Redskins had their number last season. I'll still take the Cowboys at home, but am not as confident on it as most will be.
Cowboys -6
Monday Night:
Colts @ Chargers +1
SD fell to rivals Oakland whereas the Colts orchestrated and impressive win over Seattle. Whilst the Chargers have the home field here, and an offence capable of matching scores with most in the league (when they don't put themselves in a 17 point hole), you can't look past the Colts here at such a neglible spread. I do think the Bolts are more than capable of winning this game though, so it's not SFBOTW worhy.
Colts -1
No comments:
Post a Comment