Before taking Week 9 off, I went 3-3 in Week 8 to run my season total to 14-13-1. Here are some more morsels, along with the logic I use to pick games. I suggest nobody bet the house on any of my picks.
Seattle Seahawks (6-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) in Munich
Line: Tampa Bay -2.5
It was touching to see Tom Brady’s embrace with offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, but this came after pulling out a game against a not-so-good Rams team. I know flying all the way to Germany is not optimal for the Seahawks, but I think they really come at it with a hammer anywhere. Getting points here is a gift from the gods. The Seahawks have scored 241 points, while the Bucs have scored just 162. I just don’t see Brady and the Bucs keeping up.
Prediction: SEATTLE 23, Tampa Bay 19
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)
Line: Kansas City -9.5
I guess you could say that entering Week 10, head coach Doug Pederson has created a more professional atmosphere in Jacksonville, and that does matter. He does also seem to be getting a better level of play and decision-making out of gifted quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But at the end of the day, the talent the Jags put on the field week in and week out isn’t good enough to play with the big boys yet.
The Titans led the Chiefs much of the way last week before giving way to lose the game, but Tennessee did cover a 12.5-point spread at Kansas City. My BS meter says it doesn’t happen two weeks in a row. Patrick Mahomes is getting real comfortable with his new cast of receivers … and he does have that Kelce guy.
The Jags are 1-3 away from home, and this will get away from them pretty early.
Prediction: KANSAS CITY 34, Jacksonville 19
Houston Texans (1-6-1) at New York Giants (6-2)
Line: New York -5.5
There isn’t much to love about the Texans. From talent to coaching, it’s still a mess. I mean, I love Lovie Smith’s white beard, but he’s not exactly looking like an inspired choice. Meanwhile, the Giants were on a 6-1 roll before they had to travel to Seattle two weeks ago. They took one on the chin, 27-13. Now they enter this game against the Texans coming off their bye with a terrific opportunity to get to 7-2. The Giants aren’t world-beaters, but they don’t have to be to win this game by more than the line calls for.
Prediction: NEW YORK 24, Houston 15
Minnesota Vikings (7-1) at Buffalo Bills (6-2)
Line: Buffalo -3.5
The Vikings come into Buffalo on a six-game winning streak. Earlier in the week, before news hit about Josh Allen’s elbow sprain, this one opened with the Bills as a 6.5-point favorite. The new line reflects the reality that Allen did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday and may not suit up.
Perfect opportunity for the Vikings to spring the upset? Not so fast. The Bills have scored 220 points and allowed just 118 points. Case Keenum will start if Allen can’t go, and he should be plenty good enough to make the plays for the Bills to get back in the win column.
Prediction: BUFFALO 25, Minnesota 17
Denver Broncos (3-5) at Tennessee Titans (5-3)
Line: Tennessee -2.5
Denver comes into this one off its bye week. Given that quarterback Russell Wilson has been pretty banged up, that’s a good thing. Neither of these teams has really impressed with the teams they have beaten — the Titans’ wins have come against Indianapolis (twice), Las Vegas, Washington and Houston, while the Broncos have bested San Francisco, Houston and Jacksonville.
The Titans impressed in Kansas City without starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle), who is looking probable for this one. It’s really about Derrick Henry and having a quarterback who can make some of the passes that Malik Willis couldn’t.
Prediction: TENNESSEE 23, Denver 16
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox