Let's get right to the games:
CLE @ PIT (-6.5)
Quick question. What number will be higher this year? The
number of offensive TD’s by the Browns or cars sold by Josh Gordon?
In all seriousness, the highly talented WR has some issues going on and
needs to be away from football (and probably Cleveland as a whole) for a while.
The publicity stunt having him work at a local dealership is just that – jury
is out on who it benefits, if anyone. As for the QB situation, coach Mike
Pettine has come forward saying that while Brian Hoyer is the starter, expect
to see Johnny Manziel see some action as well. Who cares who is throwing if
they have no one to receive it?
I don’t have high hopes for the Browns, but am not sold on
the Steelers ability to score just yet. I like PIT to win at home, but I’m
taking the points.
Spread: CLE
Straight Up: PIT
Score: 17-13
MIN @ STL (-3.5)
I received a call from my agent earlier this week asking me
if I wanted to try out for the open Rams QB position. I told him I would, but I
really enjoy my menially paying job instead. You have to feel really bad for
injured QB Sam Bradford and the Rams as a whole. Jeff Fisher’s team will look
to journeyman Shaun Hill to lead the offense. I doubt he will be the starter by
the end of the year. Hill will need a lot of help from particularly RB Zak
Stacy. The Rams have a more than serviceable defense, which should help the
game close.
I like MIN to cover on the road.
Spread: MIN
Straight Up: MIN
Score: 27-22
CAR @ TB (-1)
Lovie Smith has reason to be excited for his new team in
Tampa. They went out and signed a familiar face in reliable QB Josh McCown. RB
Doug Martin and several good WR’s including Vincent Jackson and rookie Mike
Evans, should be able to put points on the board. Their offensive line is suspect
(better with the acquisition of Logan Matkins from the Patriots) and we all
know this can have a crippling effect on offensive efficiency.
No Newton, no win |
For Ron Rivera’s Panthers, this is a fairly simple game.
Without a healthy Cam Newton, this is likely a loss. It sounds like Newton
won’t play and if he does, will certainly not be 100%. Without Newton, the
Panthers will really struggle. I think rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin will be good,
eventually, but needs time to mature. Defensively it remains to be seen if their
secondary is strong enough. Look for McCown to expose this during the game.
I like Lovie Smith’s debut to be a successful one in Tampa.
A Newtonless Panthers team just doesn’t have enough to stick with the home
Bucs.
Spread: TB
Straight up: TB
Score: 20-14
IND @ DEN (-7.5)
The Indianapolis Colts should have a fine year. They just
won’t win today on the road in Denver. QB Andrew Luck has a solid group of
offensive weapons. The main question is at RB where no one is certain if Trent
Richardson can be a dominant force once again and if he can’t, then if often
injured Ahmad Bradshaw can step it up and play like he did back with the
Giants. Father time is often cruel to football players, particularly the
running backs. I just don’t see it happening.
I like DEN at home in a shootout.
Spread: DEN
Straight Up: DEN
Score: 40-23
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