The past few weeks, we’ve only had three games we felt confident about, but this time, four stand out. Sitting at 9-10 for the season—far from where we want to be—but I’ve got a feeling this could be a turning point. Let’s get back on track and enjoy another fantastic weekend of football action!
Bengals (-5.5) at Browns
Yes, the Bengals’ two wins have come against weaker teams like the Panthers and Giants, but they’ve also had tight losses to stronger opponents like the Ravens and Chiefs. Their defense, surprisingly, looked solid on Sunday night—no doubt helped by having their full defensive line back in action. While their offense wasn’t at its best against the Giants, they still possess a ton of firepower, and Chase Brown is becoming a versatile weapon out of the backfield. On the other hand, the Browns’ offense has been abysmal, ranked last in the league, with their only touchdown against the Eagles coming off a blocked field goal. Even if Nick Chubb returns, I’m not confident in their ability to turn things around. This game feels like a turning point for the Bengals, and I expect them to start a mid-season surge. Take the Bengals and lay the points.
The Pick: Bengals -5.5
Lions (+2.5) at Vikings
At the start of the season, I joined a draft with seven other guys where each of us selected four NFL teams in a snake draft format. The team with the most combined wins at the end of the season wins the pot—super simple. The Minnesota Vikings were actually the last team chosen in this pool, and yet here they are, one of the NFL’s last two undefeated teams. Sam Darnold has been surprisingly solid, and their defense has been performing above expectations.
However, the Lions are looking like a true powerhouse, even after the heartbreaking loss of their star defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit’s offense is a juggernaut, averaging over 415 yards per game, while their defense ranks in the top 12. It’s not often you see a team of this caliber getting points, even on the road. I’m all in on the Lions this week. Give me Detroit and those points!
The Pick: Lions +2.5
Titans at Bills (-8.5)
The Titans’ offense has been abysmal, ranking 31st in total yards with just 253 per game. On the other hand, the Bills, while inconsistent, still have the firepower of Josh Allen and James Cook, along with a defense that should easily handle the struggling Titans. Will Levis hasn’t been the answer at quarterback, and until Tennessee makes a change, like bringing in Mason Rudolph, I’ll continue to bet against them.
Buffalo, by contrast, excels at ball security, leading the league with only two turnovers all season. They are also one of the most disciplined teams, averaging fewer than five penalties per game. Meanwhile, Tennessee has turned the ball over almost twice per game, a formula for disaster against a team like the Bills. I see Buffalo primed for a mid-season breakout, and they should win this one comfortably by two touchdowns in front of their home crowd in Orchard Park..
The Pick: Bills -8.5
Chiefs at 49ers (-1)
The Chiefs may be winning, but they haven’t been all that impressive. While their offense can strike quickly at any moment, and Travis Kelce seems to be finding his rhythm, the injury to Rashee Rice is impacting them more than people realize. Kareem Hunt has been a nice addition, but with limited support in the backfield, fatigue could start to slow him down as the season wears on.
On the other side, the 49ers boast the second-ranked offense, averaging 420 yards per game, while committing fewer than five penalties per game. They won’t give Patrick Mahomes extra opportunities, and their defense, ranked in the top 10, will make things tough for Kansas City. At home, I like the 49ers to control the game, so confidently give the points in this matchup.
The Pick: 49ers -1
