Week 10 of the 2016 NFL season is set to begin. This week the Browns and Titans sit idle on the final week of bye weeks. For the other 30 teams, I will now attempt to pick the winners of each game based off of the spreads. If you agree of disagree tweet at me @treydaubert to let me know where I’m wrong for my NFL week one predictions. *All spreads are courtesy of oddsshark.com
Thursday Night: Cowboys At Vikings (MIN +3)
One might think this game will be closer than most anticipate. However, without Mike Zimmer on the sidelines, Dallas seems like they will run away with it. Zimmer, the Vikings defensive masterminded coach, will miss the game due to emergency eye surgery. Betting against the Cowboys simply isn’t smart (9-1-1 ATS). Dallas wins by 10.
Cowboys defeat Vikings 24-14
Sunday 1 ET: Lions At Saints (DET +6)
I have to admit I’m a bit confused by this line. While the Lions may not be the strongest 7-4 team, they still are talented in some areas. The Saints are 5-6 and sport one of the worst defenses in football. I’ll take the points in this one. Nevertheless expect this one to be a high-scoring game.
Lions defeat Saints 37-34
Sunday 1 ET: Texans At Packers (HOU +6.5)
Look I know the Packers have a hard time beating anyone by 6.5 points but I’ll take them anyway. Green Bay is a much better team at home. They also know they probably need to run the table in order to make the postseason. The Packers defense has been atrocious all season but C’mon look at this match up. There is no chance Brock Osweiler can outscore Aaron Rodgers in the Frozen Tundra. Packers cover the line.
Packers defeat Texans 35-17
Sunday 1 ET: Chiefs At Falcons (KC +4.5)
I like the Falcons in this one. Not only do the Falcons have the most productive offense in the NFL but they also are a dominant home team. The 38-19 win over Arizona last week at home only further proves this. Atlanta is not going to fold down the stretch this time. Kansas City is also coming off a grueling game against the Broncos that lasted the entire overtime period. Expect KC to be too sluggish to keep up with this Falcons offense.
Falcons defeat Chiefs 31-16
Sunday 1 ET: Dolphins At Ravens (MIA +3.5)
The Dolphins are winners of 6 in a row. That ends Sunday in Baltimore. Look the Dolphins are a nice story but, Adam Gase has these guys playing over their heads. Baltimore is also getting healthy at the right time. Elvis Dumervil’s return gives the Ravens pass rush a new weapon. Baltimore also leads the NFL in rush defense. For a Dolphins offense that leans so heavily on Jay Ajayi, I’m not sure they match-up well here.
Ravens defeat Dolphins 27-13
Sunday 1 ET: Broncos At Jaguars (JAC +3.5)
Call me crazy but I’m taking Jacksonville. While the Jags are 2-9 they are 6-5 against the spread meaning they have obviously lost a number of close games. The Jags getting 3.5 could be enough to cover. Denver is also likely going to start rookie Paxton Lynch at quarterback with Siemian injured. I like Paxton but he is extremely raw and simply not ready yet.
Jaguars defeat Broncos 26-24
Sunday 1 ET: Rams At Patriots (LA +13.5)
Look this line is ridiculous, I have to take the Rams. Sure New England will probably make Jared Goff look silly but LA’s defense is at least capable of putting up a fight right? There is no way I would bet on this game but maybe there is a chance LeGarrette Blount has a field day and runs the clock the whole game.
Patriots defeat Rams 30-17
Sunday 1 ET: Eagles At Bengals (PHI +2)
I like the Bengals in this one. Philly’s offensive line is in complete shambles and cannot be trusted. Carson Wentz seems to have lost faith in his team and appears to be playing worse and his rookie season continues. While A.J. Green and Gio Bernard are hurt, Cincy still has one of the best rosters in the league. Then again I think this game is a coin toss as both teams don’t appear to be particularly well coached.
Bengals defeat Eagles 23-20
Sunday 1 ET: 49ers At Bears (SF +1)
This game is more important than most people realize. The loser of this game will be in prime position for the 2nd pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. That could mean Texas A&M pass rusher Myles Garrett. Both teams will also be searching for new quarterbacks as Colin Kaepernick and Matt Barkley both stink. I’ll give the edge to SF. Chicago’s talent is either suspended (Alshon Jeffery) or hurt such as Danny Trevathon.
49ers defeat Bears 16-10
Sunday 4:05 ET: Bills At Raiders (BUF +3)
I’m leaning towards the Bills here. Sammy Watkins returning from injury has given this offense new life. Oakland has also proved they better on the road having lost only at home. The Raiders also don’t have much of a pass rush outside of Khalil Mack that could allow Tyrod Taylor to constantly move around at will. Buffalo also leads the NFL in rushing yards which will bode well for them as keeping Derek Carr off the field is imperative.
Bills defeat Raiders 27-21
Sunday 4:25 ET: Buccaneers At Chargers (TB +3.5)
Nobody in the NFL likes playing the Chargers because you’re going to be in for a shootout. However, I really like Tampa here. Jamies Winston looks like he is turning the corner on the way to becoming a true franchise quarterback. Wide Receiver Mike Evans is quietly having the best season of any receiver in football. San Diego is also extremely banged up as they seemingly lose someone to injured reserve every week. Tampa gets the win and moves into the hunt for a playoff spot.
Bucs defeat Chargers 34-18
Sunday 4:25 ET: Redskins At Cardinals (WAS +1)
There is a reason why the Skins are dogs here. I love taking teams who were just humiliated the week before. Bruce Arians likely rights the ship. Kirk Cousins also has to deal with a ton of pressure down the stretch. His looming contract talks could become a distraction and make him play back to his normal self. This Cardinals defense is better than advertised.
Cardinals defeat Redskins 28-23
Sunday 4:25 ET: Giants At Steelers (NYG +6)
You have to take Roethlisberger and the Steelers here. December is the time the Steelers usually start to play their best football. This time around they will have a healthy Le’Veon Bell on their side late in the season. Bell has been one of the most productive backs since returning from suspension. Also let’s not forget; Are the Giants even good? Yes I know they won 6 in a row who cares. Despite an 8-3 record the Giants only have a +18 point differential on the entire season which is rather mediocre. By comparison, the last place Eagles that sit at 5-6 have a +44 point differential. The Giants aren’t good folks, take the Steelers as a safe bet in December football.
Steelers defeat Giants 35-21
Sunday Night: Panthers At Seahawks (CAR +7)
Carolina is done but are we sure they can’t cover this spread? Seattle couldn’t even beat an okay Tampa team last week. Seattle probably wins this game but can they really do it by more than a touchdown? I tend to doubt that. Carolina, a run orientated offense, could keep the game closer than we think.
Seahawks defeat Panthers 22-18
Monday Night: Colts At Jets (NYJ +1.5)
Obviously, we cannot pick this game until we find out whether Andrew Luck is playing or not. I’ll keep it short since it’s a few days away. If Luck plays the Colts win. If not the Jets win, he’s that important.
