Last week, I predicted that the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, and the Baltimore Ravens would win their games. The Baltimore Ravens not only won, but they exceed the two-touchdown point spread. Meanwhile, the Saints managed to produce a come-from-behind win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately, the Colts fell to the Cleveland Browns, which gave me a 2-1 mark for the week and an overall record of 12-2 on the season. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.
At the same time, there is no room for complacency. With that said, here’s a look at my best picks for Week 6.
Third Best Bet: Green Bay Packers (-1.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nothing says are you ready for some football more than a game that features two future Hall of Famers at the quarterback position. Surprisingly, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have only faced each other twice in their respective careers, with each of them winning once in the two previous meetings. The Packers are coming off a bye week while the Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing loss against the Chicago Bears – a game they led by 13 points.
While Tampa Bay will be looking to get back into the win column, they will have to do so without defensive tackle Vita Vea, who is out for the rest of the season due to a broken ankle injury he sustained against Chicago last week. He was a big reason why the Buccaneers had the best rushing defense in the league. That’s one of the reasons I’m leaning toward Green Bay in this one. The second reason is Devante Adams is expected to play.
Given the fact that Rodgers has been putting up solid numbers without Adams, that trend will continue with him back in the mix. I’m a bit apprehensive about making this pick being that the Colts had the same point spread last week and they let me down. Despite that fact, I’m picking the Packers in a win and the low point spread is indicative of how close this game will be.
James’ pick: Green Bay Packers (-1.5)
Second-Best Bet: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5)
If we’re being honest, few of us expected the Cleveland Browns to be 4-1 at this point in the season. After all, the last time they got off to this kind of start was 1994, which, ironically, was the last time this franchise won a postseason game.
Give the Browns credit for knocking off the Indianapolis Colts last week. This wasn’t an easy feat considering the Colts are ranked first in total defense (266 yards per game) and passing yards allowed per contest (179.6). Furthermore, the Colts come in at No. 3 in rushing yards allowed per game (86.4).
On the flip side of the coin, the Browns have NEVER beaten Mike Tomlin’s team in Pittsburgh. Nope. That is not a typo. In fact, they are 0-13. This will be an interesting divisional showdown between two teams that are a combined 8-2. Look for the Steelers to win this game but I’m going to say they will do so by three points or less.
James’ pick: Steelers Moneyline, but Browns to Cover the 3.5 Spread
James’ NFL Best Bet of Week 6: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (-8)
This isn’t a matchup that fans are clamoring for. The Jets have yet to win a game (0-5) and the Miami Dolphins are just 2-3. Being that this is my lock of the week, I’ll get straight to the point. Although Miami is below the .500 mark, they have produced two wins in the previous games. Additionally, Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for 300 yards twice in that stretch.
On the other side, in addition to a woeful 0-5 record, the Jets have the second-worst offense in the league at 279.4 yards per outing. Moreover, they have the second-worst scoring defense as well, giving up 32.2 points per game. Simply put the Dolphins will get their third win of the season.
James’ pick: Dolphins win AND cover the spread
