2-1 this week. The Rams did exactly what I expected, however Miami’s defense and special teams won the game for them. I did not see that coming. Anyhow, at 14-10 on the season, let’s keep the good fortune rolling into Week 9.
LOCK PICK OF THE WEEK
Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) at home vs Miami Dolphins
Miami is good on defense. In fact, they give up the lowest points per game in the NFL right now. But Tua showed no signs of being an elite QB against a pretty good defense last week. Arizona has multiple weapons on offense and their defense is not bad either. I think the Dolphins made a huge mistake in replacing their QB when they are on track to fight for the division title. So, I expect this to be a low scoring game with Arizona winning by at least 2 FGs.
UPSET OF THE WEEK
Las Vegas Raiders (+1.5) vs Los Angeles Chargers
Las Vegas was good for me last week in this spot, and I think they are good again this week. They do not get the respect they deserve. They have played one of the hardest schedules this year and are currently 4-3 in the AFC West behind KC who they beat. I really am not sure why they keep showing up as underdogs, especially to a 2-5 Chargers team who blew a 21 point lead last week in Denver. There is also rumblings that Herbert may not play at quarterback for the Chargers. If that is the case, Raiders are a stone cold lock.
GAME OF THE WEEK
New Orleans Saints (+4.5) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A rematch from week one where the Saints beat Tampa Bay pretty easily 34-23. A lot has changed with these two teams since that meeting. Both teams have been playing very well. Tampa Bay is figuring out how to use all of their weapons on offense while playing lights out defense. The Saints are as scrappy a team as there is in the NFL, winning by just 3 points in each of their last 3 games. Michael Thomas is expected to return for the Saints, so that should give them an emotional boost as well as allow Brees to be more comfortable in the pocket. With the line at 4.5 and the division lead on the line, I can see either team winning this game by a FG, so take the Saints and the points.
