Winning team in bold.
Unanimous Picks (8-2)
Right:
Chiefs @ Redskins
Falcons @ Packers
Colts @ Bengals
Browns @ Patriots
Bills @ Buccaneers
Vikings @ Ravens
Rams @ Cardinals
Titans @ Broncos
Wrong:
- Seahawks @ 49ers
- There's a lot of things that matter in a close game like this. One thing that really stands out to me is the Seahawks' rushing yards, specifically the lack thereof. Marshawn Lynch had 72 yards rushing on 20 carries, and maybe even more important, Russel Wilson only had 1 (one!) carry for 2 yards. Wilson's running is such a big threat on the Seahawks offense, it could be a big problem for them if defenses learn how to contain him.
- Cowboys @ Bears
- The Cowboys did not force the Bears to punt once in this game. The Bears scored on every single drive, except for a final kneel-down at the end of the game. The Cowboys had some other issues too, but if your defense can't get a stop, you're pretty much gonna get buried as soon as you start punting.
Split Picks: (APR 3-3, SRS 2-4, Line 4-2)
- Dolphins (APR, SRS) @ Steelers (Line)
- Both teams allowed a near season high in points, so this was kind of a defense-optional game. So, if the Steelers had played a little better defense, or if Antonio Brown had kept a little bit more to the right, the Steelers would have won this game
- Texans (SRS, Line) @ Jaguars (APR)
- Along with all their offensive problems, the Texans defense has really collapsed this year. Last year, they were 10-0 (including the playoffs) when they held their opponent to 17 points or less. This year, they've only held their opponent to 17 or less twice (and lost both games). Combine that with an offense that hasn't made it to 21 points in 7 games, and you have the Texans season you see before you today.
- Lions (SRS) @ Eagles (APR, Line)
- Of course, the snow made a huge difference in this game, causing a lot of trouble for the Lions' turnover-prone offense. I think the snow on the field also slowed down the passing game, which put a major crimp in Detroits' favorite way to move the ball. And without Reggie Bush, they weren't able to make up with their run game, and least not the same way the Eagles did handing off to LeSean McCoy.
- Raiders (APR, SRS) @ Jets (Line)
- Maybe I should just not say anything more about the Jets this season. After last week's disasterous outing, Geno Smith had, well, a servicable outing, anyway. And along with lots of help from their defense and special teams, the Jets cruised to a pretty easy win.
- Giants (APR) @ Chargers (SRS, Line)
- A pretty ugly effort all around by the Giants, this time. Special blame can go to their defense, that allowed the Chargers to sprint out to a 24-0 halftime lead, mostly on sustained drives. The Giants are 0-8 this year when they allow more than 20 points.
- Panthers (APR, SRS) @ Saints (Line)
- Cam Newton had an okay completion percentage (22/34), but for less than 5 yards per attempt. Which meant that most of the Panthers' drive stalled short of scoring. Meanwhile the defense allowed the Saints three touchdowns in the first half. With the Panthers' struggling offense, the game was over at that point.
Totals
| This Week | This Season | % | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APR | 11 | - | 5 | 112 | - | 79 | - | 1 | 58.6% | |||
| SRS | 10 | - | 6 | 114 | - | 77 | - | 1 | 59.6% | |||
| Line | 12 | - | 4 | 121 | - | 70 | - | 1 | 63.3% | |||
