2020 NFL SEASON WEEK 2
2020 NFL SCHEDULE WEEK 2 (ATS)
All times Eastern Standard Time
ALL SPREADS ARE COURTESY OF CAESARS HOTEL IN LAS VEGAS @ THE TIME OF ANALYSIS
Thursday September 17th, 2020 8:20pm
Cincinnati Bengals (0-1), (0-0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Cleveland Browns (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS CINNCY+6
LW, CINNCY was poised to tie the game @HOME vs LAC at the end of the game. But the CINNCY K missed the fg by a long shot. Game over LAC 16-13. Give a lot of credit to CINNCY QB Joe Burrow for the leading the late drive for what almost seemed like the winning td. But CINNCY WR AJ Green pushed off for OFF pass interference, which set up the missed fg. Burrow was poised and made the right decisions to lead CINNCY down the field to even get in that position. If he plays like that from Day 1, Burrow will be very successful in the NFL. LW, CLEVE was blown out @BALT. Not much to say when you only score 1td with a missed extra point and lose 38-6. CLEVE TE David Njoku sprained his MCL in his knee and will be out an extended period of time. Plus, the secondary for CLEVE is already banged up and on life support. CINNCY 6-6-1 ATS in 1st of BB RG’s. CINNCY 28-25 ATS AWAY in SEPT. CINNCY 15-23 ATS vs AFC NORTH in SEPT. CINNCY 21-24-1 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. CINNCY 7-5 ATS on TNF. CINNCY 2-3 ATS AWAY on TNF. CINNCY 2-2 ATS as a DOG on TNF. L13 CINNCY @CLEVE, CINNCY 7-6 SU & 6-5-2 ATS. L26 CLEVE vs CINNCY, DOG 14-9-3 ATS. L17 CINNCY vs CLEVE, CINNCY 9-5-3 ATS. CLEVE 9-6-2 ATS in 1st of BB HG’s. CLEVE 7-12 ATS L19 HOME OPENERS. CLEVE 18-16 ATS vs AFC NORTH in SEPT. CLEVE 17-19 ATS @HOME in SEPT. CLEVE 5-9 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. CLEVE 3-7-2 ATS as a HOME FAV vs DIV. CLEVE 7-2 ATS on TNF. CLEVE 3-1 ATS as a FAV on TNF. CLEVE 1-6-2 ATS as a DIV HF 3>pts. CLEVE 1-12 ATS after scoring 10 or less points.CLEVE 4-1 ATS @HOME on TNF. CLEVE 1-10-1 ATS off SU DIV loss. CLEVE 10-2 ATS in gms 1-4 off div gm vs <.500 opp. CLEVE 0-6 ATS after BALT. This is a big season for CLEVE QB Baker Mayfield. He needs to step it up a bit or otherwise he may be out after this season. As for the rest of the underachievers in CLEVE, they need to do a better job as well. CINNCY QB Joe Burrow should be able to take advantage of an injury plagued CLEVE secondary. CINNCY receivers need to do a better job at getting open. The O-LINE for CINNCY also needs to do a better job to take pressure off of Burrow so that the running game can develop. Both teams are struggling and I see a close game of three points or less. CINNCY getting six points is a gift and I like what I see from Joe Burrow. Take the points here.
THE PICK: CINNCY+6 5 STARS
Sunday September 20th, 20209 1:00pm
NY Giants (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Chicago Bears (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS NYG+5 ½
LW, CHI staged a major comeback at DET and then got lucky in the end. DET was up 23-6 when CHI starting playing football in the 4th qtr. CHI QB Mitch Trubisky who so far has had a so-so career threw 3tds in the 4th qtr @DET for the win. The CHI DEF made stops but the big play was a dropped pass in the endzone by DET RB D’Andre Swift with :11 left in the game. DET had a nice drive at the end of the game and had Swift held on to the ball, DET would have won. It was clearly a catchable ball and CHI escaped with the win. LW, on MNF, NYG could have had a game where they made a clear statement. In the 2nd half, NYG had a nice drive going, 19 plays to be exact and NYG QB Daniel Jones made the mistake of throwing a dying quail of a pass while being pursued and it was intercepted in the endzone. Now, I’m nit saying that NYG would have won the game but, it should hev been closer and could have been with points by NYG on that drive. Also, PITT derailed NYG RB Saquon Barkley to 6yds on 15 carries. Also, Barkley needs to work on his pass blocking skills or he will certainly not have a job in the NFL for long. NYG couldn’t stop PITT rushers which may be a factor in this game. L8 NYG vs CHI, NYG 4-4 SU & 5-3 ATS. NYG 27-22 ATS AWAY in SEPT. NYG 29-27 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. NYG 7-5-1 ATS after MNF. NYG 3-14 ATS vs opp off SU DOG win. NYG 12-2 ATS in gms 1-4 off non-div gm vs opp off ATS win. CHI 18-26 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. CHI 28-30 ATS @HOME in SEPT. CHI 4-16 ATS as a conf HF vs opp off SU loss. CHI 4-12 ATS L16 vs NFC EAST. CHI 2-11 ATS as a non-div conf HF vs opp off SU loss. CHI QB Trubisky is still looking over his shoulder at QB Nick Foles who is in waiting so Trubisky knows that he can’t screw up too much but CHI stole one LW. This week the game will be tighter as NYG are in a bounceback mode even though they will not be winning a lot of games this season. This game is always a battle and the score should come down to 3pts or less. Take the points here.
THE PICK: NYG+5 ½ 3 STARS
Atlanta Falcons (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Dallas Cowboys (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS ATL+4 ½
There’s no way that ATL is this bad. There is so much talent on paper on both sides of the ball that ATL HC Dan Quinn should be reading these guys the riot act. ATL has fallen so low since they played in the SuperBowl after the 2016 season it’s pathetic. LW, they came out lame in the 2nd half @HOME vs SEA and it was over from there. The ATL DEF was able to stop the SEA run game but what’s the difference? They let SEA QB Russell Wilson throw for 4tds while he didn’t even turn the ball over 1x. The stats for ATL are fluffed up due to the fact that they were playing catchup and their points were scored in garbage time. Wilson threw completed passes to nine different receivers. SEA won 38-25 and it wasn’t even that close. ATL needs to wake up fast. LW, DAL went to LAR on SNF and lost the game. At halftime they were leading 14-13 and it looked like they would surge for more in the 2nd half. They didn’t. DAL scored a measely 3pts while LAR scored another td to make the final score LAR 20-17. It wasn’t the start DAL HC Mike McCarthy thought it would be. But, they lost more than just the game as important players were injured and will be looking at extended absences on an already thin depth team. DAL TE Blake Jarwin tore an ACL, he is out for the season. LB Leighton Vander Esch broke his collarbone and is out a minimum of 6 weeks. OT Cam Erving will be out for a while with a sprained MCL. MLB Sean Lee is out with a sports hernia. OT La’el Collins is on IR with a hip injury. You get the picture? L6 DAL vs ATL, ATL 3-3 SUATS. ATL 30-30 ATS AWAY in SEPT. ATL 31-32 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. DAL 29-35 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. DAL 23-27 ATS @HOME in SEPT. DAL 3-11-1 ATS L15 vs NFC SOUTH. DAL 4-23-1 ATS @HOME after an SU CONF loss. DAL 2-19 ATS as a HF after a conf loss. With all the injuries that DAL already has suffered and the fact that it is already desperation for ATL in wk 2 of the season, I have to go with ATL on this one. ATL needs get going in the worst way and this is the game to do it. Both of these teams are coming off a loss but ATL is coming off a blowout and teams that get blown out, usually bounceback a little better. Take the points here.
THE PICK: ATL+4 ½ 3 STARS
Detroit Lions (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ GB Packers (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS DET+6
LW, DET should have won the game @HOME vs CHI. First, they winning 23-6 in the 4th qtr and then all of a sudden the DET DEF couldn’t make any stops and to top it off Stafford threw an INT that resulted in another CHI TD. Then, with :11 seconds left and DET driving RB D’Andre Swift dropped a pass in the endzone. It was an easy catch but he probably had some jitters. This is a game that was winnable for DET and could unfortunately in football, turn a team’s mood. They sacked CHI QB Mitch Trubisky 1x, you think that will stop Rodgers? Also, newly acquired DET RB Adrian Peterson had a nice debut rushing 14x for 93 yards and even caught three passes for 21 yards. Now they face GB @GB with Aaron Rodgers who has a chip on his shoulder. LW, Rodgers was in mid season form as he torched a MINN secondary that is young and inexperienced. The score was GB 29-10 going into the 4th qtr and whatever MINN could muster in the 4th qtr, GB answered back. Final score, GB 43-34. MINN put almost no pressure on Rodgers and it showed in the stats. MINN didn’t stop GB’s run game either giving up 158 yds rushing. L13 GB(H) vs DET, GB 10-3 SU & 5-7 ATS. L26 GB vs DET, GB 18-8 SU & 12-13-1 ATS. L17 GB vs DET, HOME 8-8-1 ATS. GB 33-27-1 ATS @HOME in SEPT. GB 39-37 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. GB 27-18-1 ATS vs NFC NORTH in SEPT. GB 1-5 ATS L6 after MINN. GB 2-7 ATS off SU DOG win. GB 1-6 ATS as a FAV >4pts after scoring 40>pts. GB 20-8-1 ATS after DIV gm. GB 16-4 ATS as a FAV after div gm. GB 13-1 ATS as a FAV <8pts off div gm. GB 71-1 ATS in gms 1-4 vs div opp w/revenge. DET 4-13-1 ATS in 1st of BB RG’s. DET 23-31 ATS AWAY In SEPT. DET 35-30 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. DET 20-24 ATS vs NFC NORTH in SEPT. DET 2-10-1 ATS after DIV HOME gm. DET 1-10 ATS in gms 1-4 vs opp off SU DOG win. DET 2-11 ATS as a DOG vs .500>opp off SUATS win. DET 1-6 ATS L7 after CHI. You have to like GB in this game big. Rodgers has that chip on his shoulder and GB is healthy. They know Peterson from his days with MINN, so that’s no surprise there. But if the DET DEF can’t put pressure on Trubisky, how will they stop Rodgers? The answer is, they won’t. GB DEF needs to put pressure on Stafford and DET will fall apart. Rodgers is on a mission and they should win this game nicely unless they get the turnover bug. Lay the points here.
THE PICK: GB-6 5 STARS
Jacksonville Jags (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Tennessee Titans (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS JAGS+9
LW, JAGS QB Gardner Minshew played a near perfect game going 19/20, 173 yds, 3tds, 0INTS && 0fumbles. JAGS were a heavy dog at home and were never out of this one, even though they were trailing 20-17 in the 4th qtr. They put pressure on INDY QB Philip Rivers and held steady to win 27-20. Even though JAGS got rid of some high profile players, they played very well. LW, TENN missed 3fgs and needed an almost last second fg to win @DEN on MNF 16-14. TENN RB Derrick Henry was basically his usual unstoppable but the rest of TENN was lagging and unimpressive. This is an AFC SOUTH showdown. JAGS 29-26 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. JAGS 20-22 ATS AWAY In SEPT. JAGS 20-15 ATS vs AFC SOUTH in SEPT. JAGS JAGS 1-14 ATS off SU DOG win vs .400>opp. JAGS 1-8 ATS L9 off SU DOG win. JAGS 8-1 ATS in gms 1-4 as a DOG vs div opp off AWAY. JAGS 5-1 ATS L6 before TNF. JAGS 1-8 ATS off SU DOG win. TENN 32-23 ATS @HOME in SEPT. TENN 18-20 ATS vs AFC SOUTH in SEPT. TENN 21-26 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. TENN 0-5 ATS L5 as a FAV >7pts. TENN 8-1 ATS in gms 1-4 vs opp off ATS win. L13 TENN (H) vs JAGS , TENN 10-3 SU & 8-5 ATS. L22 TENN vs JAGS , JAGS 12-10 ATS. L26 TENN vs JAGS, DOG 13-13 ATS. L9 TENN vs JAGS, TENN 7-2 SUATS. JAGS QB Gardner Minshew knows that he has less to work with in 2020 but he is so far playing better. TENN was unimpressive @DEN on MNF but got a win. This is always a battle of a game but I definitely like the points here. I don’t see a blowout by either team.
THE PICK: JAGS+9 5 STARS
Minnesota Vikings (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Indianapolis Colts (0-1), (0-1), (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS MINN+3
LW, MINN was taken to task by an angry Aaron Rodgers. The DEF for MINN was non existent as GB torched MINN for 43 pts. The OFF for MINN woke up in the 4th qtr but GB kept rolling along without any necessary stops by the MINN DEF. Even though MINN scored 24pts in the 4th qtr, GB scored 14 pts so there never was a doubt as to which team would win the game. As I said in my projections, MINN has a very young secondary with little experience and with no preseason games, they will go through a learning process. Hopefully for MINN, it will not be a long one. LW, JAGS with a bunch of nobodies took INDY to task. INDY QB Philip Rivers who has a phenomenal record vs the JAGS was awful and JAGS beat INDY. His numbers for this game are deceiving because INDY had their chances and couldn’t turn them into points. JAGS were a heavy HOME DOG but kept the game close and then pounced when they had the chance. But in the win, INDY RB Marlon Mack suffered a torn Achilles and is out for the season. RB Nyheim Hines will be the #1 with Jonathan Taylor backing him up. MINN 24-26-1 ATS AWAY in SEPT. MINN 27-21 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. MINN 21-13-1 ATS as a DOG 4pts or less. MINN 10-4 ATS L14 after GB. MINN 1-8 ATS AWAY off DD ATS vs DIV opp. MINN 1-7 ATS off DD ATS loss vs DIV opp. MINN 19-3-1 ATS after loss vs non div. MINN 1-8 ATS in gms 1-4 when <.500 AWAY off HOME game. MINN 2-12 ATS as a ROAD DOG in gms 1-4 vs opp off div game. L4 INDY vs MINN, INDY 4-0 SU & 3-1 ATS. INDY 8-3-1 ATS L12 in 1st of BB HG’s. INDY 23-29 ATS @HOME in SEPT. INDY 29-27 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. INDY 11-9-1 ATS L21 as a FAV 3<pts. INDY 0-7 ATS @HOME off SU FAV loss vs non-div opp off SU loss. INDY 11-2-1 ATS off SU FAV loss vs <1.000 opp. INDY 11-2 ATS off SU loss vs non-div opp off SU loss. INDY 0-4 ATS as a non-div FAV 7<pts vs opp off SU FAV loss. INDY 3-8 ATS vs non-div opp off SU FAV loss. INDY 1-8 ATS in gms 1-4 off SU FAV loss vs opp off SU loss. INDY 13-2 ATS off SU FAV loss. MINN HC Mike Zimmer is on the hotseat and needs to start winning and get this team on the road to the playoffs. This is a bounceback week for MINN and they need to get their OFF jelling and the DEF needs to step up. A big key miss for MINN on DE is DE Danielle Hunter but whoever fills in for him, needs to step it up. MINN cannot afford to be 0-2. Early in the season MINN has a pressure game to bounceback in a big way. INDY is still learning the ins and outs of Rivers game and how limited he really is. Take the points here.
THE PICK: MINN+3 5 STARS
Buffalo Bills (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Miami Dolphins (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS MIA+5 ½
LW, BUFF took it to NYJ in BUFF. The score was 21-0 and BUFF coasted from there to a 27-17 win. BUFF was just toying with NYJ because NYJ are so inept on OFF. But it was a way for BUFF to work out their kinks and get their OFF in sync. But going forward, BUFF needs to get their rushing game going or otherwise it could spell disaster for BUFF if their QB Josh Allen gets hurt. He had a good game passing but he lost two fumbles that turned into 3pts for NYJ. A better team may have turned it into 14pts. You can’t have your QB as your leading rusher. It is a recipe for disaster. BUFF also had 2 missed fgs that did turn into 7pts for the NYJ. These are gifts that BUFF can’t afford to give. LW, MIA gave NE all they could @NE but came up short 21-11. The only td that MIA could muster was a rushing td by RB Jordan Howard on a 1yd run. MIA QB Ryan Fitzpatrick had 3INTS, one in the endzone that was a costly one late in the game that might have made the game a little closer. MIA wasn’t winning but they could have made the game more competitive. L13 BFF @MIA, BUFF 6-7 SU & 7-6 ATS. L22 BUFF vs MIA, BUFF 12-9 ATS 1NL. L25 BUFF vs MIA, HOME 13-11 ATS 1NL. BUFF 6-8 ATS L14 as a ROAD FAV. BUFF 27-21 ATS AWAY in SEPT. BUFF 30-21 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. BUFF 25-19 ATS vs AFC EAST in SEPT. BUFF 13-7 ATS as a DIV FAV 3>pts. BUFF 4-7 ATS after NYJ. BUFF 11-2 ATS in gms 1-4 vs <.500 opp off SU DIV loss. MIA 19-11-1 ATS L31 as a HOME DOG. MIA 22-27 ATS @HOME in SEPT. MIA 24-28 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. MIA 18-21 ATS vs AFC EAST in SEPT. MIA 5-12 ATS off div RG. MIA 2-8 ATS @HOME off DIV RG. MIA 1-9 ATS L10 after NE. BUFF has a strong DEF and should be able to limit what ever MIA throws at them. MIA is still going through a major learning curve because of all the new guys they have brought in. MIA is just as bad as NYJ and BUFF should win this game easily. BUFF cannot make costly mistakes and think that other teams will not turn them into points. They have to be better than that. Lay the points here.
THE PICK: BUFF-5 ½ 3 STARS
SF 49ers (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ NY Jets (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS NYJ+7
LW, ARZ took it to SF @SF. I knew SF would come out lame because in wk 1 the following season, the SuperBowl loser, most of the time doesn’t perform. It is like they have a hangover from the SuperBowl that carries over. SF better hope that it doesn’t carryover for the whole season. CB Richard Sherman was just put on IR because of his calf so he’s out for three weeks. SF was up 10-0 vs ARZ but they let ARZ get back into the game and actually take the lead 17-13 early in the 4th qtr. SF took the lead but ARZ responded with a td drive that sealed the game for ARZ. SF had their chances but, ARZ DEF clamped down on anything that SF was doing in the 2nd half. Final score was ARZ 24-20. LW, NYJ were out of the game by the second qtr 21-0. NYJ played catchup from there as BUFF coasted. To make matters worse, NYJ RB Le’Veon Bell strained his hamstring and will be out a few weeks. But the NYJ OFF as a whole looks terrible. I am no fan of NYJ HC Adam Gase but he has certainly proved that he was unprepared and doesn’t know what he is doing. Plus, the departure of S Jamal Adams has certainly left a big hole in the secondary for the NYJ. SF 14-8 ATS L22 as a ROAD FAV. SF 12-7-1 ATS L20 in 1st off BB RG’s. SF 25-30 ATS AWAY in SEPT. SF 30-29 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. SF 6-13-1 ATS L20 as a FAV. SF 7-1 ATS in gms 1-4 <.500 AWAY vs <.500 opp. SF 1-13 ATS as a FAV vs <.500 opp. L4 NYJ vs SF, SF 2-2 SU & 3-1 ATS. NYJ 20-15-1 ATS L36 as a HOME DOG. NYJ 28-33 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. NYJ 20-32 ATS @HOME in SEPT. NYJ 16-14-1 ATS L31 as a DOG 7>pts. NYJ 4-14 ATS off SU div loss vs non-div opp. NYJ 1-8 ATS as a HOME DOG vs NFC WEST. NYJ 0-10 ATS in gms 1-4 as a DOG vs opp off SU FAV loss. SF is on a bounceback and they need to win this game big or they will have dug themselves a big hole, early in the season. SF QB Jimmy G needs to lead this team big. NYJ schedule isn’t easy and they could easily go 4-12. Lay the points here as SF should dominate and win big.
THE PICK: SF-7 3 STARS
LA Rams (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Philadelphia Eagles (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS LAR-1
LW, on SNF I didn’t expect the DEF for LAR to stop DAL cold in the 2nd half. I’m sure no one did when DAL was leading 14-13 at halftime. The RB by committee for the LAR worked somewhat as DAL players were falling down to injury. There was no scoring by either team in the 4th qtr and it wasn’t a very exciting game that could be broken out at any time. But in the end, LAR won. LW, PHILLY was up 17-0 and then the roof caved in. PHILLY QB Carson Wentz was sacked 8x, threw 2INTS and lost 1fumble. He helped WASH get back into the game and PHILLY lost 27-17. The O-LINE for PHILLY didn’t help the cause by being almost non-existent with PHILLY rushing for a paltry 57 yards. Also, the injury bug hit PHILLY in a big way. PHILLY has designated DE Vinny Curry & CB Craig James on IR. RB Miles Sanders is day-to-day with a hamstring and was inactive vs WASH. DE Brandon Graham suffered a concussion during the game vs WASH and is in concussion protocol. He is unlikely to play vs LAR. That’s just to name a few. L7 LAR vs PHILLY, LAR 1-6 SU & 2-5 ATS. LAR 10-10-1 ATS L21 as a ROAD FAV. LAR 7-8 ATS in 1st of BB RG’s. LAR 18-31-1 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. LAR 18-32-1 ATS AWAY in SEPT. LAR 1-8 ATS in gms 1-4 vs non-div opp off SU loss. LAR 8-0 ATS vs <.333 opp. PHILLY 6-7 ATS L13 as a HOME DOG. PHILLY 5-9 ATS in 1st of BB HG’s. PHILLY 21-30 ATS @HOME in SEPT. PHILLY 17-20 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. PHILLY 1-8 ATS as a conf DOG <7pts off DD SU loss. PHILLY 5-12 ATS L17 vs NFC WEST. PHILLY 6-13 ATS vs .666> opp. PHILLY 1-8 ATS as a conf DOG off DD SU loss. PHILLY 9-1 ATS in gms 1-4 as a DOG off DD ATS loss. PHILLY 0-5 ATS @HOME vs non-div opp off SU DOG win. I like LAR because they have a full healthy squad with a DEF that is intact and should destroy PHILLY’s O-LINE. How many sacks will they give up vs LAR? The DEF for LAR should be able to score points in this game based on rushing Wentz. I analyzed this game when LAR-1 and now it’s moved to a PICK’EM but, the spread is when I analyze it or it the line moves dramatically. But, anyway you look at it, I like LAR to win outright by at least a fg barring any turnovers that LAR commits if they are playing sloppy.
THE PICK: LAR-1 3 STARS
Denver Broncos (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS DEN+7 ½
On MNF, PITT came out a little rusty but QB Big Ben settled down and stopped NYG cold. NYG wasn’t winning the game as I thought but I did think they would keep it close. They did have their chances but NYG did it to themselves. PITT DEF made stops all night and shut the NYG run game completely down. PITT held NYG RB Saquon Barkley to 6 yds rushing on 15 carries. The PITT DEF also sacked NYG QB Daniel Jones 3x and forced him into 2INTS. PITT RB James Connor left in the 2nd qtr with an ankle injury but RB Benny Snell picked up the load carrying 19x for 113 yds. That doesn’t bode well for Connor who missed 6 games to injury in 2019. Big Ben played well and picked apart the NYG DEF. On MNF DEN was playing toe-to-toe with TENN. But longtime NE and new TENN K Stephen Gostkowski missed 3fgs that would have made the score a lot safer and a sure win for TENN. Instead they needed a fg with :17 left to secure a win. But, DEN has hit the injury bug early. LB Von Miller is gone for the season. RB Philip Lindsay hurt his foot in this game and didn’t return. CB AJ Bouye hurt his shoulder and didn’t return. WR Courtland Sutton didn’t play and has a sprained AC joint which will probably keep him out of this game as well. DEN played a sloppy game and so did TENN but DEN had their chances handed to them by TENN but, could not execute. DEN DEF did give up 116 yds rushing to TENN RB Derrick Henry who seemed unstoppable. PITT 6-8 ATS in 1st off BB HG’s. PITT 19-34 ATS as a FAV in SEPt. PITT 23-25 ATS @HOME in SEPT. PITT 6-11 ATS L17 vs AFC WEST. PITT 5-17-1 ATS L23 off SU win vs opp off SU loss. PITT 9-2 ATS in gms 1-4 as a HF vs opp off SUATS loss. PITT 3-10 ATS as a FAV in gms 1-4 vs opp who won <8 gms last season. L6 DEN vs PITT, DEN 4-2 SUATS. DEN 18-14 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. DEN 28-21 ATS AWAY in SEPT. DEN 24-23-1 ATS L48 after an SU loss. DEN 20-9 SU & 16-12-1 ATS first 4 games of the season. DEN 3-7 ATS as a non-div DOG >3pts vs .650> opp. DEN 4-7 ATS AWAY vs opp off DD SU win. PITT OT Zach Banner went down with a knee injury in the 4th qtr and it turned out to be a torn ACL and he is out for the season. DEN losing at home and then traveling to the home of PITT is not an ideal situation. PITT should be able to run all day on DEN and complement that with passes from Big Ben. PITT DEF will shut down the DEN run game and put it all on the shoulders of DEN QB Drew Lock. PITT secondary will have their hands full with a better WR corps than NYG. But PITT has guys that bait you into thinking that receivers are open. PITT has to keep pace with BALT and they can. Lay the points here.
THE PICK: PITT-7 ½ 5 STARS
Carolina Panthers (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ TB Buccaneers (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS CAR+9
LW, CAR had a chance to win the game @HOME vs LV but blew it. The DEF for CAR couldn’t stop LV when they needed it and LV scored a go ahead td late in the 4th qtr. Even when CAR got the ball back HC Matt Rhule made a critical mistake on 4th & 1 by not handing the ball off to RB Christian McCaffrey. The DEF for CAR put no pressure on LV QB Derek Carr and he was able to sit back and pick the DEF apart. Final score, LV 34-30. LW, TB QB Tom Brady made some big mistakes that cost the game for TB. A pick6 which was a big gift, changed the momentum of the game. It sort of cancelled any chance at a comeback for TB. Maybe it got the bugs out for Tom & TB, we’ll see. But, TB needs to get their running game going and they should have no problem this week. CAR is not NO and they can’t stop anyone. The stats for LV vs CAR were pretty good all-around and they put up 34 pts. TB has a chance here to get things going. But, TB has to focus and get serious. L13 TB(H) vs CAR, TB 5-8 SU & 4-9 ATS. L26 TB vs CAR, FAV 14-12 ATS. L15 TB vs CAR, ROAD 11-4 ATS. TB 21-27 ATS @HOME in SEPT. TB 18-22 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. TB 25-19 ATS vs NFC SOUTH in SEPT. TB 13-23-1 ATS L38 as a HOME FAV. TB 5-8 ATS L13 after NO. TB 1-10 ATS off div RG vs .700<conf opp. CAR 7-7-1 ATS in 1st of BB RG’s. CAR 12-18 ATS vs NFC SOUTH in SEPT. CAR 22-20 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. CAR 19-19 ATS AWAY in SEPT. CAR 10-5 ATS off SUATS loss vs non-div opp. CAR 3-12 ATS vs div opp off non-div gm. CAR 2-11 ATS AWAY vs opp off SUATS loss. Brady is not playing with the same coaching staff or same team intensity that he was playing with in NE and he needs to get used to it. But, to be honest, CAR is a very bad team with really no one that shines beside McCaffrey. This is a bounceback game in the biggest way for TB and they need to score early and often. This game has blowout written all over it and the TB OFF should be able to get in sync. TB RB Leonard Fournette should see more touches in an effort to get him involved in the OFF. Lay the points here.
THE PICK: TB-9 5 STARS
Sunday September 20th, 2020 4:00pm
Washington Redskins (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Arizona Cardinals (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS WASH+6 ½
LW, WASH spotted PHILLY a 17-0 lead before they decided to take charge of the game. WASH stormed back and sacked PHILLY QB Carson Wentz 8x and intercepted him 2x and caused him to fumble 1x. These turnovers and sacks gave WASH great field position and helped in their comeback in the game. Although WASH recently released RB Adrian Peterson, they are still working on their running game. The DEF for WASH is what turned the game around. But they certainly will have their hands full this weekend. LW, ARZ was playing at SF. ARZ spotted SF a 10-0 lead but then battled back. ARZ WR DeAndre Hopkins was unstoppable and had 14 catches for 151 yards. ARZ QB Kyler Murray had a good game that was poised and he led a td drive late in the game that won it for ARZ. This week WASH needs to get their running game in order to keep the ARZ DEF in check. This will take a lot of pressure off of WASH QB Dwayne Haskins. L8 WASH vs ARZ, WASH 6-2 SU & 4-4 ATS. WASH 11-4 ATS in 1st of BB RG’s. WASH 13-1 ATS as a DOG >3pts in 1st of BB RG’s. WASH 35-18 ATS AWAY in SEPT. WASH 27-26 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. WASH 1-8 ATS in gms 1-4 as a DOG 4>pts vs .500> opp. ARZ 8-6 ATS in 1st of BB Hg’s. ARZ 19-28 ATS @HOME in SEPT. ARZ 12-20 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. ARZ 5-9 ATS after SF. ARZ 0-7 ATS as a non-div FAV off SU DOG win. ARZ 16-3 ATS @HOME vs opp off SUATS win. ARZ 12-1 ATS @HOME vs non-div opp off SUATS win. This is a battle of two young QBs still learning the game. They both make mistakes but, how they learn and improve from them is another story. This should be a good game but I don’t see a blowout by either team. I like ARZ to win but, WASH will keep it close. Take the points here.
THE PICK: WASH+6 ½ 3 STARS
KC Chiefs (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ LA Chargers (1-0), (0-0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS LAC+8 ½
On TNF, KC just rolled over HOU like they weren’t even there. The score was KC 31-7 before HOU scored two dummy tds to make the score 34-20. KC could have scored at least 40 points if they wanted to because their OFF was unstoppable and the DEF was making plays. KC QB Pat Mahomes looks like he is taking over from where he left off last season and so is the rest of KC. LW, LAC barely beat CINNCY @CINNCY 16-13. If it wasn’t for an OFF pass interference call and a missed fg, LAC may have lost the game. LAC didn’t look particularly good except that they had a running game that did some damage when they needed it. However, they were rushing against a team that was known for being bad vs the run. Now LAC is playing second class citizens to the LAR in their home stadium. If this game had fans in the stands it might look like a KC home game. QB Philip Rivers has had some success in the past playing KC but he’s long gone and Tyrod Taylor is at the helm of a ship that is going through a transition. KC 6-5 ATS in 1st of BB RG’s. KC 37-21 ATS AWAY in SEPT. KC 26-14 ATS vs AFC WEST in SEPT. KC 34-24 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. KC 7-0 ATS in gms 1-4 AWAY vs <.500 div opp. L13 KC @ LAC, KC 7-6 SU & 10-3 ATS. KC 19-11 ATS L30 as a ROAD FAV. L26 KC vs LAC, ROAD 17-9 ATS. L20 KC vs LAC, DOG 12-8 ATS. L14 KC vs LAC, KC 11-3 SU & 10-4 ATS. LAC 4-11 ATS in 1st of BB HG’s. LAC 26-30 ATS @HOME in SEPT. LAC 23-24 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. LAC 16-18 ATS vs AFC WEST in SEPT. LAC 6-11-1 ATS L18 as a HOME DOG. LAC 2-10 ATS as a HD >3pts vs opp off SUATS win. KC is running like a machine and it is early in the season. They can beat you many different ways and have a lot of weapons to do it with. LAC needs to do a better job at executing. The O-LINE is already banged up for LAC which could make it a problem for Tyrod Taylor to get settled. But even on DEF, KC has guys that step up and make things difficult even if they are facing a healthy O-LINE. Lay the points here for KC as they roll on.
THE PICK: KC-8 ½ 5 STARS
Baltimore Ravens (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Houston Texans (0-1), (0-1) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS HOU+6 ½
HOU HC Bill O’Brien is a terrible HC and even worse GM. HOU looked completely unprepared in their TNF @KC. It was 31-7 before HOU got some dummy TDs to make the score look respectable at 34-20. It was still an awful showing by HOU as KC had their way with HOU all game until the 4th qtr when it really didn’t matter. Now they play BALT and it doesn’t get any better for HOU. HOU is a sinking ship with a lot of talent although some of it is overpaid. LW, BALT had their way with CLEVE. BALT was up 38-6 and BALT finally took QB Lamar Jackson out of the game. They need to have him healthy for the long haul. BALT can beat you many different ways and their DEF is top notch as well. They are a complete team but need to find a way to beat KC. BALT 26-28 ATS AWAY in SEPT. BALT 35-28 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. BALT 9-4-1 ATS after CLEVE. BALT 4-10 ATS L14 vs AFC SOUTH. BALT 9-0 ATS after scoring 35>pts vs opp off DD SU loss. L9 BALT vs HOU, BALT 7-2 SU & 5-3-1 ATS. BALT 14-11-1 ATS L26 as a ROAD FAV. HOU 6-9 ATS L15 as a HOME DOG. HOU 16-20 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. HOU 14-16 ATS @HOME in SEPT. HOU 6-2 ATS w/rest. HOU 2-11 ATS in gms 1-4 vs .700>opp off SUATS win. KC ran all over HOU and BALT has the horses to do the same thing to HOU if not worse. This may be the season that Bill O’Brien finally gets fired and should be banished from the NFL. This guy is terrible and makes poor decisions. This game will show his ineptness at even giving BALT a run for their money. Lay the points here as BALT gets ready for KC.
THE PICK: BALT-6 ½ 5 STARS
Sunday September 20th, 2020 8:20pm
NE Patriots (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ Seattle Seahawks (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS NE+4
LW, SEA took it to ATL. That game was never in any doubt and newly acquired S Jamal Adams made his presence known. ATL scored dummy points in the 4th qtr in catchup mode. SEA may be the sleeper in the NFC because no one really pays attention to them. They dominated ATL. Also, they have a very talented team on both sides of the ball. Plus, their RBs by committee should get going and give DEFs no time to catch their breath. The SEA OFF took advantage of an ATL secondary that is weak. LW, NE barely beat up a bad MIA team. Yes, NE QB Cam Newton got off to a good start with a win in NE but, he will not be able to run wild against every team he faces. It is not a good sign when your QB is your leading rusher. That’s how Cam got banged up in the first place. Not a lot of guys to throw to besides Edelman on NE. MIA is not that good and has a lot of rookies. It wasn’t that impressive but they got the win. SEA knows the tendencies of Cam when they faced him many times when he was with CAR. Don’t think for one moment that SEA has forgotten. Also, SEA TE Greg Olsen played with Cam for years and knows his tendencies. SEA 5-1 SU vs Cam at CAR. SEA 16-9 ATS @HOME on SNF. SEA 34-22-1 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. SEA 30-22 ATS @HOME in SEPT. SEA 9-5 ATS in 1st of BB HG’s. SEA 8-4 ATS L12 after scpring 35>pts. L4 NE vs SEA, SEA 2-2 SU & 3-1 ATS. NE 26-27 ATS AWAY in SEPT. NE 18-16 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. NE 25-8-2 ATS as a DOG since 2003. NE 16-10 ATS AWAY on SNF. NE 12-3 ATS L15 after MIA. NE 6-1 ATS L7 AWAY vs opp off DD SU win. NE 7-1 ATS in gms 1-4 vs non-div opp. NE 1-6 ATS off SUATS win vs opp off DD SU win. SEA is a beast in PRIME TIME @HOME and no matter who they play they win games. Cam may be confident but he knows that SEA is a tough place to play and even worse so in PRIMETIME. Lay the points here as SEA rolls over NE.
THE PICK: SEA-4 5 STARS
Monday September 21st, 2020 8:15pm
NO Saints (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) AWAY, (0-0) ATS @ LV Raiders (1-0), (1-0) ATS, (0-0) HOME, (0-0) ATS LV+6
LW, NO beat TB @NO. But it was closer than the score indicates because TB QB Tom Brady made some crucial mistakes that the younger Brady did not make. A gift PICK6 which is one of those gifts that keep on giving, gave NO a lead that was insurmountable, even for Brady. TB is not NE. The DEF for TB is not as good and NO had their way with them even if NO running game did not get going. But in the win NO WR Michael Thomas suffered a high ankle sprain and will definitely be out for this game. LW, LV had a 27-15 lead at CAR but gave up 2tds in the 4th qtr to go down 30-27. However, LV QB Derek Carr showed poise and orchestrated a let drive that resulted in a go-ahead td that took the lead 34-30 and the win. CAR was driving but made a bad decision on a 4th & 1 that was not successful to end the game. LV DEF didn’t play particularly well because CAR is not a very talented team and to give up 30 points to this bunch is not good. LV DEF has to get tighter and not let plays get past them. LV 15-21-1 ATS L37 as a HOME DOG. LV 24-29 ATS @HOME in SEPT. LV 33-30 ATS as a DOG in SEPT. LV 3-5 ATS as a HOME DOG on MNF. LV 4-11-2 ATS L17 vs NFC. LV 1-8 ATS on MNF vs non-div opp. L4 NO vs LV, NO 3-1 SUATS. NO 15-14 ATS L29 as a ROAD FAV. NO 27-29 ATS AWAY in SEPT. NO 25-28 ATS as a FAV in SEPT. NO 12-6 SU & 10-8 ATS on MNF. NO 1-3 ATS L4 on MNF. NO 1-6 ATS on MNF off SU win. NO 9-4 ATS L13 after TB. NO 4-9 ATS L13 as a non-div RF >3pts. NO 4-11 ATS as a non-conf FAV 3>pts. This is a big season for LV QB Derek Carr and beating NO would be a big step forward for him and this team. LV lost a couple of guys on the O-LINE to injury but they didn’t miss a beat vs CAR. But NO is not CAR. LV & HC Jon Gruden will be pumped for this game as they are opening their new stadium. It would be a bigger deal if the place were packed with fans but for right now it will have to do. NO & Brees doesn’t play particularly well in the 2nd game of the season. He is 6-8 SU & 4-10 ATS in wk 2 including 3-6 SU & 2-7 ATS since 2011. I don’t expect LV to win the game but just keep it close. Take the points.
THE PICK: LV+6 3 STARS
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