Picking against the Saints again? Betting on the Seahawks, Broncos, and Lions in Week 8 Pick’em!
By John Hendrix
Oct 19, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) celebrates after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Thoughts from Ian
DEN over SD
I was straight robbed last Thursday. The Jets should have won that game but I’m over it now. I’m not sure the Chargers can get much pressure on Peyton Manning to make a difference in this game. The Broncos defense has also been playing lights-out so Phillip Rivers will have limited opportunities.
DET over ATL
Atlanta may not find much better luck across the pond in their match up against Detroit. The Lions feature a strong offense despite not having Calvin Johnson and a top 5 defense that is tough against the pass. Matt Ryan will be on his back most of the day. They’ll need to run with Joique Bell if they want to have a shot.
MIN over TB
I guess Minnesota can win right? Jerick Mckinnon was running well last week and there’s really only two players on Tampa’s defense to be worried about. The rest have been dreadful. Also, Tampa hasn’t been very good at home.
CHI over NE
Chandler Jones and Jerod Mayo going down is a huge hit to New England’s defense. The jury is still out on if Akeem Ayers can be a good replacement. I think Brandon Marshall calling out his team (and Cutler) to play better is going to fire this group up. The Patriots also have the Broncos next week so their focus won’t be there as much as the Bears.
STL over KC
I really like this kid Austin Davis (I’m his age but I’m calling him a kid, weird right?). Sure, he throws interceptions every now and then usually disappoints in the second half. The whole team needs work and Davis is the bright spot. This Chiefs defense isn’t that scary. Also, the Rams defense was shockingly good against Seattle. They pressured Wilson and stuffed Lynch for short gains.
SEA over CAR
After stepping into a contest that certainly surprised the Seattle Seahawks, they have to be licking their chops this week with the Panthers up next. Russell Wilson won’t have to deal with nearly as much pressure in the pocket and will be throwing against a soft secondary.
NYJ over BUF
I anticipate Geno Smith playing well in this match up since he has Eric Decker back. I’m not sure what Percy Harvin will bring to the offense but he should be able to open up some running lanes for the Jets running backs. Bills are losing their good running backs at the wrong time.
MIA over JAX
God, I hate Jacksonville. The one time I don’t pick them they win, of course. I love the Dolphins right now and expect Ryan Tannehill to have a good day here.
TEN over HOU
Bishop Sankey time! The Titans are as good a team as any to beat the Texans. I have a gut feeling the Titans can pull this one out.
BAL over CIN
Cincy has gotten really bad on defense and the Ravens are scoring on nearly 50% on all of their drives.
ARI over PHILLY
Haven’t I been saying how overrated the Eagles are? This defense will shut down LeSean McCoy, and Nick Foles will have a tough time throwing against this secondary.
INDY over PIT
Pittsburgh actually played well last week but the Colts are on a roll right now. LeVeon Bell will make a difference here, but I know better than to bet against Andrew Luck.
CLE over OAK
This would be a great upset but I just don’t think the Raiders have it in them.
NO over GB
Drew Brees threw a brutal pick last week to give the game to Detroit. Get over it. The Saints improved defensively and held Joique Bell in check most of the game.
They generated turnovers and Drew Brees made much better throws for three and a half quarters. Green Bay has coasted on a couple of easy opponents but the NASCAR defense will be a problem.
Eddie Lacy hasn’t been as good as people thought, though he is effective. The Saints will be fighting for their lives, in the Superdome. That makes them a dangerous team.
DAL over WAS
The Redskins don’t have the tools defensively to slow down the Cowboys offensive attack. Their only hope is that Colt McCoy and Alfred Morris can embarrass the Cowboys defense to keep it close.
Agree or disagree with our picks? Who do you have as a ‘upset of the week’ candidate?