Locks
2-Team 6-Point Teaser; Browns -1, Rams -1 (-110):
I’m going to try not to overthink today’s slate and just take what it gives me. The Cleveland Browns go into Jacksonville today to take on a struggling Jaguars team that is expected to send out Mike Glennon for the start. If the Browns can’t dominate this one on the ground, then they shouldn’t be in the conversation of a playoff team in the AFC. Cleveland will most likely run crazy on the Jags today with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt continuing to roll, so a tease just adds some security to a spread that could already cover easily.
As for the Los Angeles Rams, they are playing really, really good football. They’ve had two huge wins in row with wins against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road and against Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks at home. This one shouldn’t be as much of a struggle for them as the San Francisco 49ers are really reeling right now. With a mess of a situation at quarterback, no George Kittle at tight end and so many more injuries, I think the Niners might be ready to pack it in and plan for next year. Look for the Rams to keep rolling and to win this one relatively comfortably.
Raiders -3 @ Atlanta (-110):
I understand the Las Vegas Raiders have some injury woes right now, especially at the running back position, but that shouldn’t stop them from being able to beat a mediocre Atlanta Falcons team. The Falcons are banged up as well with Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones, Todd Gurley and Hayden Hurst listed as questionable. Even if they do play, Derek Carr has been great lately, so I trust the Raiders to cover the 3 points and get the win in this one. If Jones or Ridley can’t go, it’s just the icing on the cake.
Degenerates
Titans ML @ Colts (+150):
This is more of a gut pick for me today as the Indianapolis Colts look to defend the top of their division against an incoming Tennessee Titans team that has been rolling as of late. The Titans have had some serious defensive woes this season, but after being embarrassed by the Colts at home just two weeks ago, I expect a revenge game to take place today.
Indianapolis has some important guys out with Bobby Okereke and Zach Pascal highlighting that list. Philip Rivers also came up on the injury report all week with a toe injury and was barely able to practice. Look for Derrick Henry to get the ball early and often and for Ryan Tannehill to control the game a little better than he did just two weeks ago. That game took a wild turn in the 3rd quarter with some special teams miscues and was a lot closer than the scoreboard made it seem, so monitor A.J. Brown’s injury status. If he’s ready to go, this pick could have some great “road dog” value.
Tiny Nick is 30-16 (+11.8 Units) on his locks since joining Zone Coverage.
Every day he will offer his Locks and Degenerate picks. Locks are the games he’s confident in. Degenerates are entertaining, but riskier picks.
