We’re coming off an unbeaten week and looking to keep the momentum rolling as we enter the season’s stretch run. I’m avoiding the three big double-digit dogs, but landed on a few lively puppies that should keep things interesting this weekend.
Bengals +6 vs. New England
I’m riding the likely return of Joe Burrow here, who may need to shake off some rust, but whose mere presence should lift the players around him. It’s dangerous to bet against Drake Maye and the Patriots right now as they inch closer to a surprising division title.
I’d feel a lot better if Trey Hendrickson were back, but he remains sidelined, and Cincinnati’s defense is lost without him. They won’t stop New England, but I think Burrow and Co. can keep up with them on the scoreboard and keep this one relatively close.
Cowboys +3 ½ vs. Philadelphia
Dallas looks to ride the momentum from last week against its hated rivals, whom it took down to the wire in Week 1. The Cowboys’ offense vs. Philadelphia’s new look defense is the featured matchup here, and I think Dak and Co. will be able to move the ball.
Philly’s offense remains murky, while Matt Eberflus’ unit is getting stronger with the return of some key pieces and the addition of Quinnen Williams up front. The Eagles keep finding ways to win close games, and they may do it again in Big D, but it feels like a field goal game to me.
Panthers +7 at San Francisco
This line makes no sense to me. I understand that the Panthers have generally been much better at home than they have on the road, but they’ve won their last three games away from home, and last week’s shootout in Atlanta showed that Bryce Young is growing right before our eyes.
Carolina can use a balanced attack to go after a Niners defense that is a shell of what it once was — you remove Fred Warner and Nick Bosa from the equation, and what do you expect?
Both teams should score points: the total is hovering around 50, but in no world should this line be seven. These teams are very evenly matched in my book — I’d make the line closer to a field goal. Take the value here.
Last Week: 2-0-1
Season: 14-18-1
