It’s a challenging slate this week, with four games already in the books. We’re looking to keep the mojo going, coming off a second straight winning week. Let’s close out the month in style with these three holiday weekend puppies.
Browns +5 ½ vs. San Francisco
No, I’m not a Shedeur believer, but I trust the Browns at home, especially at this time of year. Weather will be a factor, with rain and snow expected, and winds whipping up to 35 mph. Did you see the ducks Brock Purdy was tossing on Monday night? Now imagine a cold, wet, windy day and Myles Garrett breathing down his neck.
Cleveland comes home from a rare road win and a little momentum with Sanders under center, while the 49ers were lucky they were playing the inconsistent Panthers; otherwise, they could have easily lost last week, and they hit the road for this one on a short week.
This shapes up to be a game dominated by the ground game, with the total set at just 34 ½. This line feels a couple of points too high — a Browns win is not out of the question.
Texans +3 ½ at Indianapolis
This line has been dropping all week, and I’m buying the dip on the Colts, with Daniel Jones dealing with a fracture in his leg. A fracture. And here come the resurgent Texans and their top-ranked defense and sack masters Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.
You can bet the Houston defense will make taking Jonathan Taylor out of the mix its top priority and see if Jones can do enough to beat them. I am a bit concerned about the return of C.J. Stroud, who’s bound to be rusty, but I think this one is low scoring and tight from start to finish. I’ll gladly take the points.
Steelers +3 vs. Buffalo
I’m always a sucker for Mike Tomlin as a home dog, and this week we get him after a loss: even better. They get Aaron Rodgers back for this one, and he should be able to ride his two-headed running attack all afternoon against Buffalo’s toothless run defense.
The Bills will be motivated as they try to hang on to a wildcard spot in the topsy-turvy AFC, but they just don’t look anything like the dominant team we’ve seen over the past few years. Meanwhile, the Steelers have seen the door open for them in the AFC North and can take a big step with an upset win at home. I think they get it done.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 16-19-1
