Well, well, well, what do you know. We finally had a winning week, and it would’ve been 3-0 if the Browns had closed the deal in London. Oh well, I’ll take 2-1 the rest of the way. Week 5 was profitable for aficionados of doggies; let’s see if the trend continues this week:
Saints +3 ½ vs. New England
Both teams were good to me last week, and I see no reason not to ride the Saints train for another stop against a Patriots team coming off their “we have arrived” moment in Buffalo last week. Their value will never be higher, and it feels like a good time to fade them against a team that also performed well when they visited the Bills.
With Spencer Rattler playing at a surprisingly high level and a defense that is, at a minimum, capable, there’s no reason the Saints can’t stay in this one against a Pats team that’s had the world fall in love with them this past week.
Panthers +3 vs. Dallas
I’d love to get the hook here, because the Cowboys could easily win this one by a field goal, but I give the Panthers a good chance to spring the mild upset. They’re much better at home, and Bryce Young seems to be settling in around an improving group of skill players.
After Rico Dowdle exploded for over 200 yards, filling in for Chuba Hubbard, it’s hard not to think the coaching staff will give him every chance to do it again against the team that let him go. Hubbard may be back, so the Panthers could unveil a nice little two-headed rushing attack.
Maybe Dallas is peeking at the showdown at home next week against the Commanders and comes in a little less than focused. Dak traditionally rolls against lousy competition, which worries me a little, but ultimately, I think his defense lets him down.
Bears +4 at Washington
The Bears return to the scene where their season imploded a year ago, and the Jayden Daniels/Commanders magic was born. Expect them to come in focused and annoyed for this primetime game. Washington figured to regress this season, after all the crazy late wins a season ago.
They have the oldest roster in the league, and it’s been banged up. Meanwhile, the Bears are rested, coming off their bye and feeling good after two straight wins have put them right into the thick of the feisty NFC North.
They’ll need to improve against the run and force Daniels into passing situations, where his weapons aren’t great. Maybe Terry McLaurin returns to give him a boost, but he’s missed practice all week and remains questionable. Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown have also been limited this week.
The Bears are getting healthier, with Jaquan Brisker, T.J. Edwards, and Colston Loveland all set to return. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Bears spring the upset, but at the very least, it feels like a field goal game to me.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 5-10
