This weekend has everything the NFL wants–from #1-seed KC, to ‘America’s Team,’ to those magical Eagles. And super-creamy upsets are the icing on the cake.
Colts v. Chiefs
Travis Kelce has a lot to cheer about (photo, Chiefs Wire-USA Today)
The Chiefs are fresh, while Indy is coming off a momentum-building win against the Texans.
Travis Kelce is one reason I like KC in this one. The Colts struggle when defending tight ends, ranking in the lower half in the league in that category. And although the Chiefs have problems of their own on defense, it should be
strong enough to control the Colts.
In what many are seeing as a close game–betting on Andrew Luck to have just that–I’m picking the home team and #1 seed.
Kansas City 42, Indianapolis 28
Cowboys v. Rams
Zeke! (The Ohio State University)
Zeke and Gurley–two of the NFL’s best running backs–are in this game. I pick Zeke to have the upper hand. Yes, the Rams’ front seven is stout with the best defensive player in the league, but I just don’t LAR’s D will be good enough to contain Zeke.
On the other side of the ball, I think the Rams’ offense has stagnated. To have a chance of winning, Goff and McVay will need to scheme up new plays. But, even if they do that, I still think the ‘Boys will prevail by controlling the clock and playing stout defense. That’s how they’ve beaten other high-powered teams, and I think they’ll do it again this weekend.
Dallas 31, LAR 28
Patriots v. Chargers
Just think about it: two future Hall of Famer’s–Brady and Rivers–going up against each other! But the record says this match-up isn’t much of a match-up at all–it’s too one-sided for that. Brady is 7-0 vs. Rivers.
Again?! (photo, USAToday, Locker Talk Sports)
But wait! Rivers has something he hasn’t had before — a lot of weapons in his arsenal, players like Melvin Gordon, Kennan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekler, and the whole offense. And on the other side of the ball is Melvin Ingram, Joey Bosa, and Derwin James.
It all adds up to this: the home-standing Pats are in for one of the toughest games of the year. Tom Brady and his O-line better be ready for this game … or else.
But DON’T you ever doubt NE! It’s not a team; it’s a program. The Patriots are still capable of making a run, winning just like they’ve always done.
Like millions of others, I say ‘Fuck Tom Brady!” But, in the end, I think he’ll come through yet again.
New England 27 LAC 24
Eagles v. Saints
This game is a Week 11 redo. The Saints dismantled the defending champs, 48-7. Ouch! Since then, though, the Eagles have gone 6-1.
Foles. Yes, Foles (photo, CBS Local Philadelphia)
How did they do it? Nick Foles. And Foles is the reason this game won’t be another blowout.
The difference will be the Eagles’ defense, a squad that has awakened. The secondary may be young with a bunch of no names, but damn it: they play hard!
Foles and the Saints’ Drew Brees went to the same high school–powerhouse Austin Westlake. What are the odds of that happening? That makes this game, ‘The Battle of Westlake,” a battle Magic Nick will win with help from Zach Ertz.
Philadelphia 35 New Orleans 30
