Yes. Yes. Yes.
Let me repeat: yes.
After a horror show in Week 4 with my NFL picks, I got back on track this past week. I was 10-4-1 straight up and 9-6-1 against the spread. This brings my season record to 48-30-1 and my ATS record to 34-43-2.
The ATS mark will be a slow climb back above .500 after this very bad week 3. But I felt good about this week’s picks.
It’s time to build momentum. Two good weeks in a row?
You bet.
All lines via DraftKings; All times ET
Seattle Seahawks (-3) vs. Denver Broncos
- Thursday, 8:15 p.m. on Amazon Prime
The Seahawks lost a tough game against the 49ers last week and now face a short week on the road against Denver. The Broncos offense has struggled, even with Sean Payton taking over as playmaker. Bo Nix has to take it over, but it’s a tough defense to try to make things right. Seattle faces a tough road game.
Take: Seahawks 23, Broncos 17
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (-3)
- London Sunday, 9:30 a.m. on NFL Network (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
The Jaguars will be in London for two weeks, making it a challenge for the Texans, who went there this week. Houston won for the first time on the road last week and now their division chances likely rest on this game. The Jaguars were sloppy last week, which will give them something to focus on. The Jaguars will win a close game.
Take: Jaguars 24, Texans 20
Chicago Bears vs. Atlanta Falcons (+3)
- Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
The Bears had a horrible performance in Green Bay, in which the defense was shredded. But the Falcons lost in overtime to the Ravens and quarterback Michael Penix was injured. He’ll probably play here, and that’s a good thing since he can light up Chicago’s defense. The hawks win.
Take: Hawks 27, Bears 21
Baltimore Ravens (-4.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
- Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
There’s a chance Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will be back for this game after missing last week with an ankle injury. Even if he isn’t, I think the Ravens defense will be up to the task of slowing down the Browns offense. If Jackson is back, the Ravens offense will move the ball.
Take: Ravens 24, Browns 13
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts (-7)
- Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
The winless Titans go on the road to face a Colts team that has been inconsistent. The Colts defense has improved in recent weeks, which will challenge Cam Ward and the Titans’ limited offense. Look for the Colts to pick up a division win as Jonathan Taylor has a big game.
Take: Colts 28, Titans 17
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots (-7.5)
The Patriots turned their season around with back-to-back wins as Drake Maye came alive. The Jets played better defense against Cleveland last week with eight sacks, but this is a bigger challenge. Look for Maye to continue as the Pats earn a third straight victory.
Take: Patriots 28, Jets 13
New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants (-1.5)
- Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
The Saints have lost three games in a row and fell to 1-4. They didn’t play well against the Vikings last week, but this is a chance to succeed. The Giants tied it last week, but Jameis Winston played well. I think it will be a question of defense. Giants nearby.
Take: Giants 19, Saints 16
Carolina Panthers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5)
The Panthers have a bye, while the Eagles take a trip to London where they lost in brutal fashion to the Jaguars. It’s a desperate time for the Eagles, but the injuries have been piling up. One way or another, though, they will come out of the game to win behind their defense.
Take: Eagles 23, Panthers 20
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3)
Both of these teams righted the ship somewhat with wins last week. The Bucs needed it badly after losing their first four. Tampa Bay ran with Bucky Irving to beat the Cowboys and I think they can do it here too. The defense played better in this game and will limit Aaron Rodgers somewhat. The Bucs win.
Take: Bucs 26, Steelers 21
Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams (-13.5)
- Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on Fox (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
The “Dream Team” Rams are 2-3 and don’t look like Super Bowl champions. The offense got the game going against the Bills, but the defense was a non-factor in the fourth quarter and overtime. They will play better here against the Cardinals. Meanwhile, Matt Stafford will have a big day.
Take: Rams 35, Cardinals 20
Los Angeles Chargers (+8.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chargers limp into this one at 0-5, while the Chiefs are undefeated after a bye. The Chargers are desperate and need a win or their season will be over. This is not the right place to try to get that first victory. Look for Patrick Mahomes to play well. Chiefs coach Andy Reid is outstanding in his career after a bye.
Take: Leaders 28, Chargers 21
Buffalo Bills (-6) against the Las Vegas Raiders
The Bills are playing back-to-back road games, but they stayed on the West Coast after beating the Rams in overtime Monday night. It was a tough and physical match, which will make it a challenge on a short week. The Raiders were horrible against the Pats, but they will play better on offense here. They just won’t stop the bills.
Take: Bills 35, Raiders 21
Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers (-1.5)
- Sunday, 8:20 p.m. on NBC (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
The Packers blew out the Bears on Sunday as Jordan Love lit up the sky. Look for more in this one against a bad Dallas secondary. The Cowboys struggled on defense against the Bucs, and that will continue in this one. Love continues to play well. The Packers win a shootout.
Take: Packers 31, Cowboys 27
Washington Commanders vs. San Francisco 49ers (-7.5)
- Monday, 8:15 p.m. on ESPN (Broadcast: Fubo — try for free)
It’s a long journey for the Commanders after a brutal draw last week to face the best team in the league right now. It’s a difficult combination. They can only hope for a disappointment from the 49ers after beating Seattle last week. This won’t happen. The 49ers continue to roll as Brock Purdy continues to assert himself as a legitimate MVP candidate.
Take: 49ers 30, Commanders 21
Gn sports
