Our crew had some impressive wins in Week 7, including a couple correct picks for big underdogs like the Bears against the Patriots and Seahawks against the Chargers.
As we approach the midpoint of the season, Caroline Darney has our first consecutive weeks over .500 and is the first to 50 wins, going 9-5 last week (50-55-3 overall). Prince Grimes went 7-7 (47-58-3) and Charles Curtis also went 7-7 (43-62-3). And this week we welcome back new dad Blake Schuster (33-44-3)! Here’s a word from everyone:
Prince: Too many good vibes around with Blake back to lose.
Charles: Let’s win a bunch this week for the new dad.
Caroline: Y’all I am finally in a groove.
Blake: It’s great to be back! Now to just grab a big sip of coffee and check in on my favorite QB Mac Jones.
1
Ravens at Buccaneers (+1.5)
Prince: Ravens
Tampa’s offense is so bad.
Charles: Buccaneers
Weird stuff happens on Thursdays and facing the Ravens’ pass defense is the perfect spot for Tom Brady to do … something.
Caroline: Ravens
Yeah, absolutely not picking the Bucs or Packers any time soon.
Blake: Ravens
Which means Tom Brady is going to play like it’s 2002 again or something.
2
Broncos at Jaguars (-2.5)
Prince: Jaguars
Jags get it done this week after another close defeat in Week 7.
Charles: Jaguars
Still won’t bet on Denver until something different happens. Stomping down the aisles of the team plane is not that something different.
Caroline: Jaguars
Sorry, I should have included the Broncos in my above disclaimer.
Blake: Broncos
Do I like this pick? Absolutely not. But London games are always weird and I can at least count on Denver’s defense.
3
Steelers at Eagles (-10.5)
Prince: Eagles
I was tempted to take the Steelers, but Eagles coming off a bye week sealed the deal.
Charles: Eagles
Sorry, Caroline. This will be a rough one.
Caroline: Steelers
The Steelers are 100% going to lose. They will, however, keep finding ways to keep it stupidly close and make me think they’re going to do something worthwhile.
Blake: Eagles
I really wish this line would get down to single digits, but considering Sunday is a travel day for the World Series, I imagine Phillies fans will let a lot of pent up emotion gush out at home against their in-state rival. This will not be a fun environment for Pittsburgh (per usual).
4
Cardinals at Vikings (-3.5)
Prince: Cardinals
DeAndre Hopkins had an immediate impact on the Cards offense.
Charles: Vikings
I think Minnesota is for real, especially coming off a bye.
Caroline: Vikings
This was the toughest so far, but I’m going Vikes at home.
Blake: Vikings
It’s officially Call of Duty season. Fade the Cardinals.
5
Dolphins at Lions (+3.5)
Prince: Dolphins
Miami should light up the scoreboard on Detroit.
Charles: Dolphins
Oy, that Lions defense. Not great!
Caroline: Dolphins
This is shocking for the spread to be just 3.5 points in this one. Dolphins by at least a touchdown.
Blake: Lions
This line is way too suspect for me. The book wants me to take Miami so I’m grabbing Detroit at home with the points.
6
Raiders at Saints (+2)
Prince: Raiders
The Saints can’t stop anybody right now.
Charles: Saints
I don’t know. Being at home helps, as does an offense that keeps doing just enough to score points.
Caroline: Raiders
The Raiders loss cost me a parlay last week, but I can’t stop seeing dejected Andy Dalton, so, Vegas it is.
Blake: Raiders
Andy Dalton is starting for New Orleans. That’s all I need to know.
7
Patriots at Jets (+1.5)
Prince: Patriots
Not sure the Jets can keep winning without Breece Hall if Zach Wilson doesn’t play better.
Charles: Jets
I have to ride them until the wheels fall off. And they may fall off this week.
Caroline: Patriots
I typed Jets then deleted it, so the Jets will probably win.
Blake: Patriots
Oh look, it’s Bill Belichick’s favorite punching bag right when he needs it the most. This should tell us a lot about the rest of New England’s season.
8
Bears at Cowboys (-9.5)
Prince: Cowboys
I hope the Bears enjoyed last week’s win.
Charles: Cowboys
Nervous about this one, the Bears are just feisty enough to stay within 10. But the Cowboys’ D is elite.
Caroline: Cowboys
I thought long and hard about the spread, but I think the Dallas defense can keep Chicago at bay.
Blake: Bears
My first homer pick of the year but I kinda, actually, maybe think the Bears figured some stuff out in New England on Monday.
9
Panthers at Falcons (-4.5)
Prince: Falcons
Atlanta will probably find a way to make this closer than it should be, but whatever.
Charles: Falcons
As long as D’Onta Foreman doesn’t run for 200 yards, this should be an easy win for Atlanta.
Caroline: Falcons
The Panthers shocked me last week, but I think this one goes to Atlanta.
Blake: Falcons
Atlanta is 6-1 against the spread. No reason to fade the Falcons yet.
10
Titans at Texans (+2)
Prince: Titans
Tennessee’s offense is bad. Houston’s is worse.
Charles: Titans
Hey, the Titans are a good football team! Who needs elite wide receivers when you can steamroll opponents?
Caroline: Titans
I hate when we all agree, but I’m not going with Houston here.
Blake: Texans
Fine. I’ll be the fool who takes Houston. The Titans are a mess.
11
49ers at Rams (+1.5)
Prince: 49ers
I don’t know what it is, but the Niners just have Sean McVay’s number.
Charles: 49ers
Yep. Even off the bye, got to give it to the Niners.
Caroline: Rams
This is the time McVay figures it out. Maybe. Probably not.
Blake: 49ers
I’m just a bettor asking for a reason to trust the Rams again.
12
Giants at Seahawks (-3)
Prince: Giants
When will oddsmakers learn the Giants are real?
Charles: Seahawks
See, I think this is the week the Giants struggle in a hostile road environment. Or that’s what I’m telling myself so the Giants can continue to win and delight me.
Caroline: Giants
Charles going with the emotional hedge I see.
Blake: Giants
Give me a New York team that’s a perfect 3-0 ATS on the road.
13
Packers at Bills (-12)
Prince: Bills
You thought Green Bay’s last three losses were bad? Just wait for this one.
Charles: Bills
How can you put money behind Aaron Rodgers right now?
Caroline: Bills
I’m the self-proclaimed biggest Bills fan here, but even if I wasn’t there’s zero chance I’m picking the Packers. Even at this spread.
Blake: Bills
I won’t blame anyone for taking Packers with 11+ points but I will not be joining them.
14
Commanders at Colts (-3)
Prince: Commanders
Why would I expect the Colts to be so much better with Sam Ehlinger starting?
Charles: Commanders
However, it would be so Washington to lose this game or not cover.
Caroline: Commanders
But I’m not happy about it.
Blake: Colts
Sam Ehlinger may not be the answer, but he’ll inject more life into the offense than Matt Ryan could.
15
Bengals at Browns (+3.5)
Prince: Bengals
Cincy’s offense has awaken.
Charles: Bengals
Yep.
Caroline: Bengals
Sure.
Blake: Bengals
Joe Burrow is that dude. Again.