Cincinnati Bengals (-3) vs. Atlanta Falcons (Madrid)

I may take the upset here. I’m aware the Falcons just registered one of the most embarrassing losses of the season in Tampa, but I’m willing to overlook that given how bad the weather was. I have some questions about the Bengals. Cornerback DJ Turner has a heel injury, and Cashius Howell just broke his wrist. Then, this Cincy defense allowed the lowly Tennessee Titans to put up 440 yards of total offense last week and allowed the first Titans’ 300-yard passing game since the 2023 season. Tony Pollard rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns, so what is Bijan Robinson going to do? Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are the best wide receiving duo in the league, but the Bengals may be due for their first loss in over a month. Remember, this Falcons team beat the San Francisco 49ers the last time they played a game indoors. Give me the points. …
Prediction: Falcons 27, Bengals 23

Los Angeles Rams (-5.5) at Washington Commanders

I think the Washington Commanders are a feisty team that could cover this number, but don’t forget that this is somewhat of a revenge game for Sean McVay. He spent seven seasons in Washington before the Rams made the smart decision to hire this 30-year-old kid to run their franchise. In his first season as a head coach, McVay lost to his former team. Since then, he’s 2-0 vs. Washington, winning each game by at least eight points. The Rams are coming off back-to-back wins by 14+ points. They also could get Myles Garrett back on Sunday. LA is 11-2 SU and 10-3 ATS in its last 13 games vs. teams entering below .500.  …
Prediction: Rams 27, Commanders 17

Denver Broncos (-2.5) at Carolina Panthers

This week, Denver travels to take on the Carolina Panthers. Bryce Young’s offensive line has some serious issues, and those were evident last week against the Packers. Through Week 8, Carolina has allowed 23 sacks, which is tied for second-most in the NFL, with 11 of those sacks coming in the past two games. Plus, the Panthers’ defense has allowed an incredible 42.7 points per contest in their first three home games, which eventually led to the firing of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero last week.  But Carolina is rested facing Denver off Huge Emotional game.
Prediction: Broncos 24, Panthers 23

Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots (-3)

The Packers got some extra rest following their Thursday win over Carolina, while the New England Patriots couldn’t run away from the Miami Dolphins. This Packers offense has been fun to watch — not counting the ground game,  which has registered the fewest rushing yards (485) by a team above .500 through eight games in NFL history. However, Jordan Love leads the NFL with 2,246 passing yards, while Christian Watson and Matthew Golden are the first duo to have 600 yards receiving each through eight games since Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in 2022! Drake Maye has been great, having scored at least three touchdowns over five straight games. This is will be tough for Packers Sunday!
Prediction: Patriots 27, Patriots 20

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears (-6) (SNF)

I’m still taking Chicago to win this game, but I like Tampa to keep it close using the formula it has been rolling out over the last several weeks: running the ball effectively and keeping the opposing offense off balance with well-timed blitzes and elite run-stopping. The Bears showed last week against Seattle that they can move the ball on anyone, but that doesn’t mean it will come as easily as it did on Monday night.  … Prediction: Bears 21, Buccaneers 17