Last week, the Cowboys exposed the Vikings by soundly beating them. The Commanders methodically beat the Texans. The Colts squeezed the Eagles. Giants crumbly with injuries and critical mistakes and lost to the Lions. After a slow and injury-riddled start, the 49ers are establishing themselves as firm contenders. The Patriots won on a punt that should have been kicked out of bounds. Raiders win in overtime as Broncos continue to struggle on offence. Chiefs had to come from behind to beat Chargers.
While we are enjoying Thanksgiving turkey and watching some football, this is the beginning of the playoff season, and some teams are establishing themselves; and others will start the process of eliminating themselves. Happy Thanksgiving and have a great week of football.
Pop’s Pop’s record last Week:
Week: Straight up 9-5-0 Spread 3-9-2
Season: Straight up 92-72-1 Spread 83-76-4
Bills (7-3) at Lions(4-6)
Line: Bills are favoured by 9.5
Are the Lions that good, and will they make it four in a row? The Bills are starting to feel at home at Ford Field, playing their second consecutive game there. It will be close, but the Bills win, and it will be two in a row in Detroit.
Bills win but don’t cover.
Bills lead the series 6-4-1
Giants (7-3) at Cowboys (7-3)
Line: Cowboys are favoured by 10.
I don’t know who the Giants will dress in the defensive backfield or offensive line, but whoever it is will need to play big, as it will be a formidable task stopping the Cowboys. I can’t see the Giants keeping close on this one. Cowboys score quickly and often.
Cowboys win and cover.
Cowboys lead the series 72-47-2.
Patriots (6-4) at Vikings (8-2)
Line: Vikings are favoured by 3
Who are these Vikings, and are they as bad as the team that got taken apart by the Cowboys? The Patriots were fortunate on that no-call at the end of the game. With some more luck, the Patriots win while the Vikings continue to lick their wounds. I’m taking the points and the Patriots.
Patriots win.
Patriots lead the series 9-4-0.
Texans (1-8-1) at Dolphins (7-3)
Line: Dolphins are favoured by 13.5
The Texans compete every week and lose, which seems to be the theme of their season. Coming off the bye, the Dolphins are rested and healthier. It won’t be close, but its a big spread to cover.
Dolphins win but don’t cover.
Texans lead the series 8-2-0
Bengals(6-4) at Titans (7-3)
Line: Bengals favoured by 3
The Titans will be well-rested and ready to run at the Bengals. The Titans will remember being knocked out of the playoffs by the Bengals last year and like to get even. The Bengals are playing much better lately and look like the team in last year’s Superbowl. The Bengals will stop the Titans running game and win.
Bengals win and cover.
Titans lead the series 40-36-1.
Broncos (3-7) at Panthers(3-8)
Line: Broncos are favoured by 2
The Panthers have been losing but keeping it close. Broncos have trouble putting points on the board. Panther’s instability at quarterback has been a problematic element to overcome. Broncos muster enough offence to win.
Broncos win and cover.
Broncos lead the series 6-1-0.
Bears (3-8) at Jets (6-4)
Line: Jets favoured by 4.5
Last week the Jets lost on the game’s final play, allowing a punt return for a touchdown. They only scored 3 points, and the offence let the defence down—way too much talking after the game. Horrible performance by Miller, and he should be benched. The Bears have some pieces of a good team, but they won’t win.
Jets win but don’t cover.
Bears lead the series 9-3-0.
Falcons (5-6) at Commanders (6-5)
Line: Commanders are favoured by 4.5
Both teams are vying for a playoff spot, and this is an important game for each of them to win. Commanders consistently do what they must in each game and find a way to map out a victory. Falcons have yet to be as consistent but are improving, but they’re not going to win this game.
Commanders win but don’t cover.
Commanders 16-10-1.
Buccaneers (5-5) at Browns (3-7)
Line: Buccaneers are favoured by 3.5
After seemingly in disarray, the Bucs won two in a row and are in first place in their division. Brady has them moving in the right direction. The Browns are not winning and going nowhere, and I hope this Deshaun thing works out for them.
Buccaneers win.
Browns lead the series 6-4-0.
Ravens (7-3) at Jaguars(3-7)
Line: Ravens are favoured by 4
After a shaky start, the Ravens have steadily improved and are positioning themselves for a playoff spot. Jaguars will keep the game close but need help figuring out how to win.
Ravens win but don’t cover.
Jaguars lead the series 12-10-0.
Raiders (3-7) at Seahawks (6-4)
Line: Seahawks are favoured by 3.5
Raiders narrowly beat the Broncos in overtime. Seahawks couldn’t beat the Bucs overseas. Smith and the Seahawks get back on track. The Raiders will wonder how they blew another lead and why they can’t win.
Seahawks win and cover.
Raiders lead the series 29-26-0
Chargers (5-5) at Cardinals (4-7)
Line: Chargers are favoured by 3
Chargers were on the cusp of beating the Chiefs, but they couldn’t get it done in the end. The Cardinals have shown some flashes this year but are a disappointment. Chargers win.
Chargers win and cover.
Chargers lead the series 10-4-0
Saints (4-7) at 49ers (6-4)
Line: 49ers are favoured by 8.5
The Saints aren’t going to be winning too many more games. The 49ers are rolling along and just beating whoever is on their schedule. This game is going to be a blowout.
49ers win and cover.
49ers lead the series 49-27-2
Rams (3-7) at Chiefs (8-2)
LINE: Chiefs favoured by 14.5
The Rams are a mere shadow of a team that won the Superbowl less than a year ago, but things change quickly. The Chiefs have injuries, but key weapons will be available for Mahomes-no contest.
Chiefs win and cover.
Chiefs lead the series 7-5-0
Packers (5-4) at Eagles (4-7)
Line: Eagles are favoured by 7
The Packers can be good enough to surprise the Cowboys but lose to the Lions. I expect the Packers to come strongly and press for a victory as playoff opportunities continue to evaporate with mounting losses. Packers won’t be able to stop Jalen Hurts.
Eagles win and cover.
Packers lead the series 28-17-0
Steelers (3-7) at Colts(4-6-1)
Line: Colts are favoured by 2.5
Over the years, the Steelers have dominated the Colts. The Steelers are a gritty team with a solid defence. The Colts are playing a lot better but will not win this one.
Steelers win.
Steelers lead the series 26-6-0