This may be the toughest week to predict so far this season as a lot of games feature teams of equal talent level. The Patriots/Chargers game presents two teams that were both predicted to be AFC Champions. The Redskins/Bears feature two teams that make bettors pull their hair out with their inconsistency. Even the Rams/Buccaneers game is evenly matched as both teams have overachieved as both were supposed to be battling each other to see who was a worse football team.
However, there are three mismatches today that we’ll look to put money on where the favourites are Super Bowl contenders. I’ll always be willing to wager on teams that have proven themselves. If I’m successful, of course I’m happy, but if they fail, then you just have to consider it unlucky. I wouldn’t get the same feeling of unluckiness if I bet on a team like the Buffalo Bills or Cleveland Browns. There’s nothing more frustrating to me than putting my money on a bottom-feeder and losing because you realized that you over-thought the situation. Anyways, onto the picks…
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Miami Dolphins
There was worry that the return of Ben Roethlisberger may cause some loss in momentum for the Steelers after getting off to such a good start. Those fears proved to be fruitless as the Steelers dominated the Browns in winning 28-10. After a shaky first half, Roethlisberger found his rhythm again and threw three touchdown passes.
I expect it to be a closer game, but I also expect the same game plan to be successful for the Steelers. You know what they’re going to do. They’ll establish the run game with Rashard Mendenhall, then they’ll open up a bit with Roethlisberger’s passing and by the fourth, they’ll have grinded out the Dolphins defense into submission.
Cleveland Browns vs. New Orleans Saints (-14)
Much was made of the Saints’ inability to put up points on the board like they were able to last season. The biggest problem has been injuries at the running back spot with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas both out for extended periods of time. But Chris Ivory emerged last week to give the Saints a running attack they haven’t had all year.
With the Saints being a multi-dimensional offence again, the Browns could be in for a long day. Colt McCoy showed pretty well in his debut last week against the Steelers, but he can only do so much as an inexperienced rookie. The Browns should be handing the ball off to Peyton Hillis a lot, but the Saints’ run defense is much better than given credit for.
Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens (-14)
Everyone knows how much I rag on my Bills, but I could be ragging on them even more after today’s “effort” against Baltimore. You know a team has struggled on defense badly when the only thing the coach can think of doing to adjust is to change the system completely. The Bills decided after the bye week to change from a 3-4 to a traditional 4-3. Oh the horror!
They’ll also be taking a ticked-off Ravens team that gave away a 10-point lead to the Patriots in losing last week. The Ravens will look to rebound with a win as they head into their bye week.