For the second straight week, all four of us picked the Patriots to win.
They made us look smart last week, but this week figures to be a little tougher as New England is on the road and the Browns figure to be better than the hapless Lions.
The Patriots are getting three points to they don’t have to win for us to be victorious. Here’s how we picked it:
New England (plus-3) at Cleveland Chris Mason (Season Record: Locks/Patriots - 2-3/2-3): Patriots — The Browns have allowed 200+ rushing yards in back-to-back losses. The Patriots are running the football exceptionally well. That’s a recipe for a road win in Cleveland
Nick O’Malley (Season Record: Locks/Patriots - (3-2/3-2): Patriots — The Patriots excel at taking one thing away. In this case, I expect that to be the run game. I’m not betting on Jacoby Brissett to beat New England through the air.
Jim Pignatiello (Season Record: Locks/Patriots - (2-2-1/5-0): Patriots — Cleveland has lost to the Jets, Falcons and Chargers over the past four weeks, and you know Bill Belichick will be licking his chops while game-planning against an offense with old friend Jacoby Brissett under center.
Matt Vautour: (Season Record: Locks/Patriots - (3-2/2-3): Patriots — If the Patriots don’t turn the ball over and Rhamondre Stevenson picks up where he left off, they should pull their record to even.
This year, each member of our football coverage team will look at the betting lines and make the one pick they think has the best chance of coming through. If history is an indicator, take our advice at your own peril.
Chris Mason: Bears (-1) over Commanders — Carson Wentz stinks (just ask his head coach). The Bears stink. Thursday Night Football stinks. But hey, now you have a reason to watch!
Nick O’Malley: Jets (+7) over Packers — The Jets are pesky right now. They’ve got Zach Wilson playing well along with a solid young defense. Meanwhile, I’m not a fan of the way Green Bay is playing right now. Wow, I can’t believe I’m going all-in on the Jets this week.
Jim Pignatiello: Chiefs (+2.5) over Bills — The Bills are probably the best team in the NFL, but how often do you get to pick Patrick Mahomes getting points at home? I can’t pass that up.
Matt Vautour: Panthers (-10.5) over Rams — Let’s be clear. I don’t think the Panthers are going to win. I simply think they’ll cover. There’s a lot of history throughout sports of teams playing well in the first game after a coach gets fired and the Rams have been disorganized enough to be vulnerable to it.
carson Wentz takes enough hits on and off the field that short rest is just another obstacle.
Fresh off his coach running him over figuratively, Wentz leads the Washington Commanders (1-4) against the Chicago Bears (2-3) on Thursday night with each team trying to snap a losing streak.
UPSET SPECIAL: COMMANDERS 23-19
New York Jets (plus 7) at Green Bay The Jets (3-2) are improved but Aaron Rodgers and the Packers (3-2) can’t lose to New York teams two straight weeks. BEST BET: PACKERS 30-17
Tampa Bay (minus 8 1/2) at Pittsburgh The Steelers (1-4) were embarrassed in Kenny Pickett’s first career start. The Buccaneers (3-2) still haven’t played up to their lofty standard after barely holding on to beat the Falcons. BUCCANEERS 24-17
Jacksonville (plus 2 1/2) at Indianapolis Matt Ryan and the Colts (2-2-1) seek to get even for a 24-0 shutout in Week 2. The Jaguars (2-3) have stumbled lately. COLTS 23-16
Cincinnati (minus 1 1/2) at New Orleans The defending AFC champion Bengals (2-3) try to even their record after another late loss. The Saints (2-3) look to do the same. Joe Burrow is the difference-maker in this one. BENGALS 24-20
New England (plus 3) at Cleveland The Browns (2-3) gave up 238 yards rushing to the NFL’s worst rushing team. Facing that kind of run defense, the Patriots (2-3) don’t need Mac Jones. BROWNS 23-21
Minnesota (minus 3) at Miami The Vikings (4-1) facing the Dolphins (3-2) and third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson seems like a mismatch. VIKINGS 23-17
Baltimore (minus 5) at New York Giants After knocking off the Packers in London, the Giants (4-1) get no respect from oddsmakers. The Ravens (3-2) should be undefeated if they could hold big leads. RAVENS 33-20
San Francisco (minus 5 1/2) at Atlanta Jimmy Garoppolo is the DJ Khaled of the NFL. All he does is win. 49ERS 24-20
Carolina (plus 10 1/2) at Los Angeles Rams Welcome back to head coaching duties, Steve Wilks. RAMS 34-6
Arizona (minus 2 1/2) at Seattle Kyler Murray and the Cardinals (2-3) are far better on the road than at home under coach Kliff Kingsbury. CARDINALS 28-17
Buffalo (minus 2 1/2) at Kansas City A potential preview of the AFC title game that could determine who hosts the game in January. Bills (4-1) look to get even for their playoff loss in Kansas City last season. The Chiefs (4-1) have a short week after a Monday night win. BILLS 30-27
Dallas (plus 5) at Philadelphia The Eagles (5-0) face their toughest test as they aim to remain the only unbeaten team in the NFL. EAGLES 23-20
Denver (plus 5 1/2) at Los Angeles Chargers Russell Wilson hasn’t given the Broncos (2-3) and their fans what they expected. Justin Herbert and the Chargers (3-2) are back on track. CHARGERS 24-20
2022 RECORD Last Week: Straight up: 11-5. Against spread: 6-9-1. Season: Straight up: 49-31. Against spread: 40-39-1. Best Bet: Straight up: 1-0. Against spread: 1-0.
2022 RECORD Season: Straight up: 4-1. Against spread: 4-1. Upset Special: Straight up: 0-1. Against spread: 1-0. Season: Straight up: 2-3. Against spread: 3-2