Last week, I went 9-5 in my picks for the second week in a row. I was 1-2 with my upset picks. Nonetheless, I am picking four upsets this week. I was leaning towards a fifth and maybe even a sixth, but I’ve finally learned my lesson with picking against the Patriots.
Redskins 13, Vikings 38
The Vikings’ passing attack will continue in this game. Dalvin Cook will also break 100 yards rushing.
Jets 10, Jaguars 27
The Jaguars will beat up on the Jets, just not as badly as the Patriots did.
Buccaneers 16, Titans 27
The Titans’ defense will stand tall against Jameis Winston and Tampa Bay’s offense in this game. Look for big games from Titans running back Derrick Henry and rookie receiver A.J. Brown.
Seahawks 34, Falcons 10
With one less receiving threat to cover after the trade of Mohamed Sanu, the Seahawks should dominate this game on both sides of the ball.
Eagles 17, Bills 21
The Bills’ defense will force a crucial turnover late in the game against Carson Wentz and the Bills will improve to 6-1.
Chargers 17, Bears 24
The Bears’ defense will rebound from a miserable performance against the Saints. Meanwhile, the Chargers will continue their downfall, which may even lead to a key player or two being traded before the deadline on Tuesday.
Giants 24, Lions 31
The Lions, coming off back-to-back divisional losses, will get the better of Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, and the Giants in this one.
Broncos 14, Colts 27
Prior to Emmanuel Sanders being traded to the 49ers, I was leaning on this game as an upset pick. But without one of the few weapons Joe Flacco had at his disposal, Jacoby Brissett will lead the Colts to victory. I like T.Y. Hilton to have a 100-yard, two-touchdown day.
Bengals 17, Rams 30
This is another game with which I was flirting with an upset. However, the addition of Jalen Ramsey’s helped to solidify the struggling Los Angeles secondary. The Rams may even win by 20.
Upset: Cardinals 24, Saints 20
Both quarterbacks have been rolling as of late. I like Kyler Murray for a late-scoring drive to leave New Orleans with a win for his Cardinals.
Upset: Panthers 27, 49ers 24
Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers are coming off their bye week, which is just what the best running back in football needed. I think he will play true to form and help his team deal the 49ers their first loss of the season.
Browns 13, Patriots 38
Tom Brady plus another reliable receiver equals an 8-0 record. I expect a big game from Mohamed Sanu: a two-touchdown debut, and maybe even a trick play or two. The Patriots’ defense will dominate the Browns’ offense as well.
Upset: Raiders 34, Texans 30
Both these teams are coming off losses. I think Jon Gruden’s team will rebound and edge out a victory. Deshaun Watson will play well but the Texans will come up short.
Packers 34, Chiefs 17
Aaron Rodgers will have another four-touchdown performance. The Chiefs, without Patrick Mahomes, will struggle on offense.
Upset: Dolphins 24, Steelers 20
Ryan Fitzpatrick will lead his team to a victory on Monday night, leaving only the Bengals without a win halfway through the season.