Here are my picks for the 2017-18 College Football Playoff Semifinal games.
January 1st, 2018
Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual: (2) Oklahoma Sooners (12-1) vs (3) Georgia Bulldogs (12-1)- 5:00, ESPN: This is such a fascinating matchup by so many aspects. Oklahoma won the Big-12 Championship game over TCU and it's one loss was a close game against an Iowa State team that overachieved this season. Georgia won the SEC Championship game over the Auburn Tigers in dominant fashion and their lone loss ironically came in Auburn against the same Tiger team that they defeated to get here. The winner of this game won't surprise me in anyway, but give me Baker Mayfield and the Sooners here in a close one over Jake Fromm and the Bulldogs.
Prediction: Oklahoma 34, Georgia 27.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: (1) Clemson Tigers (12-1) vs (4) Alabama Crimson Tide (11-1)- 8:45, ESPN: Three straight seasons these two schools hook up, except this time it's in the Semifinals. Clemson won the ACC Championship game over Miami and it's lone loss came at Syracuse in a game which Kelly Bryant got injured in. Alabama didn't play in the SEC Championship game due to it's loss against Auburn, but deserve to be here over Big-10 Champion Ohio State due to the Buckeyes bad loss in Iowa City and the fact the Buckeyes had two losses. This was a very hard call, but give me the Tide in a close one although both teams have the experience from last season and two seasons ago.
Prediction: Alabama 20, Clemson 17.
Friday, December 29, 2017
2017 NFL Week 17 Picks
Here are my picks for week seventeen of the 2017 NFL season.
Green Bay Packers (8-7) vs Detroit Lions (8-7)- 1:00, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a Saturday night shutout home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Detroit is coming off a bad road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. This is a meaningless game and you never know what could happen, but give me the Lions in what could be Jim Caldwell's final game as head coach.
Prediction: Detroit 27, Green Bay 23.
Houston Texans (4-11) vs Indianapolis Colts (3-12)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a Christmas Day home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Indianapolis is coming off a Saturday afternoon road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. This game is awful, but I like Jacoby Brisett to play well here and lead the Colts to a win.
Prediction: Indianapolis 26, Houston 16.
Chicago Bears (5-10) vs Minnesota Vikings (12-3)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a home win over the Cleveland Browns. Minnesota is coming off a shutout Saturday night road win in Green Bay against the Packers. Another meaningless game, but give me the Vikings at home.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, Chicago 16.
New York Jets (5-10) vs New England Patriots (12-3)- 1:00, CBS: New York is coming off a home loss against the Chargers. New England is coming off a home win over the Buffalo Bills. The Pats wrap up home field advantage here with a win or a Steeler loss and I believe they'll get the win, but don't rule out the starters sitting the second half if the lead is big.
Prediction: New England 30, New York 10.
Washington Redskins (7-8) vs New York Giants (2-13)- 1:00, FOX: Washington is coming off a home win over the Denver Broncos. New York is coming off a shutout road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. The Giants have a ton of guys injured and the Redskins do too, but give me the Skins in a close one.
Prediction: Washington 20, New York 16.
Dallas Cowboys (8-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)- 1:00, FOX: Dallas is coming off a bad home loss against the Seattle Seahawks that eliminated them from playoff contention. Philadelphia is coming off a Christmas night home win over the Oakland Raiders. The Eagles have nothing to play for with home field advantage wrapped up so give me the Cowboys to get the win.
Prediction: Dallas 24, Philadelphia 20.
Cleveland Browns (0-15) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a road loss in Chicago against the Bears. Pittsburgh is coming off a dominant Christmas Day road win over the Houston Texans. The Steelers are resting their starters, but I still don't see the Browns winning here as they will finish the season winless.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, Cleveland 13.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-5) vs Tennessee Titans (8-7)- 4:25, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a brutal road loss in Santa Clara against the 49ers. Tennessee is coming off a home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Titans need this game to make the playoffs, but Jags are not resting their starters and I like them to knock off their division rivals to ruin the Titans season.
Prediction: Jacksonville 26, Tennessee 19.
Buffalo Bills (8-7) vs Miami Dolphins (6-9)- 4:25, CBS: Buffalo is coming off a road loss in Foxboro against the Patriots. Miami is coming off a road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. A lot of people like the Dolphins here and I see why, but I like the Bills here in a game that if they win and catch some breaks, they can make the playoffs. I don't see them making the playoffs, but I like them to win this game.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Miami 20.
Carolina Panthers (11-4) vs Atlanta Falcons (9-6)- 4:25, FOX: Carolina is coming off a home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta is coming off a divisional road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. The Falcons must win this game in order to make the playoffs and the Panthers can still win the division with a win and if the Saints lose. The Falcons have been Jekel and Hyde all season long, so give me the Panthers in a very close game.
Prediction: Carolina 24, Atlanta 23.
New Orleans Saints (11-4) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11)- 4:25, FOX: New Orleans is coming off a big divisional home win over the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay is coming off a divisional road loss in Carolina against the Panthers. Jameis Winston has played well lately, but I think the Saints win this game to clinch the NFC South.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Tampa Bay 20.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) vs Baltimore Ravens (9-6)- 4:25, CBS: Cincinnati is coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. Baltimore is coming off a Saturday afternoon home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens need this game to clinch a playoff berth and I believe they will do just that.
Prediction: Baltimore 26, Cincinnati 16.
Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) vs Denver Broncos (5-10)- 4:25, CBS: Kansas City is coming off a home win over the Miami Dolphins to wrap up a playoff berth. Denver is coming off a road loss in Landover against the Redskins. Patrick Mahomes is getting his first career start here for the Chiefs and Paxton Lynch is starting for the Broncos. Give me Mahomes to lead the Chiefs to a win in a meaningless game.
Prediction: Kansas City 24, Denver 16.
Oakland Raiders (6-9) vs Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)- 4:25, CBS: Oakland is coming off a Christmas night road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Los Angeles is coming off a road win in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Chargers need this game to make the playoffs (with a few breaks) and I believe they get this win and the breaks they need as well.
Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Oakland 17.
San Francisco 49ers (5-10) vs Los Angeles Rams (11-4)- 4:25, CBS: San Francisco is coming off their fourth straight win which came at the expense of the playoff bound Jacksonville Jaguars. Los Angeles is coming off a road win in Tennessee against the Titans that clinched them the NFC West. The Rams are sitting their key players such as Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Aaron Donald so give me Jimmy Garrapolo and the Niners to win their fifth straight.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, Los Angeles 13.
Arizona Cardinals (7-8) vs Seattle Seahawks (9-6)- 4:25, FOX: Arizona is coming off a shutout home win over the New York Giants. Seattle is coming off a huge road win in Arlington against the Cowboys. The Seahawks need a win and the Falcons to lose in order to get the final NFC Wild Card spot and that's what I believe happens.
Prediction: Seattle 23, Arizona 16.
Green Bay Packers (8-7) vs Detroit Lions (8-7)- 1:00, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a Saturday night shutout home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. Detroit is coming off a bad road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. This is a meaningless game and you never know what could happen, but give me the Lions in what could be Jim Caldwell's final game as head coach.
Prediction: Detroit 27, Green Bay 23.
Houston Texans (4-11) vs Indianapolis Colts (3-12)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a Christmas Day home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Indianapolis is coming off a Saturday afternoon road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. This game is awful, but I like Jacoby Brisett to play well here and lead the Colts to a win.
Prediction: Indianapolis 26, Houston 16.
Chicago Bears (5-10) vs Minnesota Vikings (12-3)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a home win over the Cleveland Browns. Minnesota is coming off a shutout Saturday night road win in Green Bay against the Packers. Another meaningless game, but give me the Vikings at home.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, Chicago 16.
New York Jets (5-10) vs New England Patriots (12-3)- 1:00, CBS: New York is coming off a home loss against the Chargers. New England is coming off a home win over the Buffalo Bills. The Pats wrap up home field advantage here with a win or a Steeler loss and I believe they'll get the win, but don't rule out the starters sitting the second half if the lead is big.
Prediction: New England 30, New York 10.
Washington Redskins (7-8) vs New York Giants (2-13)- 1:00, FOX: Washington is coming off a home win over the Denver Broncos. New York is coming off a shutout road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. The Giants have a ton of guys injured and the Redskins do too, but give me the Skins in a close one.
Prediction: Washington 20, New York 16.
Dallas Cowboys (8-7) vs Philadelphia Eagles (13-2)- 1:00, FOX: Dallas is coming off a bad home loss against the Seattle Seahawks that eliminated them from playoff contention. Philadelphia is coming off a Christmas night home win over the Oakland Raiders. The Eagles have nothing to play for with home field advantage wrapped up so give me the Cowboys to get the win.
Prediction: Dallas 24, Philadelphia 20.
Cleveland Browns (0-15) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (12-3)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a road loss in Chicago against the Bears. Pittsburgh is coming off a dominant Christmas Day road win over the Houston Texans. The Steelers are resting their starters, but I still don't see the Browns winning here as they will finish the season winless.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, Cleveland 13.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-5) vs Tennessee Titans (8-7)- 4:25, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a brutal road loss in Santa Clara against the 49ers. Tennessee is coming off a home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Titans need this game to make the playoffs, but Jags are not resting their starters and I like them to knock off their division rivals to ruin the Titans season.
Prediction: Jacksonville 26, Tennessee 19.
Buffalo Bills (8-7) vs Miami Dolphins (6-9)- 4:25, CBS: Buffalo is coming off a road loss in Foxboro against the Patriots. Miami is coming off a road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. A lot of people like the Dolphins here and I see why, but I like the Bills here in a game that if they win and catch some breaks, they can make the playoffs. I don't see them making the playoffs, but I like them to win this game.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Miami 20.
Carolina Panthers (11-4) vs Atlanta Falcons (9-6)- 4:25, FOX: Carolina is coming off a home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta is coming off a divisional road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. The Falcons must win this game in order to make the playoffs and the Panthers can still win the division with a win and if the Saints lose. The Falcons have been Jekel and Hyde all season long, so give me the Panthers in a very close game.
Prediction: Carolina 24, Atlanta 23.
New Orleans Saints (11-4) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11)- 4:25, FOX: New Orleans is coming off a big divisional home win over the Atlanta Falcons. Tampa Bay is coming off a divisional road loss in Carolina against the Panthers. Jameis Winston has played well lately, but I think the Saints win this game to clinch the NFC South.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Tampa Bay 20.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) vs Baltimore Ravens (9-6)- 4:25, CBS: Cincinnati is coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. Baltimore is coming off a Saturday afternoon home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens need this game to clinch a playoff berth and I believe they will do just that.
Prediction: Baltimore 26, Cincinnati 16.
Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) vs Denver Broncos (5-10)- 4:25, CBS: Kansas City is coming off a home win over the Miami Dolphins to wrap up a playoff berth. Denver is coming off a road loss in Landover against the Redskins. Patrick Mahomes is getting his first career start here for the Chiefs and Paxton Lynch is starting for the Broncos. Give me Mahomes to lead the Chiefs to a win in a meaningless game.
Prediction: Kansas City 24, Denver 16.
Oakland Raiders (6-9) vs Los Angeles Chargers (8-7)- 4:25, CBS: Oakland is coming off a Christmas night road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Los Angeles is coming off a road win in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Chargers need this game to make the playoffs (with a few breaks) and I believe they get this win and the breaks they need as well.
Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Oakland 17.
San Francisco 49ers (5-10) vs Los Angeles Rams (11-4)- 4:25, CBS: San Francisco is coming off their fourth straight win which came at the expense of the playoff bound Jacksonville Jaguars. Los Angeles is coming off a road win in Tennessee against the Titans that clinched them the NFC West. The Rams are sitting their key players such as Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Aaron Donald so give me Jimmy Garrapolo and the Niners to win their fifth straight.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, Los Angeles 13.
Arizona Cardinals (7-8) vs Seattle Seahawks (9-6)- 4:25, FOX: Arizona is coming off a shutout home win over the New York Giants. Seattle is coming off a huge road win in Arlington against the Cowboys. The Seahawks need a win and the Falcons to lose in order to get the final NFC Wild Card spot and that's what I believe happens.
Prediction: Seattle 23, Arizona 16.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
2017 NFL Week 16 Picks
Here are my picks for week sixteen of the 2017 NFL season.
Saturday, December 23rd
Indianapolis Colts (3-11) vs Baltimore Ravens (8-6)- 4:30, NFLN: Indianapolis is coming off a Thursday night home loss against the Broncos. Baltimore is coming off a divisional road win in Cleveland against the Browns. The Ravens defense is great, especially at home and I like them here to shut down a bad Colts offense and have a great game all around considering the Colts defense is bad too.
Prediction: Baltimore 30, Indianapolis 13.
Minnesota Vikings (11-3) vs Green Bay Packers (7-7)- 8:30, NBC: Minnesota is coming off a dominant home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Green Bay is coming off a road loss in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Packers shut down Aaron Rodgers for the season after being eliminated from playoff contention after bringing him back last week. I like the Vikings here to inch closer to a first-round bye with a narrow road win.
Prediction: Minnesota 24, Green Bay 20.
Sunday, December 24th
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) vs Carolina Panthers (10-4)- 1:00, FOX: Tampa Bay is coming off a brutal Monday night divisional home loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Carolina is coming off a big home win over the Green Bay Packers. The Panthers can clinch a playoff berth with a win here and I believe they'll get the job done.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Tampa Bay 17.
Cleveland Browns (0-14) vs Chicago Bears (4-10)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a divisional home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Chicago is coming off a Saturday afternoon divisional road loss in Detroit against the Lions. A Browns win here cannot be ruled out, but I just don't like them on the road against a Bears defense that isn't really that bad.
Prediction: Chicago 20, Cleveland 13.
Detroit Lions (8-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a Saturday afternoon divisional home win over the Chicago Bears. Cincinnati is coming off a disastrous road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. This screams "trap" for the Lions, who still have a shot at making the playoffs, but the Bengals are a complete mess right now so give me the Lions on the road to keep their playoff hopes alive and stave off elimination.
Prediction: Detroit 30, Cincinnati 20.
Miami Dolphins (6-8) vs Kansas City Chiefs (8-6)- 1:00, CBS: Miami is coming off a divisional road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. Kansas City is coming off a huge Saturday night divisional home win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs are looking like the team that started 5-0 again and can clinch the AFC West with a win here and I believe they'll get it done and that said, they're my lock of the week.
Prediction: Kansas City 34, Miami 16.
Buffalo Bills (8-6) vs New England Patriots (11-3)- 1:00, CBS: Buffalo is coming off a big home win over the Miami Dolphins to keep their playoff hopes alive. New England is coming off a big time road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers in which they got lucky in due to the fact Antonio Brown got hurt and the touchdown catch that got overturned that shouldn't have been overturned. That said, the Pats are looking to wrap up home field advantage in the AFC and I believe get the win and possibly a bye wrapped up here.
Prediction: New England 30, Buffalo 16.
Atlanta Falcons (9-5) vs New Orleans Saints (10-4)- 1:00, FOX: This is an amazing game that could likely determine the NFC South winner. Atlanta is coming off a Monday night divisional road win in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. New Orleans is coming off a home win over the New York Jets. The Saints can at least clinch a playoff berth with a win here and I believe they'll get it done at home.
Prediction: New Orleans 30, Atlanta 27.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-7) vs New York Jets (5-9)- 1:00, CBS: Los Angeles is coming off a bad Saturday night divisional road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. New York is coming off a road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. This screams "trap" for the Chargers against a bad Jet team, but Josh McCown is out for the season for the Jets and if McCown was healthy, I'd take the Jets. Give me the Bolts in a close one.
Prediction: Los Angeles 23, New York 16.
Los Angeles Rams (10-4) vs Tennessee Titans (8-6)- 1:00, FOX: Los Angeles is coming off an absolute dominant divisional road win in Seattle against the Seahawks. Tennessee is coming off a brutal road loss in Santa Clara against the rejuvenated 49ers. The Rams lost their kicker Greg Zuerlin for the season, which will hurt them down the road, but I like them here to wrap up NFC West against a free-falling Titans team.
Prediction: Los Angeles 30, Tennessee 16.
Denver Broncos (5-9) vs Washington Redskins (6-8)- 1:00, CBS: Denver is coming off a Thursday night road win against the Indianapolis Colts. Washington is coming off a home win over the Arizona Cardinals. This game is meaningless by all accounts, but give me Kirk Cousins and the Redskins to win again at home for the second straight week.
Prediction: Washington 24, Denver 23.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) vs San Francisco 49ers (4-10)- 4:05, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a divisional home win over the Houston Texans. San Francisco is coming off a home win over the Tennessee Titans which was their third win in a row. Jimmy Garrapolo has been amazing in this streak and I believe they'll knock off the Jaguars here at home.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, Jacksonville 23.
New York Giants (2-12) vs Arizona Cardinals (6-8)- 4:25, FOX: New York is coming off a divisional home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in a game they should have won. Arizona is coming off a road loss in Landover against the Redskins. This is another meaningless game by all accounts and I like the Cardinals at home despite Drew Stanton starting for them.
Prediction: Arizona 27, New York 20.
Seattle Seahawks (8-6) vs Dallas Cowboys (8-6)- 4:25, FOX: Seattle is coming off a disastrous divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. Dallas is coming off a Sunday night road win in Oakland against the Raiders in which they got lucky in. The winner of this game is still alive in the playoff and the loser is eliminated so this is basically a "loser leaves town match". Give me the Cowboys here at home with Ezekiel Elliott returning to their lineup.
Prediction: Dallas 34, Seattle 23.
Monday, December 25th
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) vs Houston Texans (4-10)- 4:30, NBC: Pittsburgh is coming off a brutal home loss against the New England Patriots in which they were unlucky in with the controversial call and Antonio Brown getting hurt. Houston is coming off a divisional road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Give me the Steelers in a game that will be closer than the experts think now that Brown is out until the playoffs.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Houston 20.
Oakland Raiders (6-8) vs Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)- 8:30, ESPN: Oakland is coming off a Sunday night home loss against the Dallas Cowboys in which Derek Carr fumbled at the goal line at the end of the game. Philadelphia is coming off a narrow divisional road win in East Rutherford against the Giants. The Eagles have caught some breaks with their schedule in wake of this Carson Wentz injury and Nick Foles hasn't been bad for them although their defense has been shaky. I like them to wrap up NFC home field advantage here with a win.
Prediction: Philadelphia 34, Oakland 20.
Saturday, December 23rd
Indianapolis Colts (3-11) vs Baltimore Ravens (8-6)- 4:30, NFLN: Indianapolis is coming off a Thursday night home loss against the Broncos. Baltimore is coming off a divisional road win in Cleveland against the Browns. The Ravens defense is great, especially at home and I like them here to shut down a bad Colts offense and have a great game all around considering the Colts defense is bad too.
Prediction: Baltimore 30, Indianapolis 13.
Minnesota Vikings (11-3) vs Green Bay Packers (7-7)- 8:30, NBC: Minnesota is coming off a dominant home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Green Bay is coming off a road loss in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Packers shut down Aaron Rodgers for the season after being eliminated from playoff contention after bringing him back last week. I like the Vikings here to inch closer to a first-round bye with a narrow road win.
Prediction: Minnesota 24, Green Bay 20.
Sunday, December 24th
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-10) vs Carolina Panthers (10-4)- 1:00, FOX: Tampa Bay is coming off a brutal Monday night divisional home loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Carolina is coming off a big home win over the Green Bay Packers. The Panthers can clinch a playoff berth with a win here and I believe they'll get the job done.
Prediction: Carolina 30, Tampa Bay 17.
Cleveland Browns (0-14) vs Chicago Bears (4-10)- 1:00, CBS: Cleveland is coming off a divisional home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Chicago is coming off a Saturday afternoon divisional road loss in Detroit against the Lions. A Browns win here cannot be ruled out, but I just don't like them on the road against a Bears defense that isn't really that bad.
Prediction: Chicago 20, Cleveland 13.
Detroit Lions (8-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a Saturday afternoon divisional home win over the Chicago Bears. Cincinnati is coming off a disastrous road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. This screams "trap" for the Lions, who still have a shot at making the playoffs, but the Bengals are a complete mess right now so give me the Lions on the road to keep their playoff hopes alive and stave off elimination.
Prediction: Detroit 30, Cincinnati 20.
Miami Dolphins (6-8) vs Kansas City Chiefs (8-6)- 1:00, CBS: Miami is coming off a divisional road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. Kansas City is coming off a huge Saturday night divisional home win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs are looking like the team that started 5-0 again and can clinch the AFC West with a win here and I believe they'll get it done and that said, they're my lock of the week.
Prediction: Kansas City 34, Miami 16.
Buffalo Bills (8-6) vs New England Patriots (11-3)- 1:00, CBS: Buffalo is coming off a big home win over the Miami Dolphins to keep their playoff hopes alive. New England is coming off a big time road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers in which they got lucky in due to the fact Antonio Brown got hurt and the touchdown catch that got overturned that shouldn't have been overturned. That said, the Pats are looking to wrap up home field advantage in the AFC and I believe get the win and possibly a bye wrapped up here.
Prediction: New England 30, Buffalo 16.
Atlanta Falcons (9-5) vs New Orleans Saints (10-4)- 1:00, FOX: This is an amazing game that could likely determine the NFC South winner. Atlanta is coming off a Monday night divisional road win in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. New Orleans is coming off a home win over the New York Jets. The Saints can at least clinch a playoff berth with a win here and I believe they'll get it done at home.
Prediction: New Orleans 30, Atlanta 27.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-7) vs New York Jets (5-9)- 1:00, CBS: Los Angeles is coming off a bad Saturday night divisional road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. New York is coming off a road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. This screams "trap" for the Chargers against a bad Jet team, but Josh McCown is out for the season for the Jets and if McCown was healthy, I'd take the Jets. Give me the Bolts in a close one.
Prediction: Los Angeles 23, New York 16.
Los Angeles Rams (10-4) vs Tennessee Titans (8-6)- 1:00, FOX: Los Angeles is coming off an absolute dominant divisional road win in Seattle against the Seahawks. Tennessee is coming off a brutal road loss in Santa Clara against the rejuvenated 49ers. The Rams lost their kicker Greg Zuerlin for the season, which will hurt them down the road, but I like them here to wrap up NFC West against a free-falling Titans team.
Prediction: Los Angeles 30, Tennessee 16.
Denver Broncos (5-9) vs Washington Redskins (6-8)- 1:00, CBS: Denver is coming off a Thursday night road win against the Indianapolis Colts. Washington is coming off a home win over the Arizona Cardinals. This game is meaningless by all accounts, but give me Kirk Cousins and the Redskins to win again at home for the second straight week.
Prediction: Washington 24, Denver 23.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) vs San Francisco 49ers (4-10)- 4:05, CBS: Jacksonville is coming off a divisional home win over the Houston Texans. San Francisco is coming off a home win over the Tennessee Titans which was their third win in a row. Jimmy Garrapolo has been amazing in this streak and I believe they'll knock off the Jaguars here at home.
Prediction: San Francisco 27, Jacksonville 23.
New York Giants (2-12) vs Arizona Cardinals (6-8)- 4:25, FOX: New York is coming off a divisional home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in a game they should have won. Arizona is coming off a road loss in Landover against the Redskins. This is another meaningless game by all accounts and I like the Cardinals at home despite Drew Stanton starting for them.
Prediction: Arizona 27, New York 20.
Seattle Seahawks (8-6) vs Dallas Cowboys (8-6)- 4:25, FOX: Seattle is coming off a disastrous divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. Dallas is coming off a Sunday night road win in Oakland against the Raiders in which they got lucky in. The winner of this game is still alive in the playoff and the loser is eliminated so this is basically a "loser leaves town match". Give me the Cowboys here at home with Ezekiel Elliott returning to their lineup.
Prediction: Dallas 34, Seattle 23.
Monday, December 25th
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3) vs Houston Texans (4-10)- 4:30, NBC: Pittsburgh is coming off a brutal home loss against the New England Patriots in which they were unlucky in with the controversial call and Antonio Brown getting hurt. Houston is coming off a divisional road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Give me the Steelers in a game that will be closer than the experts think now that Brown is out until the playoffs.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Houston 20.
Oakland Raiders (6-8) vs Philadelphia Eagles (12-2)- 8:30, ESPN: Oakland is coming off a Sunday night home loss against the Dallas Cowboys in which Derek Carr fumbled at the goal line at the end of the game. Philadelphia is coming off a narrow divisional road win in East Rutherford against the Giants. The Eagles have caught some breaks with their schedule in wake of this Carson Wentz injury and Nick Foles hasn't been bad for them although their defense has been shaky. I like them to wrap up NFC home field advantage here with a win.
Prediction: Philadelphia 34, Oakland 20.
Friday, December 15, 2017
2017-18 College Football Bowl Season: Picks
Here are my picks for the 2017-18 College Football bowl season.
Saturday, December 16th
Saturday, December 16th
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: Troy (10-2) vs North Texas (9-4)- 1:00, ESPN: The Trojans have been red hot winning six straight games playing well on both sides of the ball. The Mean Green have won their final five regular season games and lost the Conference-USA Championship to the Owls of Florida Atlantic. The Trojans weren't really great outside of the Sun Belt despite beating LSU in Death Valley and the Mean Green are very underrated and I like them here to pull off the upset.
Pick: North Texas
Pick: North Texas
AutoNation Cure Bowl: WKU (6-6) vs Georgia State (6-5)- 2:30, CBSSN: The Hilltoppers have underachieved this season and they have lost four of their final five games. The Panthers have overachieved this season although they have lost their final two games. The Hilltoppers are just the better team here and they're the pick here.
Pick: WKU
Pick: WKU
Las Vegas Bowl: Oregon (7-5) vs (25) Boise State (10-3)- 3:30, ABC: The Ducks have won three of their final four games to become bowl eligible. The Broncos won seven of their final eight regular season games and also won the MWC Championship game. Justin Herbert is healthy now and it's very possible that they'd have a better record if Herbert was healthy and I like them here in this spot against a Bronco team that wasn't that great offensively outside of the conference.
Pick: Oregon
Pick: Oregon
Gildan New Mexico Bowl: Marshall (7-5) vs Colorado State (7-5)- 4:30, ESPN: The Thundering Herd lost four of their final five games and most of them were close games. The Rams have lost three of their final four games. The Rams are just the better team here and I like them here to win big.
Pick: Colorado State
Pick: Colorado State
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: Middle Tennessee (6-6) vs Arkansas State (7-4)- 8:00, ESPN: The Blue Raiders have won three of their final four games to become bowl eligible. The Redwolves have played well in conference play and were competitive. Outside of conference, it's a different story so give me the Raiders here.
Pick: Middle Tennessee
Pick: Middle Tennessee
Tuesday, December 19th
Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl: Akron (7-6) vs FAU (10-3)- 7:00, ESPN: The Zips played well in conference play for the most part but lost in the MAC title game against the Toledo Rockets. The Owls dominated Conference-USA and won the conference title game over the North Texas Mean Green. The Owls are the easy pick here and I like them big here against a Zips team that isn't great out of conference.
Pick: FAU
Wednesday, December 20th
DXL Frisco Bowl: Louisiana Tech (6-6) vs SMU (7-5)- 8:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs underachieved this season to some degree and won their final two games just to become bowl eligible. The Mustangs lost three of their last four, but the three losses were either close games or against better competition. That said, I like the 'Stangs here despite them losing head coach Chad Morris to Arkansas.
Pick: SMU
Thursday, December 21st
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: Temple (6-6) vs FIU (8-4)- 8:00, ESPN: The Owls won three of their last four games to become bowl eligible. The Panthers had a very good first season under Butch Davis and played well in conference play. That said, I like the Owls here who are the better team and that would be a nice way to cap off Geoff Collins's first season at the helm after Matt Rhule left for Baylor.
Pick: Temple
Friday, December 22nd
Bahamas Bowl: UAB (8-4) vs Ohio (8-4)- 12:30, ESPN: The Blazers have had a great first season back in the FBS after a three year hiatus and here they are in a bowl game with eight wins. The Bobcats had a good season as well despite not making their conference title game due to losing a tiebreaker with the Akron Zips. The Bobcats are the pick here, but it will be a much closer game than the experts think.
Pick: Ohio
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Central Michigan (8-4) vs Wyoming (7-5)- 4:00, ESPN: The Chippewas very quietly had a great season, winning their last five games. The Cowboys had a good season as well although they lost their final two games. If Josh Allen plays in this game, I'll take the Cowboys and if not, give me the Chips.
Pick: Wyoming
Saturday, December 23rd
Birmingham Bowl: Texas Tech (6-6) vs South Florida (9-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The Red Raiders had to win two of their final three games just to become bowl eligible. The Bulls were ranked in the preseason, but you can make a case despite their record that they didn't really live up to expectations considering many people thought they'd be the Group Of 5 team to reach a New Years Six Bowl. That said, the Bulls are the better team and expect a ton of points here.
Pick: South Florida
Armed Forces Bowl: San Diego State (10-2) vs Army (9-3)- 3:30, ESPN: The Aztecs have had a great season and they've won their final four games. The Black Knights have had an amazing season and could have possibly been coming into this game with a eight game winning streak if not for a close loss a few weeks ago in Denton against the North Texas Mean Green. The Aztecs are the pick here and game will be much closer than the experts think.
Pick: San Diego State
Dollar General Bowl: Appalachian State (8-4) vs Toledo (11-2)- 7:00, ESPN: The Mountaineers have a had a good season in conference and they've won their final three games. The Rockets have had a great season winning the MAC championship over the Akron Zips. The Rockets are the better team here and I like them here in a shootout.
Pick: Toledo
Sunday, December 24th
Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State (9-4) vs Houston (7-4)- 8:30, ESPN: This is a nice bowl game for Christmas Eve. The Bulldogs had a tremendous season in conference although they lost the MWC title game against the Boise State Broncos. The Cougars won three of their last four games to become bowl eligible. This was a hard call, but I like the Bulldogs here to cap off a great turnaround from a season ago.
Pick: Fresno State
Tuesday, December 26th
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: Utah (6-6) vs West Virginia (7-5)- 1:30, ESPN: The Utes lost two of their final three games and six of their final eight games. The Mountaineers lost their final two games and lost Will Grier for the season with a broken finger. The Utes are much better than their record indicates and their defense is very good and will slow down the Grier-less Mountaineer offense.
Pick: Utah
Pick: FAU
Wednesday, December 20th
DXL Frisco Bowl: Louisiana Tech (6-6) vs SMU (7-5)- 8:00, ESPN: The Bulldogs underachieved this season to some degree and won their final two games just to become bowl eligible. The Mustangs lost three of their last four, but the three losses were either close games or against better competition. That said, I like the 'Stangs here despite them losing head coach Chad Morris to Arkansas.
Pick: SMU
Thursday, December 21st
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: Temple (6-6) vs FIU (8-4)- 8:00, ESPN: The Owls won three of their last four games to become bowl eligible. The Panthers had a very good first season under Butch Davis and played well in conference play. That said, I like the Owls here who are the better team and that would be a nice way to cap off Geoff Collins's first season at the helm after Matt Rhule left for Baylor.
Pick: Temple
Friday, December 22nd
Bahamas Bowl: UAB (8-4) vs Ohio (8-4)- 12:30, ESPN: The Blazers have had a great first season back in the FBS after a three year hiatus and here they are in a bowl game with eight wins. The Bobcats had a good season as well despite not making their conference title game due to losing a tiebreaker with the Akron Zips. The Bobcats are the pick here, but it will be a much closer game than the experts think.
Pick: Ohio
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Central Michigan (8-4) vs Wyoming (7-5)- 4:00, ESPN: The Chippewas very quietly had a great season, winning their last five games. The Cowboys had a good season as well although they lost their final two games. If Josh Allen plays in this game, I'll take the Cowboys and if not, give me the Chips.
Pick: Wyoming
Saturday, December 23rd
Birmingham Bowl: Texas Tech (6-6) vs South Florida (9-2)- 12:00, ESPN: The Red Raiders had to win two of their final three games just to become bowl eligible. The Bulls were ranked in the preseason, but you can make a case despite their record that they didn't really live up to expectations considering many people thought they'd be the Group Of 5 team to reach a New Years Six Bowl. That said, the Bulls are the better team and expect a ton of points here.
Pick: South Florida
Armed Forces Bowl: San Diego State (10-2) vs Army (9-3)- 3:30, ESPN: The Aztecs have had a great season and they've won their final four games. The Black Knights have had an amazing season and could have possibly been coming into this game with a eight game winning streak if not for a close loss a few weeks ago in Denton against the North Texas Mean Green. The Aztecs are the pick here and game will be much closer than the experts think.
Pick: San Diego State
Dollar General Bowl: Appalachian State (8-4) vs Toledo (11-2)- 7:00, ESPN: The Mountaineers have a had a good season in conference and they've won their final three games. The Rockets have had a great season winning the MAC championship over the Akron Zips. The Rockets are the better team here and I like them here in a shootout.
Pick: Toledo
Sunday, December 24th
Hawaii Bowl: Fresno State (9-4) vs Houston (7-4)- 8:30, ESPN: This is a nice bowl game for Christmas Eve. The Bulldogs had a tremendous season in conference although they lost the MWC title game against the Boise State Broncos. The Cougars won three of their last four games to become bowl eligible. This was a hard call, but I like the Bulldogs here to cap off a great turnaround from a season ago.
Pick: Fresno State
Tuesday, December 26th
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: Utah (6-6) vs West Virginia (7-5)- 1:30, ESPN: The Utes lost two of their final three games and six of their final eight games. The Mountaineers lost their final two games and lost Will Grier for the season with a broken finger. The Utes are much better than their record indicates and their defense is very good and will slow down the Grier-less Mountaineer offense.
Pick: Utah
Quick Lane Bowl: Duke (6-6) vs Northern Illinois (8-4)- 5:15, ESPN: The Blue Devils won their final two games to become bowl eligible. The Huskies played very well in conference play winning six of their eight conference games. The Blue Devils are the better team here and they should win this game comfortably.
Pick: Duke
Cactus Bowl: Kansas State (7-5) vs UCLA (6-6)- 9:00, ESPN: The Wildcats have underachieved this season relative to preseason expectations although they won four of their last five games. The Bruins underachieved too which led to the firing of Jim Mora. Josh Rosen will not play in this game and I like the Wildcats here to take this one.
Pick: Kansas State
Wednesday, December 27th
Walk-On's Independence Bowl: Southern Miss (8-4) vs Florida State (6-6)- 1:30, ESPN: The Golden Eagles won their final three games and are one of the sneaky good C-USA teams. The Seminoles have massively underachieved this season and they won their final three games to become bowl eligible. Despite Jimbo Fisher leaving for Texas A&M and the team underachieving, I like the Noles to win this bowl game.
Pick: Florida State
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa (7-5) vs Boston College (7-5)- 5:15, ESPN: The Hawkeyes lost two of their final three games and before that was their signature win of this season over the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Eagles won five of their final six games to become bowl eligible. The Eagles have been playing really well and I like them here over a Hawkeye team that has only looked dominant a few times this season.
Pick: Boston College
Foster Farms Bowl: Arizona (7-5) vs Purdue (6-6)- 8:30, FOX: The Wildcats lost three of their final four games, but those games were against tougher opponents. The Boiler Makers overachieved this season and they won their final two games to become bowl eligible. Khalil Tate is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the country and I like him to lead the Wildcats here to a win.
Pick: Arizona
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl: Texas (6-6) vs Missouri (7-5)- 9:00, ESPN: The Longhorns underachieved in Tom Herman's first season and they had to win two of their final three games to become bowl eligible. The Tigers overachieved this season and won their final six games to become bowl eligible. The Longhorns are just the more talented team here and I like them to win this game and it helps that it's in state.
Pick: Texas
Thursday, December 28th
Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman: Virginia (6-6) vs Navy (6-6)- 1:30, ESPN: The Cavaliers overachieved this season, although they lost five of their last six games. The Midshipmen underachieved to some sort this season and they lost six of their last seven games. The Cavs were pretty good outside of conference this season and I like them here despite the Midshipmen playing in their own building.
Pick: Virginia
Camping World Bowl: (22) Virginia Tech (9-3) vs (19) Oklahoma State (9-3)- 5:15, ESPN: This is a pretty good game. The Hokies have kinda limped into this spot, splitting their final four games. The Cowboys split their final four games as well. The Cowboys offense led by Mason Rudolph and James Washington will dominate against a Hokies defense that isn't very good against elite offenses.
Pick: Oklahoma State
Valero Alamo Bowl: (13) Stanford (9-4) vs (15) TCU (10-3)- 9:00, ESPN: This is another great game. The Cardinal lost the Pac-12 title game and are much better than their record indicates. The Horned Frogs lost the Big-12 title game and you can argue are a little worse than their record indicates. Bryce Love is playing and I love the Cardinal here in a close one.
Pick: Stanford
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: (18) Washington State (9-3) vs (16) Michigan State (9-3)- 9:00, FS1: Here's another great game. The Cougars split their final six games and have not played that well away from home. The Spartans were tremendous in conference play this season with the exception of their game in Columbus. This was a hard call, but I like the Spartans here and I don't love the Cougs away from home.
Pick: Michigan State
Friday, December 29th
Belk Bowl: Wake Forest (7-5) vs Texas A&M (7-5)- 1:00, ESPN: The Demon Decons won three of their last five to become bowl eligible. The Aggies lost four of their last seven games and it cost Kevin Sumlin his job. This wasn't an easy call, but give me the Demon Decons in a high scoring game.
Pick: Wake Forest
Hyundai Sun Bowl: (24) North Carolina State (8-4) vs Arizona State (7-5)- 2:30, CBS: The Wolfpack lost three of their last five games and are arguably better than their record indicates. The Sun Devils won three of their last four to become bowl eligible although Todd Graham lost his job. The Wolfpack are the better team here and I like Ryan Finley to lead them to a bowl win.
Pick: North Carolina State
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Utah State (6-6) vs New Mexico State (6-6)- 5:30, CBSSN: The Utah State Aggies lost four of their last seven games. The New Mexico State Aggies won their final two games to become bowl eligible. Utah State is the better team here and I like them to pull this one out late.
Pick: Utah State
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: (8) USC (11-2) vs (5) Ohio State (11-2)- 8:30, ESPN: This one could be an all-timer. The Pac-12 champion Trojans have won five straight games en route to their conference title. The Big-10 champion Buckeyes have won four straight games en route to their conference title and would have been in the playoff if not for an ugly blowout defeat in Iowa City. This will be the final collegiate game for each teams quarterback in Sam Darnold and JT Barrett as well. I love Darnold and the Trojans here in a tight game with a ton of points.
Pick: USC
Saturday, December 30th
TaxSlayer Bowl: Louisville (8-4) vs (23) Mississippi State (8-4)- 12:00, ESPN: This is a fun game. The Cardinals have underachieved this season although they won their final three games. The Bulldogs lost two of their final three games and Nick Fitzgerald fractured his ankle in the Egg Bowl. Lamar Jackson put together another amazing season that got him a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist and he'll head the Cardinals to a bowl win.
Pick: Louisville
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Iowa State (7-5) vs (20) Memphis (10-2)- 12:30, ABC: The Cyclones overachieved this season although they lost three of their last four games. The Tigers have had an amazing season despite losing the AAC title game against the UCF Knights. The Tigers are the better team here and it'll help that they're playing at home and Riley Ferguson will lead the way in a high scoring affair.
Pick: Memphis
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: (11) Washington (10-2) vs (9) Penn State (10-2)- 4:00, ESPN: This is going to be a great game. The Huskies have won four of their last five and both games they lost this season were close contests. The Nittany Lions had a great season in which their two losses were a combined four points. This will be Saquon Barkley's final collegiate game and I like Barkley and Trace McSorely to lead the way to a New Years Six bowl win for the Lions although I think Jake Browning will make plays for the Huskies to keep them in it.
Pick: Penn State
Capital One Orange Bowl: (6) Wisconsin (12-1) vs (10) Miami (11-2)- 8:00, ESPN: This is another great game. The Badgers went unbeaten in the regular season, but ended up losing in the Big-10 Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Hurricanes had a great season too, but they lost two of their final three including the ACC Championship game against the Clemson Tigers. I absolutely love the Hurricanes here on their home turf with their great defense and I like Malik Rosier to outduel Alex Hornibrook as well.
Pick: Miami
Monday, January 1st
Outback Bowl: Michigan (8-4) vs South Carolina (8-4)- 12:00, ESPN2: This game is sneaky good between two teams that are good defensively. The Wolverines lost their final two games although they were against better opponents. The Gamecocks split their final four games and the two losses came against Georgia and Clemson. I like the Wolverines in a low scoring game here.
Pick: Michigan
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: (12) UCF (12-0) vs (7) Auburn (10-3)- 12:30, ESPN: This is a very good matchup here. The Knights went unbeaten this season and are really good offensively. The Tigers were a win away from the College Football Playoff and were blown out by Georgia in the SEC Championship game. I like the Tigers in a close, high scoring affair.
Pick: Auburn
Citrus Bowl: (14) Notre Dame (9-3) vs (17) LSU (9-3)- 1:00, ABC: This should be a fun game as well. The Fighting Irish lost two of their final three games but were both on the road against ranked opponents. The Tigers very quietly won their final three games. I love the Irish in this spot and I like Brandon Wimbush to lead them to a win.
Pick: Notre Dame
Cactus Bowl: Kansas State (7-5) vs UCLA (6-6)- 9:00, ESPN: The Wildcats have underachieved this season relative to preseason expectations although they won four of their last five games. The Bruins underachieved too which led to the firing of Jim Mora. Josh Rosen will not play in this game and I like the Wildcats here to take this one.
Pick: Kansas State
Wednesday, December 27th
Walk-On's Independence Bowl: Southern Miss (8-4) vs Florida State (6-6)- 1:30, ESPN: The Golden Eagles won their final three games and are one of the sneaky good C-USA teams. The Seminoles have massively underachieved this season and they won their final three games to become bowl eligible. Despite Jimbo Fisher leaving for Texas A&M and the team underachieving, I like the Noles to win this bowl game.
Pick: Florida State
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa (7-5) vs Boston College (7-5)- 5:15, ESPN: The Hawkeyes lost two of their final three games and before that was their signature win of this season over the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Eagles won five of their final six games to become bowl eligible. The Eagles have been playing really well and I like them here over a Hawkeye team that has only looked dominant a few times this season.
Pick: Boston College
Foster Farms Bowl: Arizona (7-5) vs Purdue (6-6)- 8:30, FOX: The Wildcats lost three of their final four games, but those games were against tougher opponents. The Boiler Makers overachieved this season and they won their final two games to become bowl eligible. Khalil Tate is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in the country and I like him to lead the Wildcats here to a win.
Pick: Arizona
Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl: Texas (6-6) vs Missouri (7-5)- 9:00, ESPN: The Longhorns underachieved in Tom Herman's first season and they had to win two of their final three games to become bowl eligible. The Tigers overachieved this season and won their final six games to become bowl eligible. The Longhorns are just the more talented team here and I like them to win this game and it helps that it's in state.
Pick: Texas
Thursday, December 28th
Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman: Virginia (6-6) vs Navy (6-6)- 1:30, ESPN: The Cavaliers overachieved this season, although they lost five of their last six games. The Midshipmen underachieved to some sort this season and they lost six of their last seven games. The Cavs were pretty good outside of conference this season and I like them here despite the Midshipmen playing in their own building.
Pick: Virginia
Camping World Bowl: (22) Virginia Tech (9-3) vs (19) Oklahoma State (9-3)- 5:15, ESPN: This is a pretty good game. The Hokies have kinda limped into this spot, splitting their final four games. The Cowboys split their final four games as well. The Cowboys offense led by Mason Rudolph and James Washington will dominate against a Hokies defense that isn't very good against elite offenses.
Pick: Oklahoma State
Valero Alamo Bowl: (13) Stanford (9-4) vs (15) TCU (10-3)- 9:00, ESPN: This is another great game. The Cardinal lost the Pac-12 title game and are much better than their record indicates. The Horned Frogs lost the Big-12 title game and you can argue are a little worse than their record indicates. Bryce Love is playing and I love the Cardinal here in a close one.
Pick: Stanford
San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl: (18) Washington State (9-3) vs (16) Michigan State (9-3)- 9:00, FS1: Here's another great game. The Cougars split their final six games and have not played that well away from home. The Spartans were tremendous in conference play this season with the exception of their game in Columbus. This was a hard call, but I like the Spartans here and I don't love the Cougs away from home.
Pick: Michigan State
Friday, December 29th
Belk Bowl: Wake Forest (7-5) vs Texas A&M (7-5)- 1:00, ESPN: The Demon Decons won three of their last five to become bowl eligible. The Aggies lost four of their last seven games and it cost Kevin Sumlin his job. This wasn't an easy call, but give me the Demon Decons in a high scoring game.
Pick: Wake Forest
Hyundai Sun Bowl: (24) North Carolina State (8-4) vs Arizona State (7-5)- 2:30, CBS: The Wolfpack lost three of their last five games and are arguably better than their record indicates. The Sun Devils won three of their last four to become bowl eligible although Todd Graham lost his job. The Wolfpack are the better team here and I like Ryan Finley to lead them to a bowl win.
Pick: North Carolina State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: Kentucky (7-5) vs (21) Northwestern (9-3)- 4:30, ESPN: The Kentucky Wildcats had a nice season although they lost three of their final four games. The Northwestern Wildcats are red hot, winners of their last seven games. I love the Purple Cats because of how hot they've been and the fact that there are just the better team.
Pick: Northwestern
Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl: Utah State (6-6) vs New Mexico State (6-6)- 5:30, CBSSN: The Utah State Aggies lost four of their last seven games. The New Mexico State Aggies won their final two games to become bowl eligible. Utah State is the better team here and I like them to pull this one out late.
Pick: Utah State
Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic: (8) USC (11-2) vs (5) Ohio State (11-2)- 8:30, ESPN: This one could be an all-timer. The Pac-12 champion Trojans have won five straight games en route to their conference title. The Big-10 champion Buckeyes have won four straight games en route to their conference title and would have been in the playoff if not for an ugly blowout defeat in Iowa City. This will be the final collegiate game for each teams quarterback in Sam Darnold and JT Barrett as well. I love Darnold and the Trojans here in a tight game with a ton of points.
Pick: USC
Saturday, December 30th
TaxSlayer Bowl: Louisville (8-4) vs (23) Mississippi State (8-4)- 12:00, ESPN: This is a fun game. The Cardinals have underachieved this season although they won their final three games. The Bulldogs lost two of their final three games and Nick Fitzgerald fractured his ankle in the Egg Bowl. Lamar Jackson put together another amazing season that got him a trip to New York as a Heisman finalist and he'll head the Cardinals to a bowl win.
Pick: Louisville
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Iowa State (7-5) vs (20) Memphis (10-2)- 12:30, ABC: The Cyclones overachieved this season although they lost three of their last four games. The Tigers have had an amazing season despite losing the AAC title game against the UCF Knights. The Tigers are the better team here and it'll help that they're playing at home and Riley Ferguson will lead the way in a high scoring affair.
Pick: Memphis
PlayStation Fiesta Bowl: (11) Washington (10-2) vs (9) Penn State (10-2)- 4:00, ESPN: This is going to be a great game. The Huskies have won four of their last five and both games they lost this season were close contests. The Nittany Lions had a great season in which their two losses were a combined four points. This will be Saquon Barkley's final collegiate game and I like Barkley and Trace McSorely to lead the way to a New Years Six bowl win for the Lions although I think Jake Browning will make plays for the Huskies to keep them in it.
Pick: Penn State
Capital One Orange Bowl: (6) Wisconsin (12-1) vs (10) Miami (11-2)- 8:00, ESPN: This is another great game. The Badgers went unbeaten in the regular season, but ended up losing in the Big-10 Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Hurricanes had a great season too, but they lost two of their final three including the ACC Championship game against the Clemson Tigers. I absolutely love the Hurricanes here on their home turf with their great defense and I like Malik Rosier to outduel Alex Hornibrook as well.
Pick: Miami
Monday, January 1st
Outback Bowl: Michigan (8-4) vs South Carolina (8-4)- 12:00, ESPN2: This game is sneaky good between two teams that are good defensively. The Wolverines lost their final two games although they were against better opponents. The Gamecocks split their final four games and the two losses came against Georgia and Clemson. I like the Wolverines in a low scoring game here.
Pick: Michigan
Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl: (12) UCF (12-0) vs (7) Auburn (10-3)- 12:30, ESPN: This is a very good matchup here. The Knights went unbeaten this season and are really good offensively. The Tigers were a win away from the College Football Playoff and were blown out by Georgia in the SEC Championship game. I like the Tigers in a close, high scoring affair.
Pick: Auburn
Citrus Bowl: (14) Notre Dame (9-3) vs (17) LSU (9-3)- 1:00, ABC: This should be a fun game as well. The Fighting Irish lost two of their final three games but were both on the road against ranked opponents. The Tigers very quietly won their final three games. I love the Irish in this spot and I like Brandon Wimbush to lead them to a win.
Pick: Notre Dame
Thursday, December 14, 2017
2017 NFL Week 15 Picks
Here are my picks for week fifteen of the 2017 NFL season.
Thursday, December 14th
Denver Broncos (4-9) vs Indianapolis Colts (3-10)- 8:25, NBC/NFLN: Denver is coming off their first win in a long time which was a home win over New York Jets. Indianapolis is coming off an overtime road loss in Orchard Park in the snow against the Bills. The popular pick is the Broncos, but I like the Colts here at home to pull off somewhat of an upset.
Prediction: Indianapolis 23, Denver 20.
Saturday December 16th
Chicago Bears (4-9) vs Detroit Lions (7-6)- 4:30, NFLN: Chicago is coming off a nice road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. Detroit is coming off a road win in Tampa against the Bucs to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. I believe their playoff hopes stay alive yet again against a team that may have a letdown after a dominant performance a week.
Prediction: Detroit 30, Chicago 16.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-6) vs Kansas City Chiefs (7-6)- 8:25, NFLN: This is a big time divisional game. Los Angeles is coming off a home win over the Washington Redskins that put the team over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Kansas City is coming off a dominant divisional home win over the Oakland Raiders. This was a hard call, but give me Phillip Rivers to lead the Chargers to a big time road win.
Prediction: Los Angeles 24, Kansas City 23.
Sunday, December 17th
Miami Dolphins (6-7) vs Buffalo Bills (7-6)- 1:00, CBS: Miami is coming off a tremendous Monday night divisional home win over the New England Patriots. Buffalo is coming off a fun overtime home win in the snow against the Indianapolis Colts. I see a major letdown for the Dolphins after that big win as the Bills keep their slim playoff hopes alive,
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Miami 13.
Green Bay Packers (7-6) vs Carolina Panthers (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: Green Bay is coming off an overtime road win in Cleveland against the Browns to barely avoid the trap. Carolina is coming off a big home win over the Minnesota Vikings to be in the drivers seat in the NFC Wild Card race and to keep their super slim division hopes alive. With the return of Aaron Rodgers here, I believe he'll lead the Packers to a great road win.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, Carolina 24.
Baltimore Ravens (7-6) vs Cleveland Browns (0-13)- 1:00, CBS: Baltimore is coming off a brutal Sunday night divisional road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers in which they blew a double digit lead in. Cleveland is coming off an overtime home loss against the Green Bay Packers. If the Browns don't win this game, than 0-16 is a distinct possibility. The Ravens need this game to keep their playoff hopes alike and I believe they'll squeak by the leagues worst team.
Prediction: Baltimore 23, Cleveland 16.
Houston Texans (4-9) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a home loss against the rejuvenated San Francisco 49ers. Jacksonville is coming off a huge home win over the Seattle Seahawks to keep their hopes of winning the AFC South alive. I absolutely love the Jags here at home against a Texans team that's not playing for much.
Prediction: Jacksonville 26, Houston 13.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) vs Minnesota Vikings (10-3)- 1:00, FOX: Cincinnati is coming off a disastrous home loss against the Chicago Bears. Minnesota is coming off a tough road loss in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Bengals look like they quit on their coach and I love the Vikings to bounce back here to clinch their division and keep their hopes of home field advantage in the NFC alive.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, Cincinnati 16.
New York Jets (5-8) vs New Orleans Saints (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: New York is coming off a a disastrous road loss in Denver against the Broncos in which Josh McCown broke his hand in. New Orleans is coming off a brutal Thursday night divisional road loss in Atlanta against the Falcons. Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Alvin Kamara should be ready to play after his concussion and with him playing and with Bryce Petty starting for the injured McCown, the Saints are my lock of the week.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, New York 13.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) vs New York Giants (2-11)- 1:00, FOX: Philadelphia is coming off a huge road win in Los Angeles against the Rams and it came at a cost as the team lost perhaps the MVP favorite Carson Wentz for the season with a torn ACL. New York is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Cowboys in which the game seemed closer than the final score indicated. The Giants will keep this game closer than people think since it's a divisional game and the Eagles will miss Wentz. The Eagles defense is pretty good and that will be the difference here.
Prediction: Philadelphia 20, New York 16.
Arizona Cardinals (6-7) vs Washington Redskins (5-8)- 1:00, FOX: Arizona is coming off a home win over the Tennessee Titans. Washington is coming off a road loss in Los Angeles against the red-hot Chargers. This was a hard call considering this is a meaningless game by all accounts, but give me Kirk Cousins and the Skins at home.
Prediction: Washington 26, Arizona 23.
Los Angeles Rams (9-4) vs Seattle Seahawks (8-5)- 4:05, FOX: By all accounts, this game will determine the NFC West. Los Angeles is coming off a tough home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Seattle is coming off a brutal road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. This was a hard call, but give me the Seahawks who always comes up big at home.
Prediction: Seattle 24, Los Angeles 20.
New England Patriots (10-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2)- 4:25, CBS: Here is perhaps the biggest game of the NFL season thus far in which the winner likely gets the AFC's top seed. New England is coming off a bad Monday night road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Pittsburgh is coming off a Sunday night divisional home win over the Baltimore a Ravens in which they were down double digits in. I would normally pick the Steelers at home here, but Tom Brady has pretty much owned the Steelers throughout his career and I like the Pats here in a close one.
Prediction: New England 34, Pittsburgh 33.
Tennessee Titans (8-5) vs San Francisco 49ers (3-10)- 4:25, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. San Francisco is coming off a road win in Houston against the Texans. The Niners are rejuvenated with Jimmy Garrapolo and I like them to win their third in a row to ruin the Titans hopes of winning their division.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Tennessee 16.
Dallas Cowboys (7-6) vs Oakland Raiders (6-7)- 8:30, NBC: This game looked much more enticing before the season began than it does right now. Dallas is coming off a road win in East Rutherford against the Giants to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Oakland is coming off a bad road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Raiders playoff hopes are pretty much dead and I like the Cowboys here to pick up another road win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive as Ezekiel Elliott's return looms next week.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Oakland 20.
Monday, December 18th
Coming soon!
Thursday, December 14th
Denver Broncos (4-9) vs Indianapolis Colts (3-10)- 8:25, NBC/NFLN: Denver is coming off their first win in a long time which was a home win over New York Jets. Indianapolis is coming off an overtime road loss in Orchard Park in the snow against the Bills. The popular pick is the Broncos, but I like the Colts here at home to pull off somewhat of an upset.
Prediction: Indianapolis 23, Denver 20.
Saturday December 16th
Chicago Bears (4-9) vs Detroit Lions (7-6)- 4:30, NFLN: Chicago is coming off a nice road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. Detroit is coming off a road win in Tampa against the Bucs to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. I believe their playoff hopes stay alive yet again against a team that may have a letdown after a dominant performance a week.
Prediction: Detroit 30, Chicago 16.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-6) vs Kansas City Chiefs (7-6)- 8:25, NFLN: This is a big time divisional game. Los Angeles is coming off a home win over the Washington Redskins that put the team over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Kansas City is coming off a dominant divisional home win over the Oakland Raiders. This was a hard call, but give me Phillip Rivers to lead the Chargers to a big time road win.
Prediction: Los Angeles 24, Kansas City 23.
Sunday, December 17th
Miami Dolphins (6-7) vs Buffalo Bills (7-6)- 1:00, CBS: Miami is coming off a tremendous Monday night divisional home win over the New England Patriots. Buffalo is coming off a fun overtime home win in the snow against the Indianapolis Colts. I see a major letdown for the Dolphins after that big win as the Bills keep their slim playoff hopes alive,
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Miami 13.
Green Bay Packers (7-6) vs Carolina Panthers (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: Green Bay is coming off an overtime road win in Cleveland against the Browns to barely avoid the trap. Carolina is coming off a big home win over the Minnesota Vikings to be in the drivers seat in the NFC Wild Card race and to keep their super slim division hopes alive. With the return of Aaron Rodgers here, I believe he'll lead the Packers to a great road win.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, Carolina 24.
Baltimore Ravens (7-6) vs Cleveland Browns (0-13)- 1:00, CBS: Baltimore is coming off a brutal Sunday night divisional road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers in which they blew a double digit lead in. Cleveland is coming off an overtime home loss against the Green Bay Packers. If the Browns don't win this game, than 0-16 is a distinct possibility. The Ravens need this game to keep their playoff hopes alike and I believe they'll squeak by the leagues worst team.
Prediction: Baltimore 23, Cleveland 16.
Houston Texans (4-9) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: Houston is coming off a home loss against the rejuvenated San Francisco 49ers. Jacksonville is coming off a huge home win over the Seattle Seahawks to keep their hopes of winning the AFC South alive. I absolutely love the Jags here at home against a Texans team that's not playing for much.
Prediction: Jacksonville 26, Houston 13.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) vs Minnesota Vikings (10-3)- 1:00, FOX: Cincinnati is coming off a disastrous home loss against the Chicago Bears. Minnesota is coming off a tough road loss in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Bengals look like they quit on their coach and I love the Vikings to bounce back here to clinch their division and keep their hopes of home field advantage in the NFC alive.
Prediction: Minnesota 30, Cincinnati 16.
New York Jets (5-8) vs New Orleans Saints (9-4)- 1:00, CBS: New York is coming off a a disastrous road loss in Denver against the Broncos in which Josh McCown broke his hand in. New Orleans is coming off a brutal Thursday night divisional road loss in Atlanta against the Falcons. Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite Alvin Kamara should be ready to play after his concussion and with him playing and with Bryce Petty starting for the injured McCown, the Saints are my lock of the week.
Prediction: New Orleans 34, New York 13.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) vs New York Giants (2-11)- 1:00, FOX: Philadelphia is coming off a huge road win in Los Angeles against the Rams and it came at a cost as the team lost perhaps the MVP favorite Carson Wentz for the season with a torn ACL. New York is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Cowboys in which the game seemed closer than the final score indicated. The Giants will keep this game closer than people think since it's a divisional game and the Eagles will miss Wentz. The Eagles defense is pretty good and that will be the difference here.
Prediction: Philadelphia 20, New York 16.
Arizona Cardinals (6-7) vs Washington Redskins (5-8)- 1:00, FOX: Arizona is coming off a home win over the Tennessee Titans. Washington is coming off a road loss in Los Angeles against the red-hot Chargers. This was a hard call considering this is a meaningless game by all accounts, but give me Kirk Cousins and the Skins at home.
Prediction: Washington 26, Arizona 23.
Los Angeles Rams (9-4) vs Seattle Seahawks (8-5)- 4:05, FOX: By all accounts, this game will determine the NFC West. Los Angeles is coming off a tough home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Seattle is coming off a brutal road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. This was a hard call, but give me the Seahawks who always comes up big at home.
Prediction: Seattle 24, Los Angeles 20.
New England Patriots (10-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2)- 4:25, CBS: Here is perhaps the biggest game of the NFL season thus far in which the winner likely gets the AFC's top seed. New England is coming off a bad Monday night road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Pittsburgh is coming off a Sunday night divisional home win over the Baltimore a Ravens in which they were down double digits in. I would normally pick the Steelers at home here, but Tom Brady has pretty much owned the Steelers throughout his career and I like the Pats here in a close one.
Prediction: New England 34, Pittsburgh 33.
Tennessee Titans (8-5) vs San Francisco 49ers (3-10)- 4:25, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a road loss in Glendale against the Cardinals. San Francisco is coming off a road win in Houston against the Texans. The Niners are rejuvenated with Jimmy Garrapolo and I like them to win their third in a row to ruin the Titans hopes of winning their division.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Tennessee 16.
Dallas Cowboys (7-6) vs Oakland Raiders (6-7)- 8:30, NBC: This game looked much more enticing before the season began than it does right now. Dallas is coming off a road win in East Rutherford against the Giants to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Oakland is coming off a bad road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Raiders playoff hopes are pretty much dead and I like the Cowboys here to pick up another road win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive as Ezekiel Elliott's return looms next week.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Oakland 20.
Monday, December 18th
Coming soon!
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
2017-18 College Football Bowl Season: TV Schedule
Here is the TV schedule for the 2017-18 College Football Bowl Season with announcers.
12/16- New Orleans: Troy vs North Texas; 1:00, ESPN
12/16- Cure: WKU vs Georgia State; 2:30, CBSSN
12/16- Las Vegas: (25) Boise State vs Oregon; 3:30, ABC
12/16- New Mexico: Marshall vs Colorado State; 4:30, ESPN
12/16- Camellia: Middle Tennessee vs Arkansas State; 8:00, ESPN
12/19- Boca Raton: Akron vs FAU; 7:00, ESPN
12/20- Frisco: Louisiana Tech vs SMU; 8:00, ESPN
12/21- Gasparilla: Temple vs FIU; 8:00, ESPN
12/22- Bahamas: UAB vs Ohio; 12:30, ESPN
12/22- Potato: Central Michigan vs Wyoming; 4:00, ESPN
12/23- Birmingham: Texas Tech vs South Florida; 12:00, ESPN
12/23- Armed Forces: San Diego State vs Army; 3:30, ESPN
12/23- Dollar General: Appalachian State vs Toledo; 7:00, ESPN
12/24- Hawaii: Fresno State vs Houston; 8:30, ESPN
12/26- Heart of Dallas: Utah vs West Virginia; 1:30, ESPN
12/26- Quick Lane: Duke vs Northern Illinois; 5:15, ESPN
12/26- Cactus: Kansas State vs UCLA; 9:00, ESPN
12/27- Independence: Southern Miss vs Florida State; 1:30, ESPN
12/27- Pinstripe: Iowa vs Boston College; 5:15, ESPN
12/27- Foster Farms: Arizona vs Purdue; 8:30, FOX
12/27- Texas: Texas vs Missouri; 9:00, ESPN
12/28- Military: Virginia vs Navy; 1:30, ESPN
12/28- Camping World: (22) Virginia Tech vs (19) Oklahoma State; 5:15, ESPN
12/28- Alamo: (13) Stanford vs (15) TCU; 9:00, ESPN
12/28- Holiday: (18) Washington State vs (16) Michigan State; 9:00, FS1
12/29- Belk: Wake Forest vs Texas A&M; 1:00, ESPN
12/29- Hyundai Sun: (24) NC State vs Arizona State; 2:30, CBS
12/29- Music City: Kentucky vs (21) Northwestern; 4:30, ESPN
12/29- Arizona: Utah State vs New Mexico State; 5:30, CBSSN
12/29- Cotton: (8) USC vs (5) Ohio State; 8:30, ESPN
12/30- Taxslayer: Louisville vs (23) Mississippi State; 12:00, ESPN
12/30- Liberty: Iowa State vs (20) Memphis; 12:30, ABC
12/30- Fiesta: (11) Washington vs (9) Penn State; 4:00, ESPN
12/30- Orange: (6) Wisconsin vs (10) Miami; 8:00, ESPN
1/1- Outback: Michigan vs South Carolina; 12:00, ESPN2
1/1- Peach: (12) UCF vs (7) Auburn; 12:30, ESPN
1/1- Citrus: (14) Notre Dame vs (17) LSU; 1:00, ABC
1/1- Rose: (3) Georgia vs (2) Oklahoma; 5:00, ESPN
1/1- Sugar: (4) Alabama vs (1) Clemson; 8:45, ESPN
1/8- National Championship: TBD vs TBD; 8:00, ESPN
12/16- New Orleans: Troy vs North Texas; 1:00, ESPN
12/16- Cure: WKU vs Georgia State; 2:30, CBSSN
12/16- Las Vegas: (25) Boise State vs Oregon; 3:30, ABC
12/16- New Mexico: Marshall vs Colorado State; 4:30, ESPN
12/16- Camellia: Middle Tennessee vs Arkansas State; 8:00, ESPN
12/19- Boca Raton: Akron vs FAU; 7:00, ESPN
12/20- Frisco: Louisiana Tech vs SMU; 8:00, ESPN
12/21- Gasparilla: Temple vs FIU; 8:00, ESPN
12/22- Bahamas: UAB vs Ohio; 12:30, ESPN
12/22- Potato: Central Michigan vs Wyoming; 4:00, ESPN
12/23- Birmingham: Texas Tech vs South Florida; 12:00, ESPN
12/23- Armed Forces: San Diego State vs Army; 3:30, ESPN
12/23- Dollar General: Appalachian State vs Toledo; 7:00, ESPN
12/24- Hawaii: Fresno State vs Houston; 8:30, ESPN
12/26- Heart of Dallas: Utah vs West Virginia; 1:30, ESPN
12/26- Quick Lane: Duke vs Northern Illinois; 5:15, ESPN
12/26- Cactus: Kansas State vs UCLA; 9:00, ESPN
12/27- Independence: Southern Miss vs Florida State; 1:30, ESPN
12/27- Pinstripe: Iowa vs Boston College; 5:15, ESPN
12/27- Foster Farms: Arizona vs Purdue; 8:30, FOX
12/27- Texas: Texas vs Missouri; 9:00, ESPN
12/28- Military: Virginia vs Navy; 1:30, ESPN
12/28- Camping World: (22) Virginia Tech vs (19) Oklahoma State; 5:15, ESPN
12/28- Alamo: (13) Stanford vs (15) TCU; 9:00, ESPN
12/28- Holiday: (18) Washington State vs (16) Michigan State; 9:00, FS1
12/29- Belk: Wake Forest vs Texas A&M; 1:00, ESPN
12/29- Hyundai Sun: (24) NC State vs Arizona State; 2:30, CBS
12/29- Music City: Kentucky vs (21) Northwestern; 4:30, ESPN
12/29- Arizona: Utah State vs New Mexico State; 5:30, CBSSN
12/29- Cotton: (8) USC vs (5) Ohio State; 8:30, ESPN
12/30- Taxslayer: Louisville vs (23) Mississippi State; 12:00, ESPN
12/30- Liberty: Iowa State vs (20) Memphis; 12:30, ABC
12/30- Fiesta: (11) Washington vs (9) Penn State; 4:00, ESPN
12/30- Orange: (6) Wisconsin vs (10) Miami; 8:00, ESPN
1/1- Outback: Michigan vs South Carolina; 12:00, ESPN2
1/1- Peach: (12) UCF vs (7) Auburn; 12:30, ESPN
1/1- Citrus: (14) Notre Dame vs (17) LSU; 1:00, ABC
1/1- Rose: (3) Georgia vs (2) Oklahoma; 5:00, ESPN
1/1- Sugar: (4) Alabama vs (1) Clemson; 8:45, ESPN
1/8- National Championship: TBD vs TBD; 8:00, ESPN
Thursday, December 7, 2017
2017 NFL Week 14 Picks
Here are my picks for week fourteen of the 2017 NFL season.
Thursday, December 7th
New Orleans Saints (9-3) vs Atlanta Falcons (7-5)- 8:25, NBC/NFLN: New Orleans is coming off a huge divisional home win over the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. This is a monster divisional game and I'm going to say the Falcons keep their playoff hopes alive here with a win over a Saints team that's very likely to win it's division.
Prediction: Atlanta 30, New Orleans 27.
Sunday, December 10th
Indianapolis Colts (3-9) vs Buffalo Bills (6-6)- 1:00, CBS: Indianapolis is coming off a divisional road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Buffalo is coming off a divisional home loss against the New England Patriots in which Tyrod Taylor got hurt in. If Taylor plays, give me the Bills to bounce back. If he doesn't play, the pick will be changed.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Indianapolis 16.
Minnesota Vikings (10-2) vs Carolina Panthers (8-4)- 1:00, FOX: This is a great game. Minnesota is coming off a huge road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. Carolina is coming off a tough divisional road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. This was a hard call, but give me the Vikings to sneak another big road win out and inch closer to a first round bye and perhaps home field advantage in the NFC playoffs.
Prediction: Minnesota 23, Carolina 20.
Chicago Bears (3-9) vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-7)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a home loss against the San Francisco 49ers. Cincinnati is coming off a tough Monday night divisional home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears are just awful and the Bengals usually beat up on bad teams so give me the Bengals to bounce back here and they are also my lock of the week.
Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Chicago 16.
Green Bay Packers (6-6) vs Cleveland Browns (0-12)- 1:00, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cleveland is coming off a road loss in Los Angeles against the Chargers. This is a possible trap game for the Pack, who get Aaron Rodgers back next week for their matchup in Charlotte, but I'm going to say Brett Hundley leads the Packers to a big win here to go above the .500 mark and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, Cleveland 16.
San Francisco 49ers (2-10) vs Houston Texans (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off a road win in Chicago against the Bears. Houston is coming off a divisional road loss in Nashville against the Titans. Jimmy Garrapolo played very well last week in Chicago and I think he leads the Niners to their second straight win here.
Prediction: San Francisco 24, Houston 16.
Dallas Cowboys (6-6) vs New York Giants (2-10)- 1:00, FOX: Dallas is coming off a huge Thursday night divisional home win over the Washington Redskins. New York is coming off a road loss in Oakland against the Raiders in which Eli Manning was benched for Geno Smith. That led to the firing of Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese. The Giants will play inspired with Manning back as the starter and that will lead to an upset over the Cowboys.
Prediction: New York 23, Dallas 17.
Oakland Raiders (6-6) vs Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)- 1:00, CBS: Oakland is coming off a much needed home win over the New York Giants. Kansas City is coming off a brutal road loss in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Chiefs 5-0 start is looking like a fluke by the day and I'm going to take the Raiders to pull this off.
Prediction: Oakland 24, Kansas City 20.
Detroit Lions (6-6) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. Tampa Bay is coming off a road loss in Green Bay against the Packers. The Lions are the better team so I'll take them here on the road, but if Matthew Stafford doesn't play due to his hand injury, this pick will change.
Prediction: Detroit 27, Tampa Bay 20.
Tennessee Titans (8-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (5-7)- 4:05, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a divisional home win over the Houston Texans. Arizona is coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Titans are a weak 8-4 and that will show here as the Cards will knock off an AFC South team at home for the second time in three weeks.
Prediction: Arizona 23, Tennessee 20.
New York Jets (5-7) vs Denver Broncos (3-9)- 4:05, CBS: New York is coming off a home win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver is coming off a bad road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. The pick here would typically be going against the team that's lost eight straight games, but I'm not going to do that. This screams "typical Jets" to me just like the game they played in Tampa Bay. Give me the Broncos here at home to snap their losing streak.
Prediction: Denver 16, New York 13.
Washington Redskins (5-7) vs Los Angeles Chargers (6-6)- 4:05, CBS: Washington is coming off a bad Thursday night divisional home loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Los Angeles is coming off a home win over the Browns to get back to .500. I think the Chargers win their fourth straight game to get to first place in the AFC West.
Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Washington 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (9-3)- 4:25, FOX: What a game we have here and the winner could possibly get a first round bye. Philadelphia is coming off a tough Sunday night loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. Los Angeles is coming off a big divisional road win in Glendale against the Cardinals. This was a hard call, but I like Jared Goff and the Rams to hand the Eagles their second straight loss.
Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Philadelphia 24.
Seattle Seahawks (8-4) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)- 4:25, FOX: Here's another great game. Seattle is coming a big time Sunday night home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Jacksonville is coming off a divisional home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Seahawks typically avoid the letdown after a big win, but I'm taking the Jags at home.
Prediction: Jacksonville 23, Seattle 21.
Baltimore Ravens (7-5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (10-2)- 8:30, NBC: Here's another nice one. Baltimore is coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. Pittsburgh is coming off a Monday night divisional road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Steelers have had some close calls recently and I see another one here against a Raven team that always seems to play well against to the Steelers.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 23.
Monday, December 11th
New England Patriots (10-2) vs Miami Dolphins (5-7)- 8:30, ESPN: New England is coming off a divisional road win in Orchard Park against the Bills. Miami is coming off a home win over the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins are a soft 5-7 team and that will show here against perhaps the leagues best team yet again although the Pats will miss Rob Gronkowski due to that suspension.
Prediction: New England 34, Miami 16.
Thursday, December 7th
New Orleans Saints (9-3) vs Atlanta Falcons (7-5)- 8:25, NBC/NFLN: New Orleans is coming off a huge divisional home win over the Carolina Panthers. Atlanta is coming off a disappointing home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. This is a monster divisional game and I'm going to say the Falcons keep their playoff hopes alive here with a win over a Saints team that's very likely to win it's division.
Prediction: Atlanta 30, New Orleans 27.
Sunday, December 10th
Indianapolis Colts (3-9) vs Buffalo Bills (6-6)- 1:00, CBS: Indianapolis is coming off a divisional road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. Buffalo is coming off a divisional home loss against the New England Patriots in which Tyrod Taylor got hurt in. If Taylor plays, give me the Bills to bounce back. If he doesn't play, the pick will be changed.
Prediction: Buffalo 26, Indianapolis 16.
Minnesota Vikings (10-2) vs Carolina Panthers (8-4)- 1:00, FOX: This is a great game. Minnesota is coming off a huge road win in Atlanta against the Falcons. Carolina is coming off a tough divisional road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. This was a hard call, but give me the Vikings to sneak another big road win out and inch closer to a first round bye and perhaps home field advantage in the NFC playoffs.
Prediction: Minnesota 23, Carolina 20.
Chicago Bears (3-9) vs Cincinnati Bengals (5-7)- 1:00, FOX: Chicago is coming off a home loss against the San Francisco 49ers. Cincinnati is coming off a tough Monday night divisional home loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears are just awful and the Bengals usually beat up on bad teams so give me the Bengals to bounce back here and they are also my lock of the week.
Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Chicago 16.
Green Bay Packers (6-6) vs Cleveland Browns (0-12)- 1:00, FOX: Green Bay is coming off a home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cleveland is coming off a road loss in Los Angeles against the Chargers. This is a possible trap game for the Pack, who get Aaron Rodgers back next week for their matchup in Charlotte, but I'm going to say Brett Hundley leads the Packers to a big win here to go above the .500 mark and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Green Bay 27, Cleveland 16.
San Francisco 49ers (2-10) vs Houston Texans (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: San Francisco is coming off a road win in Chicago against the Bears. Houston is coming off a divisional road loss in Nashville against the Titans. Jimmy Garrapolo played very well last week in Chicago and I think he leads the Niners to their second straight win here.
Prediction: San Francisco 24, Houston 16.
Dallas Cowboys (6-6) vs New York Giants (2-10)- 1:00, FOX: Dallas is coming off a huge Thursday night divisional home win over the Washington Redskins. New York is coming off a road loss in Oakland against the Raiders in which Eli Manning was benched for Geno Smith. That led to the firing of Ben McAdoo and GM Jerry Reese. The Giants will play inspired with Manning back as the starter and that will lead to an upset over the Cowboys.
Prediction: New York 23, Dallas 17.
Oakland Raiders (6-6) vs Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)- 1:00, CBS: Oakland is coming off a much needed home win over the New York Giants. Kansas City is coming off a brutal road loss in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Chiefs 5-0 start is looking like a fluke by the day and I'm going to take the Raiders to pull this off.
Prediction: Oakland 24, Kansas City 20.
Detroit Lions (6-6) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-8)- 1:00, FOX: Detroit is coming off a road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. Tampa Bay is coming off a road loss in Green Bay against the Packers. The Lions are the better team so I'll take them here on the road, but if Matthew Stafford doesn't play due to his hand injury, this pick will change.
Prediction: Detroit 27, Tampa Bay 20.
Tennessee Titans (8-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (5-7)- 4:05, CBS: Tennessee is coming off a divisional home win over the Houston Texans. Arizona is coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Titans are a weak 8-4 and that will show here as the Cards will knock off an AFC South team at home for the second time in three weeks.
Prediction: Arizona 23, Tennessee 20.
New York Jets (5-7) vs Denver Broncos (3-9)- 4:05, CBS: New York is coming off a home win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver is coming off a bad road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. The pick here would typically be going against the team that's lost eight straight games, but I'm not going to do that. This screams "typical Jets" to me just like the game they played in Tampa Bay. Give me the Broncos here at home to snap their losing streak.
Prediction: Denver 16, New York 13.
Washington Redskins (5-7) vs Los Angeles Chargers (6-6)- 4:05, CBS: Washington is coming off a bad Thursday night divisional home loss against the Dallas Cowboys. Los Angeles is coming off a home win over the Browns to get back to .500. I think the Chargers win their fourth straight game to get to first place in the AFC West.
Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Washington 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (10-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (9-3)- 4:25, FOX: What a game we have here and the winner could possibly get a first round bye. Philadelphia is coming off a tough Sunday night loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. Los Angeles is coming off a big divisional road win in Glendale against the Cardinals. This was a hard call, but I like Jared Goff and the Rams to hand the Eagles their second straight loss.
Prediction: Los Angeles 27, Philadelphia 24.
Seattle Seahawks (8-4) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)- 4:25, FOX: Here's another great game. Seattle is coming a big time Sunday night home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Jacksonville is coming off a divisional home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Seahawks typically avoid the letdown after a big win, but I'm taking the Jags at home.
Prediction: Jacksonville 23, Seattle 21.
Baltimore Ravens (7-5) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (10-2)- 8:30, NBC: Here's another nice one. Baltimore is coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. Pittsburgh is coming off a Monday night divisional road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Steelers have had some close calls recently and I see another one here against a Raven team that always seems to play well against to the Steelers.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Baltimore 23.
Monday, December 11th
New England Patriots (10-2) vs Miami Dolphins (5-7)- 8:30, ESPN: New England is coming off a divisional road win in Orchard Park against the Bills. Miami is coming off a home win over the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins are a soft 5-7 team and that will show here against perhaps the leagues best team yet again although the Pats will miss Rob Gronkowski due to that suspension.
Prediction: New England 34, Miami 16.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
2017 College Football Bowl Predictions
Here are my predictions for the 2017-18 College Football Bowl Games
* = replacement team
College Football Playoff
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 5:00, ESPN: (2) Oklahoma vs (3) Alabama
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 8:30, ESPN: (1) Clemson vs (4) Georgia
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 8:30, ESPN: Penn State vs TCU
Fiesta Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 4:00, ESPN: USC vs Wisconsin
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 8:30, ESPN: Miami vs Ohio State
Peach Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 1:00, ESPN: Auburn vs UCF
Other Bowl Games
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 1:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs Troy
AutoNation Cure Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 2:30, CBSSN: Appalachian State vs UTSA*
Las Vegas Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 3:30, ABC: Boise State vs Arizona
Gildan New Mexico Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 4:30, ESPN: Colorado State vs Louisiana Tech
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: Georgia State vs Central Michigan
Boca Raton Bowl: December 19th, 2017- 7:00, ESPN: FIU vs Temple
DXL Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: SMU vs Northern Illinois
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: December 21st, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: South Florida vs FAU
Bahamas Bowl: December 22nd, 2017- 12:30, ESPN: UAB vs Ohio
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: December 22nd, 2017- 4:00, ESPN: Utah State vs Toledo
Birmingham Bowl: December 23rd, 2017- 12:00, ESPN: Utah* vs Boston College*
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: December 23rd, 2017- 3:30, ESPN: Army vs North Texas
Dollar General Bowl: December 23rd, 2017- 7:00, ESPN: Arkansas State vs Akron
Hawai'i Bowl: December 24th, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: Fresno State vs Houston
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: December 26th, 2017- 1:30, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Texas Tech
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2017- 6:15, ESPN: Western Michigan* vs Duke
Cactus Bowl: December 26th, 2017- 10:15, ESPN: Kansas State vs Oregon
Walk-On's Independence Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 1:30, ESPN: Florida State vs UCLA*
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 6:15, ESPN: Iowa vs Louisville
Foster Farms Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 8:30, FOX: Washington State vs San Diego State*
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 9:00, ESPN: Texas vs Texas A&M
Military Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 1:30, ESPN: Navy vs Virginia
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 5:15, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Iowa State
Valero Alamo Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 9:00, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Washington
San Diego County Credit Holiday Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 9:00, FOX: Stanford vs Northwestern
Belk Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 1:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Missouri
Hyundai Sun Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 2:30, CBS: North Carolina State vs Arizona State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 4:30, ESPN: Purdue vs Kentucky
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 5:30, CBSSN: Wyoming vs New Mexico State
TaxSlayer Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 12:00, ESPN: Virginia Tech vs Mississippi State
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 12:00, ABC: West Virginia vs Memphis
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 12:00, ESPN2: South Carolina vs Michigan
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 12:00, ABC: LSU vs Michigan State
* = replacement team
College Football Playoff
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 5:00, ESPN: (2) Oklahoma vs (3) Alabama
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 8:30, ESPN: (1) Clemson vs (4) Georgia
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Cotton Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 8:30, ESPN: Penn State vs TCU
Fiesta Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 4:00, ESPN: USC vs Wisconsin
Orange Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 8:30, ESPN: Miami vs Ohio State
Peach Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 1:00, ESPN: Auburn vs UCF
Other Bowl Games
R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 1:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs Troy
AutoNation Cure Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 2:30, CBSSN: Appalachian State vs UTSA*
Las Vegas Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 3:30, ABC: Boise State vs Arizona
Gildan New Mexico Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 4:30, ESPN: Colorado State vs Louisiana Tech
Raycom Media Camellia Bowl: December 16th, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: Georgia State vs Central Michigan
Boca Raton Bowl: December 19th, 2017- 7:00, ESPN: FIU vs Temple
DXL Frisco Bowl: December 20th, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: SMU vs Northern Illinois
Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: December 21st, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: South Florida vs FAU
Bahamas Bowl: December 22nd, 2017- 12:30, ESPN: UAB vs Ohio
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: December 22nd, 2017- 4:00, ESPN: Utah State vs Toledo
Birmingham Bowl: December 23rd, 2017- 12:00, ESPN: Utah* vs Boston College*
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: December 23rd, 2017- 3:30, ESPN: Army vs North Texas
Dollar General Bowl: December 23rd, 2017- 7:00, ESPN: Arkansas State vs Akron
Hawai'i Bowl: December 24th, 2017- 8:00, ESPN: Fresno State vs Houston
Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl: December 26th, 2017- 1:30, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Texas Tech
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2017- 6:15, ESPN: Western Michigan* vs Duke
Cactus Bowl: December 26th, 2017- 10:15, ESPN: Kansas State vs Oregon
Walk-On's Independence Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 1:30, ESPN: Florida State vs UCLA*
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 6:15, ESPN: Iowa vs Louisville
Foster Farms Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 8:30, FOX: Washington State vs San Diego State*
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2017- 9:00, ESPN: Texas vs Texas A&M
Military Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 1:30, ESPN: Navy vs Virginia
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 5:15, ESPN: Notre Dame vs Iowa State
Valero Alamo Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 9:00, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Washington
San Diego County Credit Holiday Bowl: December 28th, 2017- 9:00, FOX: Stanford vs Northwestern
Belk Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 1:00, ESPN: Wake Forest vs Missouri
Hyundai Sun Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 2:30, CBS: North Carolina State vs Arizona State
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 4:30, ESPN: Purdue vs Kentucky
NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl: December 29th, 2017- 5:30, CBSSN: Wyoming vs New Mexico State
TaxSlayer Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 12:00, ESPN: Virginia Tech vs Mississippi State
AutoZone Liberty Bowl: December 30th, 2017- 12:00, ABC: West Virginia vs Memphis
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 12:00, ESPN2: South Carolina vs Michigan
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2018- 12:00, ABC: LSU vs Michigan State
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