Here are my picks for week seventeen of the 2018 NFL season.
Sunday, December 30th
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Buffalo Bills (5-10)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off a bad home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bills are coming off a divisional road loss in Foxboro against the Patriots. This is obviously a meaningless game, but I think the Bills at home get the win as Josh Allen shows flashes of what he can be down the road.
Prediction: Buffalo 24, Miami 16.
Detroit Lions (5-10) at Green Bay Packers (6-8-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Lions are coming off a divisional home loss against the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers are coming off an overtime road win in East Rutherford against the Jets. Aaron Rodgers is playing with a chip on his shoulder right now to prove that he still is the best quarterback in the league and I like the Packers to win by double digits.
Prediction: Green Bay 34, Detroit 20.
New York Jets (4-12) at New England Patriots (10-5)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a heartbreaking overtime home loss against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots are coming off a divisional home win over the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots need the win to get a first round bye and I believe they'll get the job done.
Prediction: New England 30, NY Jets 20.
Carolina Panthers (6-9) at New Orleans Saints (13-2)- 1:00, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a divisional home loss against the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints are coming off a home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and locked up the top seed in the NFC. Teddy Bridgewater is starting for the Saints and Kyle Allen is getting his first career start for the Panthers. Bridgewater is poised to have a good game so he can get paid by a quarterback needy team this spring and I think he leads the way for the Saints although they are resting guys.
Prediction: New Orleans 26, Carolina 19.
Dallas Cowboys (9-6) at New York Giants (5-10)- 1:00, FOX: The Cowboys are coming off a home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in which they clinched the NFC East and the 4-seed in. The Giants are coming off a road loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Cowboys won't play their starters the whole game, so that opens the door for the Giants to put on a fine performance as Saquon Barkley makes a final statement for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Prediction: NY Giants 30, Dallas 16.
Atlanta Falcons (6-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-10)- 1:00, FOX: The Falcons are coming off a divisional road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Buccaneers are coming off a road loss in Arlington against the Cowboys. Expect a ton of points in this game and I think the Falcons offense is the best unit on their field which leads them to a win.
Prediction: Atlanta 35, Tampa Bay 33.
Jacksonville Jaguars (5-10) at Houston Texans (10-5)- 1:00, CBS: The Jaguars are coming off a road win in Miami against the Dolphins. The Texans are coming off a heartbreaking road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. The Texans still haven't clinched the AFC South yet and they need this win in order to do so and I believe they get the job done.
Prediction: Houston 26, Jacksonville 16.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) at Denver Broncos (6-9)- 4:25, CBS: The Chargers are coming off a disappointing Saturday night home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos are coming off a Monday night divisional road loss in Oakland against the Raiders. The Chargers need this game and some help to win the AFC West and I think they do wind up wining a close one sans no Phillip Lindsay for the Broncos.
Prediction: LA Chargers 27, Denver 23.
Oakland Raiders (4-11) at Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)- 4:25, CBS: The Raiders are coming off a Monday night divisional home win over the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs are coming off a Sunday night road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. The Chiefs need a win or a Chargers loss to win the division and I believe they get the job done as Patrick Mahomes tries to lock up MVP.
Prediction: Kansas City 33, Oakland 23.
San Francisco 49ers (4-11) at Los Angeles Rams (12-3)- 4:25, FOX: The 49ers are coming off a home loss against the Chicago Bears. The Rams are coming off a divisional road win in Glendale over the pitiful Cardinals. The Rams are sitting Todd Gurley again and CJ Anderson did a good job filling in for Gurley last week. The Rams need a win or a Bears loss to get a first round bye and I believe they get the win as Jared Goff continues to get out of a slump.
Prediction: LA Rams 31, San Francisco 23.
Chicago Bears (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (8-6-1)- 4:25, FOX: The Bears are coming off a road win in Santa Clara against the 49ers. The Vikings are coming off a big divisional road win in Detroit against the Lions. The Vikings need this win or an Eagles loss in order to clinch the final NFC playoff spot and I believe Kirk Cousins leads the way again for the Vikings, although the Bears will be playing for a possible first round bye.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Chicago 20.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6-1)- 4:25, CBS: The Bengals are coming off a divisional road loss in Cleveland against the Browns. The Steelers are coming off a brutal road loss in New Orleans against the Saints. The Steelers need a win and a Ravens loss in order to win the AFC North, but I say they get the win here as they'll sit on their edge of their feet until the result of the other AFC North matchup.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Cincinnati 16.
Arizona Cardinals (3-12) at Seattle Seahawks (9-6)- 4:25, FOX: The Cardinals are coming off a divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks are coming off a monstrous Sunday night home win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cardinals seem poised to get the number one pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, which makes the Seahawks the lock of the week.
Prediction: Seattle 37, Arizona 13.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) at Washington Redskins (7-8)- 4:25, FOX: The Eagles are coming off a much needed home win over the Houston Texans to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Redskins are coming off a Saturday evening road loss in Nashville against the Titans. The Eagles need a win and a Vikings loss in order to make the playoffs, but I say they at least get the win over their divisional rival.
Prediction: Philadelphia 24, Washington 20.
Cleveland Browns (7-7-1) at Baltimore Ravens (9-6)- 4:25, CBS: The Browns are coming off a divisional home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens are coming off an enormous Saturday night road win in Los Angeles against the Chargers. The Browns certainly won't lay an egg here as Baker Mayfield will be gunning for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Ravens need the win to clinch the AFC North or a Steelers loss and I think they get the job done in a great game.
Prediction: Baltimore 23, Cleveland 20.
Indianapolis Colts (9-6) at Tennessee Titans (9-6)- 8:20, NBC: The Colts are coming off a huge home win over the New York Giants. The Titans are coming off a big Saturday evening home win over the Washington Redskins. The winner of this game makes the playoffs and the loser goes home. If the Texans lose to the Jaguars, this could be for the AFC South. That said, the best player on the field will be Andrew Luck, who is 10-0 lifetime against the Titans. Make it 11-0 now as he helps the Colts get to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
Prediction: Indianapolis 27, Tennessee 16.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Thursday, December 27, 2018
2018-19 College Football Playoff: Semifinals Picks
Here are my picks for the 2018-19 College Football Playoff Semifinals.
Saturday, December 29th
Goodyear Cotton Bowl: (3) Notre Dame (12-0) vs (2) Clemson (13-0; 8-0)- 4:00, ESPN: These two teams hooked up a few years ago and played a classic game in Death Valley in which the Tigers came away victorious. The Irish have had a phenomenal season and deserve to be in this position and Ian Book has been great since becoming their starting quarterback. The quarterback change for the Tigers has changed the ceiling of their team too from going to Trevor Lawrence from Kelly Bryant. The Tigers have key defensive players suspended for this matchup most notably Dexter Lawrence and that could open things up for the Irish's offense to go toe to toe with the Tigers. That said, the Tigers are still the better team and I don't trust the Irish defense to get big stops against the Tigers offense.
Prediction: Clemson 42, Notre Dame 34.
Capital One Orange Bowl: (4) Oklahoma (12-1; 8-1) vs (1) Alabama (13-0; 8-0)- 8:00, ESPN: This is going to be a fascinating game for so many reasons. The Sooners do belong here over Georgia courtesy of the fact they are a conference champion and the Bulldogs are not plus, the Bulldogs have two losses and the Sooners are perhaps missed field goal away from being unbeaten. The Sooners offense is the best in the country led by Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray. Meanwhile, the Sooners defense is the worst unit of the four playoffs and Tua Tagovailoa and that Tide offense will thrive off of it. Meanwhile, the Sooner offense is the best one the Tides defense will see all season so the Tides defense has a big test at hand. Nick Saban suspended a few players including a starting offensive lineman, but we won't know how big of a loss they are until we see how they play on the field. That said, the best player on the field (if the ankle is ok) will be Tua Tagovailoa and I think the Tide roll to their fourth straight National Championship game.
Prediction: Alabama 44, Oklahoma 27.
Saturday, December 29th
Goodyear Cotton Bowl: (3) Notre Dame (12-0) vs (2) Clemson (13-0; 8-0)- 4:00, ESPN: These two teams hooked up a few years ago and played a classic game in Death Valley in which the Tigers came away victorious. The Irish have had a phenomenal season and deserve to be in this position and Ian Book has been great since becoming their starting quarterback. The quarterback change for the Tigers has changed the ceiling of their team too from going to Trevor Lawrence from Kelly Bryant. The Tigers have key defensive players suspended for this matchup most notably Dexter Lawrence and that could open things up for the Irish's offense to go toe to toe with the Tigers. That said, the Tigers are still the better team and I don't trust the Irish defense to get big stops against the Tigers offense.
Prediction: Clemson 42, Notre Dame 34.
Capital One Orange Bowl: (4) Oklahoma (12-1; 8-1) vs (1) Alabama (13-0; 8-0)- 8:00, ESPN: This is going to be a fascinating game for so many reasons. The Sooners do belong here over Georgia courtesy of the fact they are a conference champion and the Bulldogs are not plus, the Bulldogs have two losses and the Sooners are perhaps missed field goal away from being unbeaten. The Sooners offense is the best in the country led by Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray. Meanwhile, the Sooners defense is the worst unit of the four playoffs and Tua Tagovailoa and that Tide offense will thrive off of it. Meanwhile, the Sooner offense is the best one the Tides defense will see all season so the Tides defense has a big test at hand. Nick Saban suspended a few players including a starting offensive lineman, but we won't know how big of a loss they are until we see how they play on the field. That said, the best player on the field (if the ankle is ok) will be Tua Tagovailoa and I think the Tide roll to their fourth straight National Championship game.
Prediction: Alabama 44, Oklahoma 27.
Friday, December 21, 2018
2018 NFL Week 16: Picks
Here's my picks for week sixteen of the 2018 NFL season.
Saturday, December 22nd
Washington Redskins (7-7) at Tennessee Titans (8-6)- 4:30, NFLN: The Redskins are coming off a season saving road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. The Titans are coming off a shutout road win in East Rutherford against the Giants. Derrick Henry has been phenomenal the last few weeks and I think he leads the Titans to another big win.
Prediction: Tennessee 27, Washington 10
Baltimore Ravens (8-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (11-3)- 8:20, NFLN: The Ravens are coming off a home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chargers are coming off a big time Thursday night divisional road win in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Chargers are poised for a big performance here against a team in which I don't this is very good. Bolts win it at home as Phillip Rivers makes his MVP case stronger.
Prediction: LA Chargers 34, Baltimore 20.
Sunday, December 23rd
Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) at Cleveland Browns (6-7-1)- 1:00, CBS: The Bengals are coming off a home win over the Oakland Raiders. The Browns are coming off an enormous Saturday night road win in Denver over the Broncos. The Browns are amazingly still alive in playoff race, but they are on life support right now and I do think they get a big win over their division rival as Baker Mayfield continues his rookie of the year push.
Prediction: Cleveland 31, Cincinnati 13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-9) at Dallas Cowboys (8-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. The Cowboys are coming off am ugly shutout road loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Cowboys are a win away from clinching the NFC East title and I believe they'll get it here against the lowly Buccaneers.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Tampa Bay 17.
Minnesota Vikings (7-6-1) at Detroit Lions (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Vikings are coming off a much needed home win over the Miami Dolphins. The Lions are coming off a road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. I have a feeling the Lions get up for this one and give their division rivals a game and make the NFC Playoff race interesting, but the Vikings will take it to get themselves closer to a playoff spot.
Prediction: Minnesota 26, Detroit 23.
New York Giants (5-9) at Indianapolis Colts (8-6)- 1:00, CBS: The Giants are coming off a bad shutout home loss against the Tennessee Titans. The Colts are coming off a big time shutout home win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Colts badly need this game too to keep their playoff hopes alive and I think they pull out the win at home.
Prediction: Indianapolis 34, NY Giants 20.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) at Miami Dolphins (7-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Jaguars are coming off a bad home loss against the Washington Redskins. The Dolphins are coming off a disastrous road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. The Dolphins need this game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and I believe they get the win against a team that's such a big disappointment this season.
Prediction: Miami 20, Jacksonville 13.
Buffalo Bills (5-9) at New England Patriots (9-5)- 1:00, CBS: The Bills are coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. The Patriots are coming off a brutal road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Patriots need this game in the worst way possible and I believe they get the win against their inferior division rival.
Prediction: New England 24, Buffalo 13.
Green Bay Packers (5-8-1) at New York Jets (4-10)- 1:00, FOX: The Packers are coming off a divisional road loss in Chicago against the Bears. The Jets are coming off a Saturday evening home loss against the Houston Texans. Sam Darnold played very well last week and I think he is capable of playing like he did last week against a weaker Packer defense, but Aaron Rodgers is playing in a meaningless game because he has a poi to prove. Pack win a close one.
Prediction: Green Bay 24, NY Jets 17.
Houston Texans (10-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Texans are coming off a Saturday evening road win in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Eagles are coming off a big time Sunday night road win in Los Angeles against the Rams. The Eagles are slim favorites in this game, which is questionable, but someone knows something. Nick Foles does it again to keep the Eagles slim playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Philadelphia 27, Houston 24.
Atlanta Falcons (5-9) at Carolina Panthers (6-7)- 1:00, FOX: The Falcons are coming off a home win over the lowly Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers are coming off a brutal Monday Night divisional home loss against the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers playoff hopes are on life support as they are sitting Cam Newton for the rest of the season and now Taylor Heinicke is starting. Falcons win and play for their coach Dan Quinn.
Prediction: Atlanta 27, Carolina 13.
Los Angeles Rams (11-3) at Arizona Cardinals (3-11)- 4:05, FOX: The Rams are coming off a brutal Sunday night home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cardinals are coming off a disastrous road loss in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Rams need this game to get themselves right (and Jared Goff in particular) to get the win against their inferior division rival.
Prediction: LA Rams 26, Arizona 13.
Chicago Bears (10-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-10)- 4:05, FOX: The Bears are coming off a big divisional home win over the Green Bay Packers to win the NFC North. The 49ers are coming off an overtime divisional home win over the Seattle Seahawks. Will the Niners make it 3-for-3 as a home underdog? I say yes. Trap game for the Bears enables the Niners to get another win.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Chicago 20.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6-1) at New Orleans Saints (12-2)- 4:25, CBS: The Steelers are coming off a big time home win over the New England Patriots. The Saints are coming off a Monday night divisional road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Saints haven't played well in a few weeks on the offensive end, but they're finally home after a few weeks and I like them to win a close one.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Pittsburgh 20.
Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) at Seattle Seahawks (8-6)- 8:20, NBC: The Chiefs are coming off a brutal Thursday night divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Seahawks are coming off a brutal divisional road loss in San Francisco against the 49ers. Russell Wilson always thrives in these spots and they are a somewhat surprising underdog in this spot. Seahawks win and depending on other results, clinch a playoff berth.
Prediction: Seattle 30, Kansas City 24.
Monday, December 24th
Denver Broncos (6-8) at Oakland Raiders (3-11)- 8:15, ESPN: The Broncos are coming off a brutal Saturday night home loss against the Cleveland Browns. The Raiders are coming off a road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Broncos are a team that feel defeated, so give me the Raiders to get the win at home.
Prediction: Oakland 23, Denver 20.
Saturday, December 22nd
Washington Redskins (7-7) at Tennessee Titans (8-6)- 4:30, NFLN: The Redskins are coming off a season saving road win in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. The Titans are coming off a shutout road win in East Rutherford against the Giants. Derrick Henry has been phenomenal the last few weeks and I think he leads the Titans to another big win.
Prediction: Tennessee 27, Washington 10
Baltimore Ravens (8-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (11-3)- 8:20, NFLN: The Ravens are coming off a home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chargers are coming off a big time Thursday night divisional road win in Kansas City against the Chiefs. The Chargers are poised for a big performance here against a team in which I don't this is very good. Bolts win it at home as Phillip Rivers makes his MVP case stronger.
Prediction: LA Chargers 34, Baltimore 20.
Sunday, December 23rd
Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) at Cleveland Browns (6-7-1)- 1:00, CBS: The Bengals are coming off a home win over the Oakland Raiders. The Browns are coming off an enormous Saturday night road win in Denver over the Broncos. The Browns are amazingly still alive in playoff race, but they are on life support right now and I do think they get a big win over their division rival as Baker Mayfield continues his rookie of the year push.
Prediction: Cleveland 31, Cincinnati 13.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-9) at Dallas Cowboys (8-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a road loss in Baltimore against the Ravens. The Cowboys are coming off am ugly shutout road loss in Indianapolis against the Colts. The Cowboys are a win away from clinching the NFC East title and I believe they'll get it here against the lowly Buccaneers.
Prediction: Dallas 27, Tampa Bay 17.
Minnesota Vikings (7-6-1) at Detroit Lions (5-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Vikings are coming off a much needed home win over the Miami Dolphins. The Lions are coming off a road loss in Orchard Park against the Bills. I have a feeling the Lions get up for this one and give their division rivals a game and make the NFC Playoff race interesting, but the Vikings will take it to get themselves closer to a playoff spot.
Prediction: Minnesota 26, Detroit 23.
New York Giants (5-9) at Indianapolis Colts (8-6)- 1:00, CBS: The Giants are coming off a bad shutout home loss against the Tennessee Titans. The Colts are coming off a big time shutout home win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Colts badly need this game too to keep their playoff hopes alive and I think they pull out the win at home.
Prediction: Indianapolis 34, NY Giants 20.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-10) at Miami Dolphins (7-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Jaguars are coming off a bad home loss against the Washington Redskins. The Dolphins are coming off a disastrous road loss in Minneapolis against the Vikings. The Dolphins need this game to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and I believe they get the win against a team that's such a big disappointment this season.
Prediction: Miami 20, Jacksonville 13.
Buffalo Bills (5-9) at New England Patriots (9-5)- 1:00, CBS: The Bills are coming off a home win over the Detroit Lions. The Patriots are coming off a brutal road loss in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. The Patriots need this game in the worst way possible and I believe they get the win against their inferior division rival.
Prediction: New England 24, Buffalo 13.
Green Bay Packers (5-8-1) at New York Jets (4-10)- 1:00, FOX: The Packers are coming off a divisional road loss in Chicago against the Bears. The Jets are coming off a Saturday evening home loss against the Houston Texans. Sam Darnold played very well last week and I think he is capable of playing like he did last week against a weaker Packer defense, but Aaron Rodgers is playing in a meaningless game because he has a poi to prove. Pack win a close one.
Prediction: Green Bay 24, NY Jets 17.
Houston Texans (10-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-7)- 1:00, CBS: The Texans are coming off a Saturday evening road win in East Rutherford against the Jets. The Eagles are coming off a big time Sunday night road win in Los Angeles against the Rams. The Eagles are slim favorites in this game, which is questionable, but someone knows something. Nick Foles does it again to keep the Eagles slim playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Philadelphia 27, Houston 24.
Atlanta Falcons (5-9) at Carolina Panthers (6-7)- 1:00, FOX: The Falcons are coming off a home win over the lowly Arizona Cardinals. The Panthers are coming off a brutal Monday Night divisional home loss against the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers playoff hopes are on life support as they are sitting Cam Newton for the rest of the season and now Taylor Heinicke is starting. Falcons win and play for their coach Dan Quinn.
Prediction: Atlanta 27, Carolina 13.
Los Angeles Rams (11-3) at Arizona Cardinals (3-11)- 4:05, FOX: The Rams are coming off a brutal Sunday night home loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cardinals are coming off a disastrous road loss in Atlanta against the Falcons. The Rams need this game to get themselves right (and Jared Goff in particular) to get the win against their inferior division rival.
Prediction: LA Rams 26, Arizona 13.
Chicago Bears (10-4) at San Francisco 49ers (4-10)- 4:05, FOX: The Bears are coming off a big divisional home win over the Green Bay Packers to win the NFC North. The 49ers are coming off an overtime divisional home win over the Seattle Seahawks. Will the Niners make it 3-for-3 as a home underdog? I say yes. Trap game for the Bears enables the Niners to get another win.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Chicago 20.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6-1) at New Orleans Saints (12-2)- 4:25, CBS: The Steelers are coming off a big time home win over the New England Patriots. The Saints are coming off a Monday night divisional road win in Charlotte against the Panthers. The Saints haven't played well in a few weeks on the offensive end, but they're finally home after a few weeks and I like them to win a close one.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Pittsburgh 20.
Kansas City Chiefs (11-3) at Seattle Seahawks (8-6)- 8:20, NBC: The Chiefs are coming off a brutal Thursday night divisional home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Seahawks are coming off a brutal divisional road loss in San Francisco against the 49ers. Russell Wilson always thrives in these spots and they are a somewhat surprising underdog in this spot. Seahawks win and depending on other results, clinch a playoff berth.
Prediction: Seattle 30, Kansas City 24.
Monday, December 24th
Denver Broncos (6-8) at Oakland Raiders (3-11)- 8:15, ESPN: The Broncos are coming off a brutal Saturday night home loss against the Cleveland Browns. The Raiders are coming off a road loss in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The Broncos are a team that feel defeated, so give me the Raiders to get the win at home.
Prediction: Oakland 23, Denver 20.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
2018-19 College Football Bowl Season: Picks
Here are my picks for the 2018-19 College Football bowl season.
Saturday, December 15th
Cure: Tulane (6-6; 5-3) vs Louisiana (7-6; 5-3)- 1:30, CBSSN: The Green Wave probably expected to be better than this although the Rajun Cajins certainly exceeded expectations by reaching the Sun Belt championship game. The Green Wave are the better team and I expect them to win by double digits.
Pick: Tulane
New Mexico: North Texas (9-3; 5-3) vs Utah State (10-2; 7-1)- 2:00, ESPN: This is a sneaky good game between two teams that exceeded expectations this season. The Aggies lost their coach Matt Wells to Texas Tech but that won't be an issue here as I expect them to win this game although it wouldn't shock me if the Mean Green give them a game.
Pick: Utah State
Las Vegas: Arizona State (7-5; 5-4) vs Fresno State (11-2; 7-1)- 3:30, ABC: The Sun Devils exceeded all expectations this year and find themselves here credit to Herm Edwards in his first year. The Bulldogs had another great year as they win the Mountain West. The Bulldogs are the better team and I think the Sun Devils can hang around in this one too.
Pick: Fresno State
Camellia: Georgia Southern (9-3; 6-2) vs Eastern Michigan (7-5; 5-3)- 5:30, ESPN: The Eagles certainly had a phenomenal turnaround this year as they came close to getting to the Sun Belt title game. The job Chris Creighton has done has been great the last few years turning the program around, but I like the Eagles to take this one.
Pick: Eastern Michigan
New Orleans: Middle Tennessee (8-5; 7-1) vs Appalachian State (10-2; 7-1)- 9:00, ESPN: This is the best bowl game on paper as these two teams made their respective conference championship game although the Mountaineers won there's and the Blue Raiders didn't. Some folks out there think the Blue Raiders can win this outright, but I like the Mountaineers to get the win and their defense to get a few key stops late in this one.
Pick: Appalachian State
Tuesday, December 18th
Boca Raton: UAB (10-3; 7-1) vs Northern Illinois (8-5; 6-2)- 7:00, ESPN: The Blazers story from not having a team to getting it's team back and it being very good is phenomenal and they won the C-USA Championship game over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The Huskies pulled off an upset in the MAC Championship game over the Buffalo Bulls. I love the Blazers here with the better team and to get the win.
Pick: UAB
Wednesday, December 19th
Frisco: San Diego State (7-5; 4-4) vs Ohio (8-4; 6-2)- 8:00, ESPN: The Aztecs are a solid team that happened to fall apart toward the end of the season. The Bobcats meanwhile finished the season strong heading into this game. That said, I just think Rocky Long has the better team on his hands and will get the win here.
Pick: San Diego State
Thursday, December 20th
Graspilla: Marshall (8-4; 6-2) vs South Florida (7-5; 3-5)- 8:00, ESPN: The Thundering Herd are a solid C-USA team and Doc Holliday has done great as he tends to do all the time. The Bulls are a team that has collapsed by losing their last five games. Remember when the Bulls were unbeaten and ranked? That was a distant memory. Herd win.
Pick: Marshall
Friday, December 21st
Bahamas: FIU (8-4; 6-2) vs Toledo (7-5; 5-3)- 12:30, ESPN: This should be a fun bowl game. The Panthers exceeded all expectations to get to this spot and that's credit to Butch Davis, who's building a respectable program. The Rockets to me are a team that had underachieved to some sort in a West division in the MAC that seems to be up for grabs annually. The pick here is the Panthers because they feel like they have something to prove here.
Pick: FIU
Potato: Western Michigan (7-5; 5-3) vs BYU (6-6)- 4:00, ESPN: Tim Lester did a great job getting this Broncos team to back to back bowls after TJ Fleck left for Minnesota. The Cougars are back in a bowl after a one year hiatus. The Cougars have the better team led by quarterback Zach Wilson and I expect them to get the win.
Pick: BYU
Saturday, December 22nd
Birmingham: Memphis (8-5; 5-3) vs Wake Forest (6-6; 3-5)- 12:00, ESPN: The Tigers had many ups and downs throughout their season and the same could be the same for the Demon Deacons. This has the makings of a high scoring affair and I think the Tigers get the win here.
Pick: Memphis
Armed Forces: Houston (8-4; 5-3) vs Army (10-2)- 3:30, ESPN: The Cougars come into this game not having Ed Oliver or D'Eriq King. The Knights have had a phenomenal season in which they were ranked in the AP and Coaches Polls. With the Cougars two stars out for this, I like the Knights to win the game on the field to cap off their season.
Pick: Army
Dollar General: Buffalo (10-3; 7-1) vs Troy (9-3; 7-1)- 7:00, ESPN: The Bulls have had a great year, but lost the MAC Championship against an inferior Northern Illinois team. The Trojans have had a solid year as well although they did not make their conference championship. The Bulls have a stud wideout in Anthony Johnson and I expect him to have a monster game to give the Bulls a win.
Pick: Buffalo
Hawaii: Hawaii (8-5; 5-3) vs Louisiana Tech (7-5; 5-3)- 10:30, ESPN: The Rainbows are a team that's overachieved this season and get their bowl game in their home stadium. The Bulldogs are a team that to me underachieved a little bit. Skip Holtz as an underdog in awesome and I don't love how the Rainbows finished their season. Bulldogs get the win.
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Wednesday, December 26th
First Responder: Boston College (7-5; 4-4) vs (25) Boise State (10-3; 7-1)- 1:30, ESPN: This should be a fun game between two teams that had good seasons. The Eagles have faltered a little bit later on in the season and running back AJ Dillon wasn't healthy. Dillon is playing in this one, but I feel that the Broncos are the better team here and will win a close one.
Pick: Boise State
Quick Lane: Minnesota (6-6; 3-6) vs Georgia Tech (7-5; 5-3)- 5:15, ESPN: The Gophers were unlikely to be in a bowl game the last week of the regular season and wound up winning as a big underdog to get to this spot. The Yellow Jackets have had some good moments this season as well this year. This is Paul Johnson's final game as the Jackets coach and I expect him to have a proper send off with a win.
Pick: Georgia Tech
Cheez-It: California (7-5; 4-5) vs TCU (6-6; 4-5)- 9:00, ESPN: The Golden Bears have a nice foundation and have some good moments this season. The Horned Frogs are a team that underachieved this season, but snuck into this spot with a few upset wins late in the season. I love the Bears in this spot and I think their defense can make more stops than the Frogs defense.
Pick: California
Thursday, December 27th
Independence: Temple (8-4; 7-1) vs Duke (7-5; 3-5)- 1:30, ESPN: The Owls lost their head coach to Georgia Tech, but that won't be a distraction to them. The Blue Devils have underachieved to some degree this year due mainly due to injuries. Geoff Collins or not, the Owls are the better team and there's a reason why they are favored in this spot.
Pick: Temple
Pinstripe: Miami (7-5; 4-4) vs Wisconsin (7-5; 5-4)- 5:15, ESPN: Here we have the battle of two major disappointments. The Hurricanes and Badgers both have solid defenses, but have gotten subpar quarterback play which held the two teams back throughout the season. This was a hard call, but I just trust the Badgers here more than the Canes.
Pick: Wisconsin
Texas: Baylor (6-6; 4-5) vs Vanderbilt (6-6; 3-5)- 9:00, ESPN: Matt Rhule and Derek Mason both deserve credit for taking their teams here as neither team was thought to be a bowl team this season. I do think this will be a pretty high scoring affair and I think Kyle Shurmur leads the way for the Commodores.
Pick: Vanderbilt
Friday, December 28th
Music City: Purdue (6-6; 5-4) vs Auburn (7-5; 3-5)- 1:30, ESPN: The Boiler Makers year will be remembered fondly regardless of this bowl result due to Jeff Frohm committing to stay long term and super-fan Tyler Trent, who's battling cancer, giving the team an inspiring lift prior to their big upset win over Ohio State. The Tigers season has been a major disappointment on all accounts. The Boiler Makers are an undeserving underdog here and they'll prove odd-makers wrong and cap off a memorable season with a win.
Pick: Auburn
Camping World: (16) West Virginia (8-3; 6-3) vs (20) Syracuse (9-3; 6-2)- 5:15, ESPN: The Mountaineers season was promising and a few bad breaks in their last two games perhaps cost them a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Orange have had a surprisingly great season, but have lost to the best three teams they've played. Will Grier is not playing in this game and that single handily gives the Orange the advantage in this game against their former Big East rival.
Pick: Syracuse
Alamo: (24) Iowa State (8-4; 6-3) vs (13) Washington State (10-2; 7-2)- 9:00, ESPN: This game is phenomenal. The Cyclones have had another great season and have showed improvement from last season too. The Cougars were arguably the biggest surprise in the sport this year, but they had a favorable schedule and teams in their conference underachieved. That said, the wrong team is favored here and the Cyclones will prove odd-makers wrong as the Cougars "Coug It".
Pick: Iowa State
Saturday, December 29th
Peach: (10) Florida (9-3; 5-3) vs (7) Michigan (10-2; 8-1)- 12:00, ESPN: These two programs hooked up not long ago and Jim Harbaugh's team came thru victorious. The Gators team vastly overachieved this year and that's credit to Dan Mullen and the job he has done. The Wolverines have had a great season as Jim Harbaugh finally has a decent quarterback in Shea Patterson, and I believe he gets the job done and leads the Wolverines to the win.
Pick: Michigan
Belk: South Carolina (7-5; 4-4) vs Virginia (7-5; 4-4)- 12:00, ABC: Both of these teams have had moments this season both good and bad. The Gamecocks are great offensively and bad defensively. The Cavs aren't good offensively and are somewhat competent defensively. The unit I trust the most is the Cocks offense led by Jake Bentley. Will Muschamp's team gets the win.
Pick: South Carolina
Arizona: Arkansas State (8-4; 5-3) vs Nevada (7-5; 5-3)- 1:15, CBSSN: Both the Red Wolves and the Wolf Pack have had moment this tear birth good and bad. The better team here is the team that's the underdog and that is the Wolf Pack and I think they get the outright upset victory.
Pick: Nevada
Monday, December 31st
Military: Cincinnati (10-2; 6-2) vs Virginia Tech (6-6; 4-4)- 12:00, ESPN: The Bearcats were unbeaten early in the season and lost twice late in the season. The Hokies had a very strange season and still wind up extending their bowl appearance streak. The Bearcats are the better team this year and I like them in this spot.
Pick: Cincinnati
Hyundai Sun: Stanford (8-4; 6-3) vs Pittsburgh (7-6; 6-2)- 2:00, CBS: The Cardinal quietly went 8-4, but it felt like more of a disappointment. The Panthers were a big surprise this year winning the Coastal Division. Bryce Love is not playing in this game, but that won't be a problem for a Cardinal team that has played a majority of the season without Love as they'll get the win.
Pick: Stanford
Redbox: Michigan State (7-5; 5-4) vs Oregon (8-4; 5-4)- 3:00, FOX: Both the Spartans and Ducks have had disappointing seasons. These teams faced each other in 2014 and 2015 and each team won once. Justin Herbert is playing and coming back to school, but I don't love what I've seen from him and I like Sparty to get the win.
Pick: Michigan State
Liberty: (23) Missouri (8-4; 4-4) vs Oklahoma State (6-6; 3-6)- 3:45, ESPN: This is poised to be a very high scoring game. The Tigers finished their season very strong. The Cowboys had a wild season with so many close calls. Drew Lock has had a strong year throwing the ball for the Tigers and I like them here to win.
Pick: Missouri
Holiday: (22) Northwestern (8-5; 8-1) vs (17) Utah (9-4; 6-3)- 7:00, FS1: Both of these teams wound up losing in their respective conference championships and now they're here. The Wildcats finished their season strong. The Utes have suffered a number of key injuries this season on the offensive end. Give me the Cats as Pat Fitzgerald gets his team up for this one.
Pick: Northwestern
Gator: NC State (9-3; 5-3) vs (19) Texas A&M (8-4; 5-3)- 7:30, ESPN: The Wolfpack quietly had a great season this year and Ryan Finley has been solid. The Aggies have overachieved this season and that's credit to Jimbo Fisher, who's done a great job this year. Kellen Mond has been good for the Aggies at quarterback and I think he leads them to a win.
Pick: Texas A&M
Tuesday, January 1st
Outback: (18) Mississippi State (8-4; 4-4) vs Iowa (8-4; 5-4)- 12:00, ESPN2: Both of these teams were ranked at some point of the season. Nick Fitzgerald is playing his last collegiate game for the Bulldogs. The Hawkeyes had some fine games and others were clunkers. I trust Fitzgerald in his finale and for Joe Morehead to get his first bowl win.
Pick: Mississippi State
Fiesta: (11) LSU (9-3; 5-3) vs (8) UCF (13-0; 8-0)- 1:00, ESPN: The Tigers have overachieved this season and Ed Orgeron deserves a ton of credit. The Knights story has been phenomenal with two straight unbeaten seasons at risk. McKenzie Milton is recovering from an dislocated knee and now at quarterback is Darriel Mack Jr. The Tigers offense is not very good although neither is the Knights defense. That said, give me the Knights to complete their second straight unbeaten season.
Pick: UCF
Citrus: (14) Kentucky (9-3; 5-3) vs (12) Penn State (9-3; 6-3)- 1:00, ABC: The Wildcats have had such a phenomenal season and find themselves in a nice bowl game. The Nittany Lions took a stepback without Saquon Barkley on their team. That said, the Lions are the better team here with the better quarterback led by Trace McSorley.
Pick: Penn State
Rose: (9) Washington (10-3; 7-2) vs (6) Ohio State (12-1; 8-1)- 5:00, ESPN: Both of these teams won their respective conference games. The Huskies underachieved and Jake Browning did not have a great season. The Buckeyes losing at Purdue cost them a birth in the College Football Playoff and didn't have Nick Bosa most of the year. Dwayne Haskins has something to prove in this game as he's potentially auditioning for an NFL team in this spot and I like him to lead the Buckeyes to a win in Urban Meyer's final game as coach.
Pick: Ohio State
Sugar: (15) Texas (9-4; 7-2) vs (5) Georgia (11-2; 7-1)- 8:45, ESPN: The Longhorns find themselves in a good bowl game despite a record that isn't that great. The Bulldogs arguably would have been a playoff team if they did not lose to LSU in the regular season. Jake Fromm is such a great quarterback and he'll lead the Bulldogs to a beatdown over the Longhorns.
Pick: Georgia
Saturday, December 15th
Cure: Tulane (6-6; 5-3) vs Louisiana (7-6; 5-3)- 1:30, CBSSN: The Green Wave probably expected to be better than this although the Rajun Cajins certainly exceeded expectations by reaching the Sun Belt championship game. The Green Wave are the better team and I expect them to win by double digits.
Pick: Tulane
New Mexico: North Texas (9-3; 5-3) vs Utah State (10-2; 7-1)- 2:00, ESPN: This is a sneaky good game between two teams that exceeded expectations this season. The Aggies lost their coach Matt Wells to Texas Tech but that won't be an issue here as I expect them to win this game although it wouldn't shock me if the Mean Green give them a game.
Pick: Utah State
Las Vegas: Arizona State (7-5; 5-4) vs Fresno State (11-2; 7-1)- 3:30, ABC: The Sun Devils exceeded all expectations this year and find themselves here credit to Herm Edwards in his first year. The Bulldogs had another great year as they win the Mountain West. The Bulldogs are the better team and I think the Sun Devils can hang around in this one too.
Pick: Fresno State
Camellia: Georgia Southern (9-3; 6-2) vs Eastern Michigan (7-5; 5-3)- 5:30, ESPN: The Eagles certainly had a phenomenal turnaround this year as they came close to getting to the Sun Belt title game. The job Chris Creighton has done has been great the last few years turning the program around, but I like the Eagles to take this one.
Pick: Eastern Michigan
New Orleans: Middle Tennessee (8-5; 7-1) vs Appalachian State (10-2; 7-1)- 9:00, ESPN: This is the best bowl game on paper as these two teams made their respective conference championship game although the Mountaineers won there's and the Blue Raiders didn't. Some folks out there think the Blue Raiders can win this outright, but I like the Mountaineers to get the win and their defense to get a few key stops late in this one.
Pick: Appalachian State
Tuesday, December 18th
Boca Raton: UAB (10-3; 7-1) vs Northern Illinois (8-5; 6-2)- 7:00, ESPN: The Blazers story from not having a team to getting it's team back and it being very good is phenomenal and they won the C-USA Championship game over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders. The Huskies pulled off an upset in the MAC Championship game over the Buffalo Bulls. I love the Blazers here with the better team and to get the win.
Pick: UAB
Wednesday, December 19th
Frisco: San Diego State (7-5; 4-4) vs Ohio (8-4; 6-2)- 8:00, ESPN: The Aztecs are a solid team that happened to fall apart toward the end of the season. The Bobcats meanwhile finished the season strong heading into this game. That said, I just think Rocky Long has the better team on his hands and will get the win here.
Pick: San Diego State
Thursday, December 20th
Graspilla: Marshall (8-4; 6-2) vs South Florida (7-5; 3-5)- 8:00, ESPN: The Thundering Herd are a solid C-USA team and Doc Holliday has done great as he tends to do all the time. The Bulls are a team that has collapsed by losing their last five games. Remember when the Bulls were unbeaten and ranked? That was a distant memory. Herd win.
Pick: Marshall
Friday, December 21st
Bahamas: FIU (8-4; 6-2) vs Toledo (7-5; 5-3)- 12:30, ESPN: This should be a fun bowl game. The Panthers exceeded all expectations to get to this spot and that's credit to Butch Davis, who's building a respectable program. The Rockets to me are a team that had underachieved to some sort in a West division in the MAC that seems to be up for grabs annually. The pick here is the Panthers because they feel like they have something to prove here.
Pick: FIU
Potato: Western Michigan (7-5; 5-3) vs BYU (6-6)- 4:00, ESPN: Tim Lester did a great job getting this Broncos team to back to back bowls after TJ Fleck left for Minnesota. The Cougars are back in a bowl after a one year hiatus. The Cougars have the better team led by quarterback Zach Wilson and I expect them to get the win.
Pick: BYU
Saturday, December 22nd
Birmingham: Memphis (8-5; 5-3) vs Wake Forest (6-6; 3-5)- 12:00, ESPN: The Tigers had many ups and downs throughout their season and the same could be the same for the Demon Deacons. This has the makings of a high scoring affair and I think the Tigers get the win here.
Pick: Memphis
Armed Forces: Houston (8-4; 5-3) vs Army (10-2)- 3:30, ESPN: The Cougars come into this game not having Ed Oliver or D'Eriq King. The Knights have had a phenomenal season in which they were ranked in the AP and Coaches Polls. With the Cougars two stars out for this, I like the Knights to win the game on the field to cap off their season.
Pick: Army
Dollar General: Buffalo (10-3; 7-1) vs Troy (9-3; 7-1)- 7:00, ESPN: The Bulls have had a great year, but lost the MAC Championship against an inferior Northern Illinois team. The Trojans have had a solid year as well although they did not make their conference championship. The Bulls have a stud wideout in Anthony Johnson and I expect him to have a monster game to give the Bulls a win.
Pick: Buffalo
Hawaii: Hawaii (8-5; 5-3) vs Louisiana Tech (7-5; 5-3)- 10:30, ESPN: The Rainbows are a team that's overachieved this season and get their bowl game in their home stadium. The Bulldogs are a team that to me underachieved a little bit. Skip Holtz as an underdog in awesome and I don't love how the Rainbows finished their season. Bulldogs get the win.
Pick: Louisiana Tech
Wednesday, December 26th
First Responder: Boston College (7-5; 4-4) vs (25) Boise State (10-3; 7-1)- 1:30, ESPN: This should be a fun game between two teams that had good seasons. The Eagles have faltered a little bit later on in the season and running back AJ Dillon wasn't healthy. Dillon is playing in this one, but I feel that the Broncos are the better team here and will win a close one.
Pick: Boise State
Quick Lane: Minnesota (6-6; 3-6) vs Georgia Tech (7-5; 5-3)- 5:15, ESPN: The Gophers were unlikely to be in a bowl game the last week of the regular season and wound up winning as a big underdog to get to this spot. The Yellow Jackets have had some good moments this season as well this year. This is Paul Johnson's final game as the Jackets coach and I expect him to have a proper send off with a win.
Pick: Georgia Tech
Cheez-It: California (7-5; 4-5) vs TCU (6-6; 4-5)- 9:00, ESPN: The Golden Bears have a nice foundation and have some good moments this season. The Horned Frogs are a team that underachieved this season, but snuck into this spot with a few upset wins late in the season. I love the Bears in this spot and I think their defense can make more stops than the Frogs defense.
Pick: California
Thursday, December 27th
Independence: Temple (8-4; 7-1) vs Duke (7-5; 3-5)- 1:30, ESPN: The Owls lost their head coach to Georgia Tech, but that won't be a distraction to them. The Blue Devils have underachieved to some degree this year due mainly due to injuries. Geoff Collins or not, the Owls are the better team and there's a reason why they are favored in this spot.
Pick: Temple
Pinstripe: Miami (7-5; 4-4) vs Wisconsin (7-5; 5-4)- 5:15, ESPN: Here we have the battle of two major disappointments. The Hurricanes and Badgers both have solid defenses, but have gotten subpar quarterback play which held the two teams back throughout the season. This was a hard call, but I just trust the Badgers here more than the Canes.
Pick: Wisconsin
Texas: Baylor (6-6; 4-5) vs Vanderbilt (6-6; 3-5)- 9:00, ESPN: Matt Rhule and Derek Mason both deserve credit for taking their teams here as neither team was thought to be a bowl team this season. I do think this will be a pretty high scoring affair and I think Kyle Shurmur leads the way for the Commodores.
Pick: Vanderbilt
Friday, December 28th
Music City: Purdue (6-6; 5-4) vs Auburn (7-5; 3-5)- 1:30, ESPN: The Boiler Makers year will be remembered fondly regardless of this bowl result due to Jeff Frohm committing to stay long term and super-fan Tyler Trent, who's battling cancer, giving the team an inspiring lift prior to their big upset win over Ohio State. The Tigers season has been a major disappointment on all accounts. The Boiler Makers are an undeserving underdog here and they'll prove odd-makers wrong and cap off a memorable season with a win.
Pick: Auburn
Camping World: (16) West Virginia (8-3; 6-3) vs (20) Syracuse (9-3; 6-2)- 5:15, ESPN: The Mountaineers season was promising and a few bad breaks in their last two games perhaps cost them a spot in the College Football Playoff. The Orange have had a surprisingly great season, but have lost to the best three teams they've played. Will Grier is not playing in this game and that single handily gives the Orange the advantage in this game against their former Big East rival.
Pick: Syracuse
Alamo: (24) Iowa State (8-4; 6-3) vs (13) Washington State (10-2; 7-2)- 9:00, ESPN: This game is phenomenal. The Cyclones have had another great season and have showed improvement from last season too. The Cougars were arguably the biggest surprise in the sport this year, but they had a favorable schedule and teams in their conference underachieved. That said, the wrong team is favored here and the Cyclones will prove odd-makers wrong as the Cougars "Coug It".
Pick: Iowa State
Saturday, December 29th
Peach: (10) Florida (9-3; 5-3) vs (7) Michigan (10-2; 8-1)- 12:00, ESPN: These two programs hooked up not long ago and Jim Harbaugh's team came thru victorious. The Gators team vastly overachieved this year and that's credit to Dan Mullen and the job he has done. The Wolverines have had a great season as Jim Harbaugh finally has a decent quarterback in Shea Patterson, and I believe he gets the job done and leads the Wolverines to the win.
Pick: Michigan
Belk: South Carolina (7-5; 4-4) vs Virginia (7-5; 4-4)- 12:00, ABC: Both of these teams have had moments this season both good and bad. The Gamecocks are great offensively and bad defensively. The Cavs aren't good offensively and are somewhat competent defensively. The unit I trust the most is the Cocks offense led by Jake Bentley. Will Muschamp's team gets the win.
Pick: South Carolina
Arizona: Arkansas State (8-4; 5-3) vs Nevada (7-5; 5-3)- 1:15, CBSSN: Both the Red Wolves and the Wolf Pack have had moment this tear birth good and bad. The better team here is the team that's the underdog and that is the Wolf Pack and I think they get the outright upset victory.
Pick: Nevada
Monday, December 31st
Military: Cincinnati (10-2; 6-2) vs Virginia Tech (6-6; 4-4)- 12:00, ESPN: The Bearcats were unbeaten early in the season and lost twice late in the season. The Hokies had a very strange season and still wind up extending their bowl appearance streak. The Bearcats are the better team this year and I like them in this spot.
Pick: Cincinnati
Hyundai Sun: Stanford (8-4; 6-3) vs Pittsburgh (7-6; 6-2)- 2:00, CBS: The Cardinal quietly went 8-4, but it felt like more of a disappointment. The Panthers were a big surprise this year winning the Coastal Division. Bryce Love is not playing in this game, but that won't be a problem for a Cardinal team that has played a majority of the season without Love as they'll get the win.
Pick: Stanford
Redbox: Michigan State (7-5; 5-4) vs Oregon (8-4; 5-4)- 3:00, FOX: Both the Spartans and Ducks have had disappointing seasons. These teams faced each other in 2014 and 2015 and each team won once. Justin Herbert is playing and coming back to school, but I don't love what I've seen from him and I like Sparty to get the win.
Pick: Michigan State
Liberty: (23) Missouri (8-4; 4-4) vs Oklahoma State (6-6; 3-6)- 3:45, ESPN: This is poised to be a very high scoring game. The Tigers finished their season very strong. The Cowboys had a wild season with so many close calls. Drew Lock has had a strong year throwing the ball for the Tigers and I like them here to win.
Pick: Missouri
Holiday: (22) Northwestern (8-5; 8-1) vs (17) Utah (9-4; 6-3)- 7:00, FS1: Both of these teams wound up losing in their respective conference championships and now they're here. The Wildcats finished their season strong. The Utes have suffered a number of key injuries this season on the offensive end. Give me the Cats as Pat Fitzgerald gets his team up for this one.
Pick: Northwestern
Gator: NC State (9-3; 5-3) vs (19) Texas A&M (8-4; 5-3)- 7:30, ESPN: The Wolfpack quietly had a great season this year and Ryan Finley has been solid. The Aggies have overachieved this season and that's credit to Jimbo Fisher, who's done a great job this year. Kellen Mond has been good for the Aggies at quarterback and I think he leads them to a win.
Pick: Texas A&M
Tuesday, January 1st
Outback: (18) Mississippi State (8-4; 4-4) vs Iowa (8-4; 5-4)- 12:00, ESPN2: Both of these teams were ranked at some point of the season. Nick Fitzgerald is playing his last collegiate game for the Bulldogs. The Hawkeyes had some fine games and others were clunkers. I trust Fitzgerald in his finale and for Joe Morehead to get his first bowl win.
Pick: Mississippi State
Fiesta: (11) LSU (9-3; 5-3) vs (8) UCF (13-0; 8-0)- 1:00, ESPN: The Tigers have overachieved this season and Ed Orgeron deserves a ton of credit. The Knights story has been phenomenal with two straight unbeaten seasons at risk. McKenzie Milton is recovering from an dislocated knee and now at quarterback is Darriel Mack Jr. The Tigers offense is not very good although neither is the Knights defense. That said, give me the Knights to complete their second straight unbeaten season.
Pick: UCF
Citrus: (14) Kentucky (9-3; 5-3) vs (12) Penn State (9-3; 6-3)- 1:00, ABC: The Wildcats have had such a phenomenal season and find themselves in a nice bowl game. The Nittany Lions took a stepback without Saquon Barkley on their team. That said, the Lions are the better team here with the better quarterback led by Trace McSorley.
Pick: Penn State
Rose: (9) Washington (10-3; 7-2) vs (6) Ohio State (12-1; 8-1)- 5:00, ESPN: Both of these teams won their respective conference games. The Huskies underachieved and Jake Browning did not have a great season. The Buckeyes losing at Purdue cost them a birth in the College Football Playoff and didn't have Nick Bosa most of the year. Dwayne Haskins has something to prove in this game as he's potentially auditioning for an NFL team in this spot and I like him to lead the Buckeyes to a win in Urban Meyer's final game as coach.
Pick: Ohio State
Sugar: (15) Texas (9-4; 7-2) vs (5) Georgia (11-2; 7-1)- 8:45, ESPN: The Longhorns find themselves in a good bowl game despite a record that isn't that great. The Bulldogs arguably would have been a playoff team if they did not lose to LSU in the regular season. Jake Fromm is such a great quarterback and he'll lead the Bulldogs to a beatdown over the Longhorns.
Pick: Georgia
2018-19 College Football Bowl Season: Schedule
Here is the Bowl Schedule for the 2018-19 College Football season.
12/15- Cure: Tulane vs Louisiana; 1:30, CBSSN
12/15- New Mexico: North Texas vs Utah State; 2:00, ESPN
12/15- Las Vegas: Arizona State vs Fresno State; 3:30, ABC
12/15- Camellia: Georgia Southern vs Eastern Michigan; 5:30, ESPN
12/15- New Orleans: Middle Tennessee vs Appalachian State; 9:00, ESPN
12/18- Boca Raton: UAB vs Northern Illinois; 7:00, ESPN
12/19- Frisco: San Diego State vs Ohio; 8:00, ESPN
12/20- Graspilla: Marshall vs South Florida; 8:00, ESPN
12/21- Bahamas: FIU vs Toledo; 12:30, ESPN
12/21- Potato: Western Michigan vs BYU; 4:00, ESPN
12/22- Birmingham: Memphis vs Wake Forest; 12:00, ESPN
12/22- Armed Forces: Houston vs Army; 3:30, ESPN
12/22- Dollar General: Buffalo vs Troy; 7:00, ESPN
12/22- Hawaii: Hawaii vs Louisiana Tech; 10:30, ESPN
12/26- First Responder: Boston College vs (25) Boise State; 1:30, ESPN
12/26- Quick Lane: Minnesota vs Georgia Tech; 5:15, ESPN
12/26- Cheez-It: California vs TCU; 9:00, ESPN
12/27- Independence: Temple vs Duke; 1:30, ESPN
12/27- Pinstripe: Miami vs Wisconsin; 5:15, ESPN
12/27- Texas: Baylor vs Vanderbilt; 9:00, ESPN
12/28- Music City: Purdue vs Auburn; 1:30, ESPN
12/28- Camping World: (16) West Virginia vs (20) Syracuse; 5:15, ESPN
12/28- Alamo: (24) Iowa State vs (13) Washington State; 9:00, ESPN
12/29- Peach: (10) Florida vs (7) Michigan; 12:00, ESPN
12/29- Belk: South Carolina vs Virginia; 12:00, ABC
12/29- Arizona: Arkansas State vs Nevada; 1:15, CBSSN
12/29- Cotton: (3) Notre Dame vs (3) Clemson; 4:00, ESPN
12/29- Orange: (4) Oklahoma vs (1) Alabama; 8:00, ESPN
12/31- Military: Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech; 12:00, ESPN
12/31- Hyundai Sun: Stanford vs Pittsburgh; 2:00, CBS
12/31- Redbox: Michigan State vs Oregon; 3:00, FOX
12/31- Liberty: (23) Missouri vs Oklahoma State; 3:45, ESPN
12/31- Holiday: (22) Northwestern vs (17) Utah; 7:00, FS1
12/31- Gator: NC State vs (19) Texas A&M; 7:30, ESPN
1/1- Outback: (18) Mississippi State vs Iowa; 12:00, ESPN2
1/1- Fiesta: (11) LSU vs (8) UCF; 1:00, ESPN
1/1- Citrus: (14) Kentucky vs (12) Penn State; 1:00, ABC
1/1- Rose: (9) Washington vs (6) Ohio State; 5:00, ESPN
1/1- Sugar: (15) Texas vs (5) Georgia; 8:45, ESPN
1/7- Championship: TBD vs TBD; 8:00, ESPN
12/15- Cure: Tulane vs Louisiana; 1:30, CBSSN
12/15- New Mexico: North Texas vs Utah State; 2:00, ESPN
12/15- Las Vegas: Arizona State vs Fresno State; 3:30, ABC
12/15- Camellia: Georgia Southern vs Eastern Michigan; 5:30, ESPN
12/15- New Orleans: Middle Tennessee vs Appalachian State; 9:00, ESPN
12/18- Boca Raton: UAB vs Northern Illinois; 7:00, ESPN
12/19- Frisco: San Diego State vs Ohio; 8:00, ESPN
12/20- Graspilla: Marshall vs South Florida; 8:00, ESPN
12/21- Bahamas: FIU vs Toledo; 12:30, ESPN
12/21- Potato: Western Michigan vs BYU; 4:00, ESPN
12/22- Birmingham: Memphis vs Wake Forest; 12:00, ESPN
12/22- Armed Forces: Houston vs Army; 3:30, ESPN
12/22- Dollar General: Buffalo vs Troy; 7:00, ESPN
12/22- Hawaii: Hawaii vs Louisiana Tech; 10:30, ESPN
12/26- First Responder: Boston College vs (25) Boise State; 1:30, ESPN
12/26- Quick Lane: Minnesota vs Georgia Tech; 5:15, ESPN
12/26- Cheez-It: California vs TCU; 9:00, ESPN
12/27- Independence: Temple vs Duke; 1:30, ESPN
12/27- Pinstripe: Miami vs Wisconsin; 5:15, ESPN
12/27- Texas: Baylor vs Vanderbilt; 9:00, ESPN
12/28- Music City: Purdue vs Auburn; 1:30, ESPN
12/28- Camping World: (16) West Virginia vs (20) Syracuse; 5:15, ESPN
12/28- Alamo: (24) Iowa State vs (13) Washington State; 9:00, ESPN
12/29- Peach: (10) Florida vs (7) Michigan; 12:00, ESPN
12/29- Belk: South Carolina vs Virginia; 12:00, ABC
12/29- Arizona: Arkansas State vs Nevada; 1:15, CBSSN
12/29- Cotton: (3) Notre Dame vs (3) Clemson; 4:00, ESPN
12/29- Orange: (4) Oklahoma vs (1) Alabama; 8:00, ESPN
12/31- Military: Cincinnati vs Virginia Tech; 12:00, ESPN
12/31- Hyundai Sun: Stanford vs Pittsburgh; 2:00, CBS
12/31- Redbox: Michigan State vs Oregon; 3:00, FOX
12/31- Liberty: (23) Missouri vs Oklahoma State; 3:45, ESPN
12/31- Holiday: (22) Northwestern vs (17) Utah; 7:00, FS1
12/31- Gator: NC State vs (19) Texas A&M; 7:30, ESPN
1/1- Outback: (18) Mississippi State vs Iowa; 12:00, ESPN2
1/1- Fiesta: (11) LSU vs (8) UCF; 1:00, ESPN
1/1- Citrus: (14) Kentucky vs (12) Penn State; 1:00, ABC
1/1- Rose: (9) Washington vs (6) Ohio State; 5:00, ESPN
1/1- Sugar: (15) Texas vs (5) Georgia; 8:45, ESPN
1/7- Championship: TBD vs TBD; 8:00, ESPN
Thursday, December 13, 2018
2018 NFL Week 15: Picks
Here are my picks for week fifteen of the 2018 NFL season.
Thursday, December 13th
Los Angeles Chargers (10-3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (11-2)- 8:20, FOX/NFLN: This game winner will have an inside track on who wins this division in what should be an entertaining game. The Chargers are coming off a home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs are coming off an overtime home win over the Baltimore Ravens. There are injuries galore on both sides with Melvin Gordon out for the Chargers and Sammy Watkins and Spencer Ware out with the Chiefs. Gordon is the bigger loss and the Chiefs at home in primetime usually rise to the occasion as Patrick Mahomes all but locks up the league MVP award.
Prediction: Kansas City 38, LA Chargers 31.
Saturday, December 15th
Houston Texans (9-4) at New York Jets (4-9)- 4:30, NFLN: The Texans are coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets are coming off a divisional road win in Buffalo against the Bills. Sam Darnold showed a ton of promise in that performance last week, but I see the Jets having a letdown after a feel good win for themselves as the Texans rebound to inch closer to a playoff berth and division title.
Prediction: Houston 26, NY Jets 17.
Cleveland Browns (5-7-1) at Denver Broncos (6-7)- 8:20, NFLN: A big one in the Mile High. The Browns are coming off a big home win over the Carolina Panthers. The Broncos are coming off a disappointing road loss in San Francisco against the 49ers. A lot of people are high on the Browns in this spot, but their home and road splits are disturbingly bad and I think the Broncos pass rush will get to Baker Mayfield as the Broncos play desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Denver 30, Cleveland 20.
Sunday, December 16th
Arizona Cardinals (3-10) at Atlanta Falcons (4-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Cardinals are coming off a home loss against the Detroit Lions. The Falcons are coming off a bad loss in Green Bay against the Packers. The Falcona are a team that looks to have quit on it's coach and is poised for big changes this offseason and this is reminiscent of when this same Cardinals team as a big underdog in Green Bay and beat that same Packer team that the Falcons just lost badly to. Josh Rosen shows flashes and leads the birds to another big upset win.
Prediction: Arizona 27, Atlanta 20.
Detroit Lions (5-8) at Buffalo Bills (4-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Lions are coming off a road win in Arizona against the Cardinals. The Bills are coming off a divisional home loss against the New York Jets. The Lions are probably the better team, but I like the Bills and Josh Allen here to get the win.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Detroit 20.
Green Bay Packers (5-7-1) at Chicago Bears (9-4)- 1:00, FOX: The Packers are coming off a home win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears are coming off a big time Sunday night home win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Bears defense is great when they're playing in their home building and with injuries on the Packers offensive line, I see that pass rush getting after Aaron Rodgers and clinching the NFC North with a win.
Prediction: Chicago 26, Green Bay 16.
Oakland Raiders (3-10) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Raiders are coming off an upset home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals are coming off a road loss in Los Angeles against the Chargers in which they played well in. That said, I like how the Raiders have played the last few weeks and I think Derek Carr and that offense will put up more points.
Prediction: Oakland 30, Cincinnati 16.
Dallas Cowboys (8-5) at Indianapolis Colts (7-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Cowboys are coming off a big divisional overtime home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Colts are coming off a big divisional road win in Houston against the Texans to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. This is another big spot for Andrew Luck and the Colts and I think they get the home win to snap the Cowboys five game winning streak.
Prediction: Indianapolis 23, Dallas 17.
Miami Dolphins (7-6) at Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off a miracle divisional home win over the New England Patriots. The Vikings are coming off a miserable Monday night road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. This screams bounce back for the Vikes and letdown for the Dolphins after the miracle win. Kirk Cousins and that offense rebound with their new offensive coordinator.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Miami 16.
Tennessee Titans (7-6) at New York Giants (5-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Titans are coming off a Thursday night divisional home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Giants are coming off a divisional road win in Landover against the Redskins. The Giants since their bye have been much better offensively and I think Saquon Barkley leads them to their third win in a row and crush the Titans playoff hopes.
Prediction: NY Giants 34, Tennessee 27.
Washington Redskins (6-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Redskins are coming off just a debacle of a loss against the New York Giants at home. The Jaguars are coming off a Thursday night divisional road loss in Nashville the Titans. Josh Jackson is starting at quarterback for the Redskins over Mark Sanchez and he provides mobility that I can see tricking the Jags defense. I expect a bounce back from the Redskins here and their defense too since Cody Kessler is starting at quarterback and I like them to win outright.
Prediction: Washington 23, Jacksonville 16.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-8) at Baltimore Ravens (7-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a divisional home loss against the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. Lamar Jackson has been much better than I expected as a starter and I expect him to lead the Ravens to a big win to perhaps take over first place in the AFC North if the Steelers fall to the Patriots.
Prediction: Baltimore 30, Tampa Bay 20.
Seattle Seahawks (8-5) at San Francisco 49ers (3-10)- 4:05, FOX: The Seahawks are coming off a big Monday night home win over the Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers are coming off an upset home win over the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks are well overdue for a letdown spot and this feels like it on the road against a divisional opponent. Nick Mullens shreds the Seahawks and leads the Niners to their second straight upset home win.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Seattle 20.
New England Patriots (9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1)- 4:25, CBS: The Patriots are coming off a brutal divisional road loss in Miami against the Dolphins in which was a fluky ending. The Steelers are coming off a bad road loss in Oakland against the Raiders in which Chris Boswell slipped while attempting a game tying field goal at the end. One thing for certain is that Tom Brady owns the Steelers and without James Conner again, I see the Pats winning this one.
Prediction: New England 28, Pittsburgh 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) at Los Angeles Rams (11-2)- 8:20, NBC: The Eagles are coming off a brutal divisional overtime road loss in Arlington against the Cowboys. The Rams are coming off a bad Sunday night road loss in Chicago against the Bears. Carson Wentz might be out for the season with a broken vertebra and Nick Foles is starting this week. Huge bounce back win for Jared Goff and the Rams here as they win big.
Prediction: LA Rams 37, Philadelphia 17.
Monday, December 17th
New Orleans Saints (11-2) at Carolina Panthers (6-7)- 8:15, ESPN: The Saints are coming off a bounce back divisional road win in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. The Panthers are coming off a brutal road loss in Cleveland against the Browns. The Panthers have free fallen badly as the Saints are trying to get that one-seed and I think they send the Panthers to their sixth straight loss in a close game.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Carolina 23.
Thursday, December 13th
Los Angeles Chargers (10-3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (11-2)- 8:20, FOX/NFLN: This game winner will have an inside track on who wins this division in what should be an entertaining game. The Chargers are coming off a home win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs are coming off an overtime home win over the Baltimore Ravens. There are injuries galore on both sides with Melvin Gordon out for the Chargers and Sammy Watkins and Spencer Ware out with the Chiefs. Gordon is the bigger loss and the Chiefs at home in primetime usually rise to the occasion as Patrick Mahomes all but locks up the league MVP award.
Prediction: Kansas City 38, LA Chargers 31.
Saturday, December 15th
Houston Texans (9-4) at New York Jets (4-9)- 4:30, NFLN: The Texans are coming off a disappointing divisional home loss against the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets are coming off a divisional road win in Buffalo against the Bills. Sam Darnold showed a ton of promise in that performance last week, but I see the Jets having a letdown after a feel good win for themselves as the Texans rebound to inch closer to a playoff berth and division title.
Prediction: Houston 26, NY Jets 17.
Cleveland Browns (5-7-1) at Denver Broncos (6-7)- 8:20, NFLN: A big one in the Mile High. The Browns are coming off a big home win over the Carolina Panthers. The Broncos are coming off a disappointing road loss in San Francisco against the 49ers. A lot of people are high on the Browns in this spot, but their home and road splits are disturbingly bad and I think the Broncos pass rush will get to Baker Mayfield as the Broncos play desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Denver 30, Cleveland 20.
Sunday, December 16th
Arizona Cardinals (3-10) at Atlanta Falcons (4-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Cardinals are coming off a home loss against the Detroit Lions. The Falcons are coming off a bad loss in Green Bay against the Packers. The Falcona are a team that looks to have quit on it's coach and is poised for big changes this offseason and this is reminiscent of when this same Cardinals team as a big underdog in Green Bay and beat that same Packer team that the Falcons just lost badly to. Josh Rosen shows flashes and leads the birds to another big upset win.
Prediction: Arizona 27, Atlanta 20.
Detroit Lions (5-8) at Buffalo Bills (4-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Lions are coming off a road win in Arizona against the Cardinals. The Bills are coming off a divisional home loss against the New York Jets. The Lions are probably the better team, but I like the Bills and Josh Allen here to get the win.
Prediction: Buffalo 23, Detroit 20.
Green Bay Packers (5-7-1) at Chicago Bears (9-4)- 1:00, FOX: The Packers are coming off a home win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears are coming off a big time Sunday night home win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Bears defense is great when they're playing in their home building and with injuries on the Packers offensive line, I see that pass rush getting after Aaron Rodgers and clinching the NFC North with a win.
Prediction: Chicago 26, Green Bay 16.
Oakland Raiders (3-10) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Raiders are coming off an upset home win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals are coming off a road loss in Los Angeles against the Chargers in which they played well in. That said, I like how the Raiders have played the last few weeks and I think Derek Carr and that offense will put up more points.
Prediction: Oakland 30, Cincinnati 16.
Dallas Cowboys (8-5) at Indianapolis Colts (7-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Cowboys are coming off a big divisional overtime home win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Colts are coming off a big divisional road win in Houston against the Texans to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. This is another big spot for Andrew Luck and the Colts and I think they get the home win to snap the Cowboys five game winning streak.
Prediction: Indianapolis 23, Dallas 17.
Miami Dolphins (7-6) at Minnesota Vikings (6-6-1)- 1:00, CBS: The Dolphins are coming off a miracle divisional home win over the New England Patriots. The Vikings are coming off a miserable Monday night road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. This screams bounce back for the Vikes and letdown for the Dolphins after the miracle win. Kirk Cousins and that offense rebound with their new offensive coordinator.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Miami 16.
Tennessee Titans (7-6) at New York Giants (5-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Titans are coming off a Thursday night divisional home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Giants are coming off a divisional road win in Landover against the Redskins. The Giants since their bye have been much better offensively and I think Saquon Barkley leads them to their third win in a row and crush the Titans playoff hopes.
Prediction: NY Giants 34, Tennessee 27.
Washington Redskins (6-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9)- 1:00, FOX: The Redskins are coming off just a debacle of a loss against the New York Giants at home. The Jaguars are coming off a Thursday night divisional road loss in Nashville the Titans. Josh Jackson is starting at quarterback for the Redskins over Mark Sanchez and he provides mobility that I can see tricking the Jags defense. I expect a bounce back from the Redskins here and their defense too since Cody Kessler is starting at quarterback and I like them to win outright.
Prediction: Washington 23, Jacksonville 16.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-8) at Baltimore Ravens (7-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Buccaneers are coming off a divisional home loss against the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking road loss in Kansas City against the Chiefs. Lamar Jackson has been much better than I expected as a starter and I expect him to lead the Ravens to a big win to perhaps take over first place in the AFC North if the Steelers fall to the Patriots.
Prediction: Baltimore 30, Tampa Bay 20.
Seattle Seahawks (8-5) at San Francisco 49ers (3-10)- 4:05, FOX: The Seahawks are coming off a big Monday night home win over the Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers are coming off an upset home win over the Denver Broncos. The Seahawks are well overdue for a letdown spot and this feels like it on the road against a divisional opponent. Nick Mullens shreds the Seahawks and leads the Niners to their second straight upset home win.
Prediction: San Francisco 23, Seattle 20.
New England Patriots (9-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5-1)- 4:25, CBS: The Patriots are coming off a brutal divisional road loss in Miami against the Dolphins in which was a fluky ending. The Steelers are coming off a bad road loss in Oakland against the Raiders in which Chris Boswell slipped while attempting a game tying field goal at the end. One thing for certain is that Tom Brady owns the Steelers and without James Conner again, I see the Pats winning this one.
Prediction: New England 28, Pittsburgh 23.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-7) at Los Angeles Rams (11-2)- 8:20, NBC: The Eagles are coming off a brutal divisional overtime road loss in Arlington against the Cowboys. The Rams are coming off a bad Sunday night road loss in Chicago against the Bears. Carson Wentz might be out for the season with a broken vertebra and Nick Foles is starting this week. Huge bounce back win for Jared Goff and the Rams here as they win big.
Prediction: LA Rams 37, Philadelphia 17.
Monday, December 17th
New Orleans Saints (11-2) at Carolina Panthers (6-7)- 8:15, ESPN: The Saints are coming off a bounce back divisional road win in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. The Panthers are coming off a brutal road loss in Cleveland against the Browns. The Panthers have free fallen badly as the Saints are trying to get that one-seed and I think they send the Panthers to their sixth straight loss in a close game.
Prediction: New Orleans 27, Carolina 23.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
2018 NFL Week 14: Picks
Here are my picks for week fourteen of the 2018 NFL Season.
Thursday, December 6th
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) vs Tennessee Titans (6-6)- 8:20, FOX/NFLN: The Jaguars are coming off a shutout divisional home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans are coming off a huge come from behind home win over the New York Jets to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Titans are a team that looks like it got a wake up call throughout that comeback victory and I expect them to come out with a good performance against a Jags team that is starting Cody Kessler again and put up a whopping six points last week.
Prediction: Tennessee 26, Jacksonville 13.
Sunday, December 9th
New York Jets (3-9) at Buffalo Bills (4-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a brutal road loss in Tennessee against the Titans. The Bills are coming off a close divisional road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Josh Allen as shown flashes the past few weeks and I like them to get the win over a Jets team that's quit on it's head coach and playing for a high draft pick.
Prediction: Buffalo 20, NY Jets 13.
Carolina Panthers (6-6) at Cleveland Browns (4-7-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a bad divisional road loss in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. The Browns are coming off a road loss in Houston against the Texans. The Panthers are in free fall mode and the Browns and Baker Mayfield is the safer side.
Prediction: Cleveland 33, Carolina 24.
Atlanta Falcons (4-8) at Green Bay Packers (4-7-1)- 1:00, FOX: Here's the battle of NFL disappointments. The Falcons are coming off a dismal home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Packers are coming off a awful home loss against the lowly Arizona Cardinals which led to the firing of Mike McCarthy. This was the hardest game to pick and I can see a motivated Aaron Rodgers in the wake of McCarthy's firing so give me the Packers in a close one.
Prediction: Green Bay 33, Atlanta 30.
Baltimore Ravens (7-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-2)- 1:00, CBS: The Ravens are coming off a big road win in Atlanta against the Falcons to hold their playoff spot. The Chiefs are coming off a narrow road win in Oakland against the Raiders. I'm not sold on Lamar Jackson being "the guy" and I can see him turning the ball over, even against this subpar Chiefs defense although I think Gus Edwards will run on that defense. Chiefs get the win and avoid a trap.
Prediction: Kansas City 37, Baltimore 23.
New England Patriots (9-3) at Miami Dolphins (6-6)- 1:00, CBS: The Patriots are coming off a big home win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Dolphins are coming off a big divisional home win over the Buffalo Bills to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Pats have a history of losing in Miami over the past few seasons but I don't see it here as they're getting healthy although I do think the Dolphins give them a fight.
Prediction: New England 24, Miami 20.
New Orleans Saints (10-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)- 1:00, FOX: The Saints are coming off a tough Thursday Night road loss in Arlington against the Cowboys. The Buccaneers are coming off a divisional home win over the Carolina Panthers. The Saints are just poised to come out and bounce back from that bad offensive performance from last week and quite frankly, the Bucs are due for a bad game.
Prediction: New Orleans 38, Tampa Bay 20.
New York Giants (4-8) at Washington Redskins (6-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Giants are coming off an overtime home win over the Chicago Bears in a game which they had a ten point lead with less than two minutes left. The Redskins are coming off a Monday Night divisional road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Mark Sanchez is now the Redskins starting quarterback after their backup Colt McCoy was lost for the season with a leg injury. Big Blue gets their fourth win in five weeks.
Prediction: NY Giants 26, Washington 16.
Indianapolis Colts (6-6) at Houston Texans (9-3)- 1:00, CBS: The Colts are coming off an awful divisional road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. The Texans are coming off a home win over the Cleveland Browns. I think the Colts looked past the Jags last week and will give the Texans a battle, but I think the Texans will win a close one.
Prediction: Houston 27, Indianapolis 24.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-7) at Los Angeles Chargers (9-3)- 4:05, CBS: The Bengals are coming off a home loss against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers are coming off a huge Sunday Night road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers courtesy of a game winning field goal. I can totally see look ahead potential for the Chargers here with the Chiefs looming next week so expect to be a little closer than some people think.
Prediction: LA Chargers 27, Cincinnati 13.
Denver Broncos (6-6) at San Francisco 49ers (3-9)- 4:05, CBS: The Broncos are coming off a big road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The 49ers are coming off a divisional road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. The Broncos have lost Emmanuel Sanders for the year due to a torn achilles and Chris Harris for the year too due to a broken leg and this has the makings of an upset. Niners spoil the Broncos playoff hopes a little bit.
Prediction: San Francisco 26, Denver 20.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-5)- 4:25, FOX: The Eagles are coming off a big Monday Night home win over the Washington Redskins. The Cowboys are coming off a big time Thursday Night home win over the New Orleans Saints. The winner of this game could very well win the NFC East and it will most certainly be the Cowboys if they win this game which I think they will.
Prediction: Dallas 30, Philadelphia 23.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4-1) at Oakland Raiders (2-10)- 4:25, FOX: The Steelers are coming off a brutal Sunday Night home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers in which they blew a 16-point lead in. The Raiders are coming off a close divisional home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. James Conner isn't playing this week for the Steelers, but I still think they win this game by double digits.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 37, Oakland 23.
Detroit Lions (4-8) at Arizona Cardinals (3-9)- 4:25, FOX: The Lions are coming off a home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals are coming off a rare road win in Green Bay against the Packers. I don't see this bad Cardinals winning back to back games, so give me Matthew Stafford and the Lions to win a close one.
Prediction: Detroit 26, Arizona 23.
Los Angeles Rams (11-1) at Chicago Bears (8-4)- 8:20, NBC: The Rams are coming off a road win in Detroit against the Lions. The Bears are coming off a bad overtime road loss in East Rutherford against the Giants. Mitch Trubisky is coming back this week and we don't know how healthy he really is. Give me the Rams on the road to inch closer to home field advantage.
Prediction: LA Rams 27, Chicago 16.
Monday, December 10th
Minnesota Vikings (6-5-1) at Seattle Seahawks (7-5)- 8:30, ESPN: This game could determine playoff seeding in the NFC for sure. The Vikings are coming off a disappointing road loss in New England against the Patriots. The Seahawks are coming off a big divisional home win over the San Francisco 49ers. Russell Wilson is playing like a top MVP candidate and that continues in primetime over a Vikings team that hasn't beaten any good team this season.
Prediction: Seattle 24, Minnesota 21.
Thursday, December 6th
Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8) vs Tennessee Titans (6-6)- 8:20, FOX/NFLN: The Jaguars are coming off a shutout divisional home win over the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans are coming off a huge come from behind home win over the New York Jets to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Titans are a team that looks like it got a wake up call throughout that comeback victory and I expect them to come out with a good performance against a Jags team that is starting Cody Kessler again and put up a whopping six points last week.
Prediction: Tennessee 26, Jacksonville 13.
Sunday, December 9th
New York Jets (3-9) at Buffalo Bills (4-8)- 1:00, CBS: The Jets are coming off a brutal road loss in Tennessee against the Titans. The Bills are coming off a close divisional road loss in Miami against the Dolphins. Josh Allen as shown flashes the past few weeks and I like them to get the win over a Jets team that's quit on it's head coach and playing for a high draft pick.
Prediction: Buffalo 20, NY Jets 13.
Carolina Panthers (6-6) at Cleveland Browns (4-7-1)- 1:00, FOX: The Panthers are coming off a bad divisional road loss in Tampa Bay against the Buccaneers. The Browns are coming off a road loss in Houston against the Texans. The Panthers are in free fall mode and the Browns and Baker Mayfield is the safer side.
Prediction: Cleveland 33, Carolina 24.
Atlanta Falcons (4-8) at Green Bay Packers (4-7-1)- 1:00, FOX: Here's the battle of NFL disappointments. The Falcons are coming off a dismal home loss against the Baltimore Ravens. The Packers are coming off a awful home loss against the lowly Arizona Cardinals which led to the firing of Mike McCarthy. This was the hardest game to pick and I can see a motivated Aaron Rodgers in the wake of McCarthy's firing so give me the Packers in a close one.
Prediction: Green Bay 33, Atlanta 30.
Baltimore Ravens (7-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (10-2)- 1:00, CBS: The Ravens are coming off a big road win in Atlanta against the Falcons to hold their playoff spot. The Chiefs are coming off a narrow road win in Oakland against the Raiders. I'm not sold on Lamar Jackson being "the guy" and I can see him turning the ball over, even against this subpar Chiefs defense although I think Gus Edwards will run on that defense. Chiefs get the win and avoid a trap.
Prediction: Kansas City 37, Baltimore 23.
New England Patriots (9-3) at Miami Dolphins (6-6)- 1:00, CBS: The Patriots are coming off a big home win over the Minnesota Vikings. The Dolphins are coming off a big divisional home win over the Buffalo Bills to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Pats have a history of losing in Miami over the past few seasons but I don't see it here as they're getting healthy although I do think the Dolphins give them a fight.
Prediction: New England 24, Miami 20.
New Orleans Saints (10-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-7)- 1:00, FOX: The Saints are coming off a tough Thursday Night road loss in Arlington against the Cowboys. The Buccaneers are coming off a divisional home win over the Carolina Panthers. The Saints are just poised to come out and bounce back from that bad offensive performance from last week and quite frankly, the Bucs are due for a bad game.
Prediction: New Orleans 38, Tampa Bay 20.
New York Giants (4-8) at Washington Redskins (6-6)- 1:00, FOX: The Giants are coming off an overtime home win over the Chicago Bears in a game which they had a ten point lead with less than two minutes left. The Redskins are coming off a Monday Night divisional road loss in Philadelphia against the Eagles. Mark Sanchez is now the Redskins starting quarterback after their backup Colt McCoy was lost for the season with a leg injury. Big Blue gets their fourth win in five weeks.
Prediction: NY Giants 26, Washington 16.
Indianapolis Colts (6-6) at Houston Texans (9-3)- 1:00, CBS: The Colts are coming off an awful divisional road loss in Jacksonville against the Jaguars. The Texans are coming off a home win over the Cleveland Browns. I think the Colts looked past the Jags last week and will give the Texans a battle, but I think the Texans will win a close one.
Prediction: Houston 27, Indianapolis 24.
Cincinnati Bengals (5-7) at Los Angeles Chargers (9-3)- 4:05, CBS: The Bengals are coming off a home loss against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers are coming off a huge Sunday Night road win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers courtesy of a game winning field goal. I can totally see look ahead potential for the Chargers here with the Chiefs looming next week so expect to be a little closer than some people think.
Prediction: LA Chargers 27, Cincinnati 13.
Denver Broncos (6-6) at San Francisco 49ers (3-9)- 4:05, CBS: The Broncos are coming off a big road win in Cincinnati against the Bengals. The 49ers are coming off a divisional road loss in Seattle against the Seahawks. The Broncos have lost Emmanuel Sanders for the year due to a torn achilles and Chris Harris for the year too due to a broken leg and this has the makings of an upset. Niners spoil the Broncos playoff hopes a little bit.
Prediction: San Francisco 26, Denver 20.
Philadelphia Eagles (6-6) at Dallas Cowboys (7-5)- 4:25, FOX: The Eagles are coming off a big Monday Night home win over the Washington Redskins. The Cowboys are coming off a big time Thursday Night home win over the New Orleans Saints. The winner of this game could very well win the NFC East and it will most certainly be the Cowboys if they win this game which I think they will.
Prediction: Dallas 30, Philadelphia 23.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4-1) at Oakland Raiders (2-10)- 4:25, FOX: The Steelers are coming off a brutal Sunday Night home loss against the Los Angeles Chargers in which they blew a 16-point lead in. The Raiders are coming off a close divisional home loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. James Conner isn't playing this week for the Steelers, but I still think they win this game by double digits.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 37, Oakland 23.
Detroit Lions (4-8) at Arizona Cardinals (3-9)- 4:25, FOX: The Lions are coming off a home loss against the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals are coming off a rare road win in Green Bay against the Packers. I don't see this bad Cardinals winning back to back games, so give me Matthew Stafford and the Lions to win a close one.
Prediction: Detroit 26, Arizona 23.
Los Angeles Rams (11-1) at Chicago Bears (8-4)- 8:20, NBC: The Rams are coming off a road win in Detroit against the Lions. The Bears are coming off a bad overtime road loss in East Rutherford against the Giants. Mitch Trubisky is coming back this week and we don't know how healthy he really is. Give me the Rams on the road to inch closer to home field advantage.
Prediction: LA Rams 27, Chicago 16.
Monday, December 10th
Minnesota Vikings (6-5-1) at Seattle Seahawks (7-5)- 8:30, ESPN: This game could determine playoff seeding in the NFC for sure. The Vikings are coming off a disappointing road loss in New England against the Patriots. The Seahawks are coming off a big divisional home win over the San Francisco 49ers. Russell Wilson is playing like a top MVP candidate and that continues in primetime over a Vikings team that hasn't beaten any good team this season.
Prediction: Seattle 24, Minnesota 21.
Sunday, December 2, 2018
2018 College Football Final Bowl Projections
Here are my final College Football Bowl Projections for the 2018 College Football season.
College Football Playoff
Cotton Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (4) Oklahoma vs (1) Alabama
Orange Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (3) Notre Dame vs (2) Clemson
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Peach Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: Florida vs Penn State
Fiesta Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: UCF vs Michigan
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 5:00, ESPN: Washington vs Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 8:45, ESPN: West Virginia vs Georgia
Other Bowl Games
College Football Playoff
Cotton Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (4) Oklahoma vs (1) Alabama
Orange Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 4:00/8:00, ESPN: (3) Notre Dame vs (2) Clemson
Rest of New Years Six Bowls
Peach Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: Florida vs Penn State
Fiesta Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ESPN: UCF vs Michigan
Rose Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 5:00, ESPN: Washington vs Ohio State
Sugar Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 8:45, ESPN: West Virginia vs Georgia
Other Bowl Games
New Mexico Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 2:00, ESPN: Louisiana Tech vs Nevada
Cure Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 2:30, CBSSN: Tulane vs Louisiana
Cure Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 2:30, CBSSN: Tulane vs Louisiana
Las Vegas Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 3:30, ABC: California vs Fresno State
Camellia Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 5:30, ESPN: Miami-Ohio vs Georgia Southern
New Orleans Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Appalachian State vs North Texas
New Orleans Bowl: December 15th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Appalachian State vs North Texas
Boca Raton Bowl: December 18th, 2018- 7:00, ESPN: UAB vs Tulane
Frisco Bowl: December 19th, 2018- 8:00, ESPN: Toledo vs FIU
Graspilla Bowl: December 20th, 2018- 8:00, ESPN: Cincinnati vs Miami
Bahamas Bowl: December 21st, 2018- 12:30, ESPN: Northern Illinois vs Marshall
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: December 21st, 2018- 4:00, ESPN: Western Michigan vs Utah State
Birmingham Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: Temple vs Vanderbilt
Armed Forces Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 3:30, ESPN: Army vs Houston
Dollar General Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 7:00, ESPN: Buffalo vs Troy
Hawaii Bowl: December 22nd, 2018- 10:30, ESPN: Southern Miss vs Hawaii
First Responder Bowl: December 26th, 2018- 1:30, ESPN: Middle Tennessee vs Duke
Quick Lane Bowl: December 26th, 2018- 5:15, ESPN: Georgia Tech vs BYU
Cheeze-It Bowl: December 26th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Oklahoma State vs Stanford
Independence Bowl: December 27th, 2018- 1:30, ESPN: Boston College vs Boise State
Pinstripe Bowl: December 27th, 2018- 5:15, ESPN: NC State vs Minnesota
Texas Bowl: December 27th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: TCU vs South Carolina
Music City Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 1:30, ESPN: Mississippi State vs Iowa
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 5:15, ESPN: Texas vs Pittsburgh
Alamo Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Iowa State vs Washington State
Belk Bowl: December 29th- 12:00, ABC: Syracuse vs Missouri
Arizona Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 5:30, CBSSN: Arkansas State vs San Diego State
Military Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Virginia
Music City Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 1:30, ESPN: Mississippi State vs Iowa
Camping World Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 5:15, ESPN: Texas vs Pittsburgh
Alamo Bowl: December 28th, 2018- 9:00, ESPN: Iowa State vs Washington State
Belk Bowl: December 29th- 12:00, ABC: Syracuse vs Missouri
Arizona Bowl: December 29th, 2018- 5:30, CBSSN: Arkansas State vs San Diego State
Military Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 12:00, ESPN: Memphis vs Virginia
Hyundai Sun Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 2:00, CBS: Wake Forest vs Oregon
Redbox Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 3:00, FOX: Purdue vs Arizona State
Liberty Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 3:45, ESPN: Baylor vs Auburn
Holiday Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 7:00, FS1: Wisconsin vs Utah
TaxSlayer Bowl: December 31st, 2018- 7:30, ESPN: Kentucky vs Virginia Tech
Outback Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 12:00, ESPN2: Texas A&M vs Michigan State
Citrus Bowl: January 1st, 2019- 1:00, ABC: LSU vs Northwestern
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