Forecaster Frank's Picks: Week 11
There were no lessons from last week, as I was busy making a move from one apartment to another. Perhaps I should have studied more as I posted a terrible 5-9 record. My record on the season is 72-77-1 .483.
Thursday Night
Atl +6.5 (o/u 47.5)
Falcons 27 Patriots 24
The Patriots are the hottest team in the NFL, winning their last four games with three blowouts. Mac Jones is leading the race for Rookie of the Year, and the Falcons are coming off an ugly loss in Dallas. This feels like an easy Patriots win, but something seems off. Call it Tank's Gut Pick of the week.
Sunday at 1
Ind +7 (o/u 50)
Bills 23 Colts 17
The Colts have played strong football over the last five weeks, winning four of five to get back to .500. The Bills, after a bad loss in Jacksonville, stomped a mudhole in the Jets. Look for the Colts to keep it close, as they did in the Wild Card last season.
Car -3.5 (o/u 43)
Panthers 24 Washington 13
Cam Newton made a surprise return to the Panthers and led them to a blowout win over the Cardinals in Arizona. Look for thunderous applause as he returns to Carolina and gets another win.
Bal -5 (o/u 45.5)
Ravens 26 Bears 9
The Ravens stumbled in Miami last week as Lamar Jackson had a bad under the pressure of the Dolphins defense. I expect Jackson to rebound as Justin Fields continues to have growing pains with the Bears.
Det +11.5 (o/u 43.5)
Browns 31 Lions 21
The Browns were embarrassed in New England last week; they have had their ups and downs all year. The Lions, meanwhile, forged a tie in Pittsburgh. Detroit is winless, but they are strong at covering the spread.
SF -6.5 (o/u 45.5)
49ers 31 Jaguars 16
The Jaguars could be turning the corner, winning over the Bills and a strong performance, while losing in Indianapolis. The Niners are also coming off a great win over the Rams on Monday. I think the Niners sensing urgency for the playoff win, get another win in Jacksonville.
Min +2.5 (o/u 49)
Vikings 20 Packers 17
Aaron Rodgers returned last week, and the Packers beat the Seahawks, but the defense was the star of the game, shutting Seattle out. The Vikings have had some hideous losses this year, and this game will be their one chance to get back in the race,
Mia -3.5 (o/u 45)
Dolphins 16 Jets 9
Joe Flacco is getting the start for the Jets, as Mike White has gone from looking like Joe Namath against the Bengals to looking like Browning Nagle against the Bills. Look for Miami to take advantage as the Dolphins get a third consecutive win.
NO +1.5 (o/u 43.5)
Saints 23 Eagles 20
Saints are ravaged by injuries and have lost two straight. They did play well against the Titans, and they have hope that Alvin Kamara can play in Philly. I think this is an excellent chance to get back on track against a mediocre Eagles team.
Ten -10 (o/u 44.5)
Titans 38 Texans 6
The Titans are rolling, with six straight wins. Without Derrick Henry, their defense has stepped up. The Texans are the worst team in the NFL. This one is going to be ugly.
Sunday Late Games
Cin -1 (o/u 49.5)
Bengals 37 Raiders 17
The Raiders off the field issues are starting to take their toll as the Raiders are falling apart. Look for the Bengals to get a big day from Joe Burrow, as the Raiders drop a third straight game.
KC -2.5 (o/u 56)
Chiefs 34 Cowboys 30
The Cowboys creamed the Falcons last week, removing nicely from a loss to the Broncos. The Chiefs, meanwhile, finally looked like the team that went to the Super Bowl the previous two seasons. This one could be entertaining, with Patrick Mahomes making the big plays at the end.
Ari -2.5 (o/is u 48)
Cardinals 27 Seahawks 17
The Cardinals have never been intimidated by the 12th Man in Seattle. The Seahawks got Russell Wilson back last week but were shut out by the Packers. The Cardinals are 5-0 on the road, and Kyler Murray is trending towards being able to play.
Sunday Night
LAC -6 (o/u 46.5)
Chargers 30 Steelers 10
The Steelers tied the Lions last week and are unsure if T.J. Watt or Ben Roethlisberger can play. Despite a pro-Pittsburgh crowd, I see the Chargers having their way as they get back on the winning track.
Monday Night
TB -11 (o/u 49.5)
Buccaneers 31 Giants 13
The Buccaneers and Tom Brady are coming off a bad loss to Washington. Hosting the Giants on Monday night, logic will say take the Giants and the points, but this is a trap line. Bucs win easily.