Jason McIntyre
Co-host of THE HERD and FOX sports activities betting analyst
When it involves betting on this weekend’s video games, you may discover a development in my picks: I just like the favorites.
Yes, I’m fading the Cowboys. I additionally help the marginally beat up Rams, with one caveat.
NFL Week 9, be good to us bettors. Let’s dive in.
(All instances ET)
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
Charger @ Brown (1 p.m., CBS)
Are the chargers good? We do not actually know but.
Their wins got here in opposition to backside gamers (plus Denver) who’ve a mixed report of 10-22. And loads of that’s bolstered by Denver’s 5-3 report, which got here in opposition to unhealthy groups.
However, the Chargers have had harm issues. From Justin Herbert to the 2 vast receivers, to Gus Edwards on the offensive line and Joey Bosa (once more): it was a catastrophe. And this week they look like as wholesome as they’ve been since week one.
Their run protection has been unimaginable this season. It’s led by nostril sort out Poona Ford, who’s having the perfect yr of her profession as defenses concentrate on edge rushers Khalil Mack and Bosa. Ford has a mismatch in opposition to Cleveland’s struggling middle Ethan Pocic.
While LA is bettering, the Browns got here away from the win in opposition to the Ravens with some critical accidents, and it appears like they’re going to be down a number of key starters this week: tight finish David Njoku (leads Cleveland in receiving yards per sport), star cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) and main tackler Jeremiah Owusu-Koraoah (neck).
After an exhilarating win over the rival Ravens, with per week off on deck and pristine climate anticipated, the Chargers will present up right here and rock Jameis Winston. I anticipate them to get a strong win on the street.
PICK: Chargers (-1) to win by greater than 1 level
Will the Cowboys almost definitely have an A-Game or F-Game in opposition to the Falcons?
Cowboys @ Hawks (1 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports App)
Injuries are impacting this line, which has fluctuated between 2.5 and three all week, relying on whether or not the Cowboys would put some defensive stars on the sphere (DaRon Bland, Micah Parsons). This was briefly -2.5 in Atlanta earlier within the week, however right here we’re on Friday, and it is heading in the direction of -3.5 as a result of Parsons and Bland have not practiced in any respect.
I do not perceive Dallas love. The Cowboys’ victories are in opposition to Cleveland and Giants, after which in opposition to the Steelers on a last-second landing. This just isn’t a very good place for them. They’re coming off that journey to mighty San Francisco and are locked into an enormous house sport in opposition to the Eagles.
The Cowboys proceed to get torn aside by tight ends. Kyle Pitts already has as many touchdowns (3) as he had all of final season. They will seemingly be down the highest two cornerbacks and that is not preferrred in opposition to Kirk Cousins. Dallas could also be pressured to play within the cover-3 zone, which Cousins has torched.
If Mike Zimmer’s protection depends on most security and makes an attempt man-to-man, the Falcons will bully the Cowboys on the line of scrimmage and run roughshod over them.
Lastly, I am unable to recover from how sluggish Dallas regarded indoors. This is on either side of the ball. Big D misplaced 44-19 to the Saints, misplaced 28-25 to the Ravens (at one level, he was down 28-6), and misplaced 47-9 to the Lions.
Dallas will rating and the Over is price a glance, however I’m undecided what number of stops the ‘Boys will get.
PICK: Falcons (-3) wins by 3+ factors
Blazin’ 5: Cowboys (+3), Packers (+2.5) earn upset wins, Rams (-1) beat Seattle in Week 9
Rams @ Seahawks (4:25 p.m., FOX and FOX Sports app)
I used to be feeling so much higher about this seismic divisional matchup a couple of days in the past, earlier than Puka Nacua banged his knee on the grass and needed to miss Friday’s apply.
When the Rams are at full energy with their huge 4 – Stafford, Nacua, Kyren Williams and Cooper Kupp – they’re formidable on offense. Only one piece is lacking and it falls aside. At the time of this publication, Puka is questionable for Sunday’s sport.
Other indicators level to the Rams. Last yr, then-Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald engineered probably the greatest defenses within the league. Only he struggled within the rain to include the Rams Big Four in a 37-31 time beyond regulation thriller.
Macdonald has barely much less defensive expertise in Seattle this yr, and there isn’t any purpose to assume the Seahawks can maintain the absolutely shaped Rams offense in verify.
Can Seattle sustain? The Seahawks shut out WR DK Metcalf for the second straight week, and it was apparent how a lot they missed him getting crushed by Buffalo. They additionally dominated out TE Noah Fant.
The Rams protection gave up 41 to the Cardinals early within the season, however this was a younger protection that was nonetheless attempting to work out its kinks following Aaron Donald’s offseason retirement.
If Nacua is a late scratch, throw it away. But with their Big Four, I just like the Rams right here.
PICK: Rams (-2.5) win by greater than 2.5 factors
Jason McIntyre is a FOX Sports betting analyst who additionally writes concerning the NFL and NBA Draft. Before arriving at FOX, he created the web site The Big Lead. Follow him on Twitter @JasonRMcIntyre.
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