NFL Predictions
Chiefs -8.5
Before I go any further I have to mention one thing about this game and other peoples perceptions. I am reading and hearing from multiple people that the Jets defense is going to keep them in this game to give them a cover. Maybe the Jets' defense puts on one hell of a defensive effort on Sunday, but these claims are being made with little justification. This is NOT the same Jets team that had Revis in his prime. This is NOT the same Jets' defense that made Mark Sanchez look like an adequate quarterback and beat the Patriots in the playoffs a few years back. All of the focus is on how bad their offense is, and while it is not great, the defense hasn't been shouldering their share of the load either. The last four weeks the Jets have allowed 43, 27, 31, and 31 points. That 43 points was against the horrible Buffalo Bills' offense. Those four games equated to an average of 33 points allowed. Prior to those games they didn't fair that much better either. On the season the Jets are surrendering 29 points per game. They're holding teams back yardage wise for the most part, but what good is it if they are giving up almost 30 points a game, including 43 to the lowly Bills. This is one of those games where it is hard to see the Chiefs scoring less than 27 points. I foresee 30 points for the Chiefs. KC is averaging 25 points per game, so 30 looks like a reasonable prediction. Note that the Chiefs are 1st in the NFL against the pass. They'll be defending against Michael Vick and a Jets attack that is 28th in the NFL in total offense and dead last passing the football, 32nd. There aren't any weapons in the Jets' offense for the quarterback to work with. I don't find Geno Smith to be good, and Vick is just about running on empty, but no one else in the offense does anything either. There is a reason that the Jets are 1-6-1 ATS this season. I originally liked the OVER 42, but I find it hard to believe the Jets find points. The Chiefs cover here.
Ravens / Steelers Over 47.5
If I told you the Steelers were 3rd offensively in the NFL you'd probably tell me I was crazy. However, it is in fact true that Pittsburgh is 3rd in the league in total offense. Even more, the Steelers are 4th in passing. Ben Roethlisberger is among one of the most underrated quarterbacks out there and this year no different. Have you heard much talk regarding Roethlisberger this season? No, can't say that I have. Although, I think after last weeks performance, it is about time he gets some recognition. Roethlisberger passed for 522 yards with 6 touchdowns on 40-49 passing which made for one of the most impressive passing feats of all time against the Colts. Big Ben has been playing well all season long, he has thrown only 3 interceptions, and had a 10:3 touchdown to interception ratio even before that torrid outing. At home this season it is 12:1. The previous week he was also quite solid, passing on the Texans for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns. Roethlisberger is on pace to have the highest quarterback rating of his career if he can continue to play well. The offense passes for almost 300 yards per game at 291. They are averaging 418 yards as a team in total. The defense has taken a back seat to the Steelers' offense, where they are allowing 25 points per game, and are 16th in the NFL in yards allowed. Most people see this rivalry as lots of defense and pounding the ball on the ground. However, in 2014 both offenses are in the top 10 of the NFL. The Ravens have been scoring consistently as well, scoring 27 points per game and 375.5 yards a game. The Steelers come in with the 3rd best offense and the Ravens a solid 9th. The OVER is 4-0 last four Steelers home games. The OVER is on a 10-4-1 run in Pittsburgh when the Ravens and Steelers meet at Heinz Field. Several years ago I don't think anyone would think we'd see a total this high in a Ravens/Steelers game, and today I am feeling confident about it going OVER the total at 47.5.
Dave Price
Minnesota Vikings Pk
Look for the Redskins to suffer a letdown in Minnesota following a big Monday Night Football win in Dallas. Playing on the road back-to-back weeks isn't easy, especially on a short week. It looks like RG3 will be back in action today, but he hasn't played since Week 2 and I'm expecting some rust. The Redskins are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 following a cover. The Vikings are on a 7-0 ATS run in home games played Week 9 or later and have won these by an average score of 30.1 to 23.1.
Will Rogers
Arizona Coyotes vs. Washington Capitals
Play: Washington Capitals -170
The Arizona Coyotes are coming off three consecutive losses as they will conclude a four game road trip in Washington tonight. The Capitals have lost their last three as well but are showing a decent 2-1-2 record home at Verizon Center this season and this looks like a good spot to back the home side.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Arizona's Struggles In Front Of The Net - The Coyotes have scored only six goals over their last five games and have only scored a total of 22 goals over their 10 games this season. This should come as little surprise as the team struggled last season as the Phoenix franchise as well, finishing in the bottom 20 averaging 2.56 goals per game.
2. Road Woes - The home team has won all of the last six meetings between those two teams. Arizona won only 15 games on the road last season and are still looking for their first road win this season going 0-4-1.
3. X-factor - Even the previously win-less Carolina Hurricanes were able to record a 3-0 victory against the Coyotes last night. That's how dreadful they are on the road.
Doug Upstone
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Play: Jacksonville Jaguars +11
On Sunday, Play Against home favorites like Cincinnati off an upset win over a division rival as a home underdog, if they have a winning record on the season. How this system works is teams like the Bengals don't bounce back to the same level of play as a favorite the following week and typically suffer somewhat of a letdown. In the last 33 years, these teams are 4-22 ATS in this spot.
Sam Martin
Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys
Prediction: Arizona Cardinals
Still not sure as of late Saturday night who is going to get the start for Dallas. Tony Romo might suit up, but even if he does he'll do so without taking any snaps in practice. Those snaps went to backup quarterback Brandon Weeden, who shouldn't be backed under any circumstances. Regardless of who's behind center for the Cowboys, we like the Cardinals in this one and it's the matchup of the Cardinals defense against the Dallas running game that makes us believe Arizona takes this one outright.
Cowboys are primarily a running team, and with either a less-than-100% Romo or backup Weeden lining up under center, the Cowboys running game will be even more important this Sunday. Not the defense Dallas would like to see under the circumstances, as Arizona has held everyone save Philadelphia to under 100 yards rushing on the season. Cards are susceptible against the pass, but Dallas isn't able to take advantage of that matchup this week. Cards defense stops the run and wins the game!
Harry Bondi
Chargers / Dolphins Under 45
Not only do both teams come in with underrated defenses, especially against the pass, but this is a series that has produced an amazing 11 straight unders, with the average total score in those games coming in at less than 34 points. That's a full 11 points under today's total! Look for both teams to run the ball more than usual because of those stingy pass defenses and shorten this game once again.
Mike O'Connor
San Diego (+2.5) 22 MIAMI 23
After a hot 5-1 start, the Chargers have come back down to earth losing their last two. Those losses are certainly nothing to be worried about as two weeks ago they lost to the steadily improving Chiefs who were just off their bye and then last week lost to the best team in the NFL in Denver. In fact, their three losses this year have come against teams with a combined 17-5 record. They have beat two >.500 teams in the Seahawks and the Bills while dispatching of the three poor teams that they have played (Jets, Jaguars and Raiders) by an average score of 31.7-14.0. This week they’ll travel to Miami to take on a suddenly hot Dolphins team who have won three of their past four. While beating the Jaguars 27-13 last week, the Dolphins did not look particularly impressive and were in fact outgained 327 yards at 5.9 yppl to 377 yards at 5.5 yppl for Jacksonville but were +2 in turnovers with both interceptions being returned for touchdowns. They’ll face an upgrade in talent level this week as a hungry Chargers team with one of the top quarterbacks in the league comes to town.
From a matchup perspective the Dolphins should be able to run the ball well with a ground game that is averaging 138 yards at 5.2 ypr against teams that allow 121 yards at 4.4 ypr. Stopping the run has not been the Chargers strength as they are allowing 4.6 ypr against teams that average 4.4 ypr so Miami should be able to control the game in the trenches. Offensively, San Diego shouldn’t be able to run the ball (averaging 85 yards at 3.2 ypr against teams that allow 97 yards at 3.8 ypr) against a tough Miami defensive front that is only allowing 102 rushing yards per game. San Diego does operate an explosive passing attack and should be able to move the ball through the air, however. Miami qualifies in a 669-500-40 situation but my model favors the Chargers by -4.0. I’ll pass but lean with the Chargers plus the points.
Arizona (+2.5) 23 DALLAS 22
Arizona just keeps rolling along and their 24-20 home win against the Eagles last week showcased an offense that possesses big play ability with a multitude of talented receivers for Carson Palmer to throw to. The Cardinals did give up 521 yards at 5.9 yppl to the Eagles but benefitted from a +2 turnover differential and it took a 75 yard touchdown pass with 1:21 left from Palmer to WR John Brown to get the win. This week they’ll travel to face the Cowboys in Dallas who are fresh off of a 17-20 overtime loss to the Redskins on Monday night. The big question is whether Tony Romo can play in this game and be effective as there is a significant downgrade in his replacement, Brandon Weeden. Romo has played well when injured before but after two back surgeries and an injury in that area, I’m not optimistic about his ability to play, or play well in this case. I’d be shocked if he gets the start as the news came out Saturday evening that he suffered two fractured transverse process in his back. Even if he plays it would have to be expected that he would be compromised in some way, limiting his effectiveness. It would be a foolish move to play him this week, especially playing Jacksonville with a long plane ride to London next week and having a bye the following week. They could sit Romo this week and next and have an additional week of rest with the bye.
I rate a fully healthy Romo as 6.3 points better than Weeden so it’s a significant difference and so far it’s not reflected in the line. My line with a fully healthy Romo is about 5.0 points so if Weeden starts, Arizona should be about a 1.3 point favorite. If Romo does play and is close to his average performance level, my numbers favor the Cowboys by about five points. There is also a 103-55-4 statistical profile indicator that supports Dallas in this spot but I wouldn’t count it if Romo is out because it’s based on offensive statistical performance which would be compromised and make this system invalid. At this point, I’m going with the notion that Romo is out and as a result I’ll lean to the Cardinals.
Washington (+1) 21 MINNESOTA 17
The Redskins have some momentum going after their 20-17 overtime win in Dallas on Monday night and now will be getting quarterback Robert Griffin back to face the Vikings. Last week the Redskins outgained the Cowboys 410 yards at 6.5 yppl to 390 yards at 6.1 yppl but did benefit from a +2 in the fumble category. Dallas moved the ball well on the ground in that game but overall Washington is holding opponents that average 121 yards at 4.5 ypr to just 112 yards at 4.3 ypr. If they can contain the Vikings rushing attack this week, it will be hard for Teddy Bridgewater to beat them. The Vikings passing offense has not been good this season and I have them rated as the third worst unit in the league (averaging 189 yards at 5.1 yps against teams that allow 246 yards at 6.8 yps). They’ll face a Redskins secondary that has young but talented corners that have played well recently and an aggressive blitzing defense that will put pressure on the quarterback.
Meanwhile, the Redskins get Griffin back and while he doesn’t present a significant upgrade in his first game back from injury, he shouldn’t be a downgrade. The Redskin passing offense has been very good this season, averaging 290 yards at 7.6 yps against teams that allow 259 yards at 6.8 yps. In fact, the Redskins have a +8 explosive play differential, tied for 4th best in the league. The problem had been turnovers where they are -8 overall on the season. Kirk Cousins had a lot to do with it as his 8 interceptions in five starts contributed, but the Redskins have had some negative fumble luck as well, losing 6 of their 9 on offense while opponents have only lost 5 of their 13. The Redskins are also 29th in the league in converting 3rd downs on offense at 33.3% and that stat may begin to regress back towards the mean.
The Redskins benefit from a negative 42-100-3 situation (1-4 this season) that plays against the Vikings and my model is strong on Washington at -9.5 points. I’m concerned however about the Redskins travelling again on a short week after a huge upset win against a division rival in overtime and looking forward to their bye next week. I read a recent practice report that said that the Redskins have been very loose this week and may be caught looking towards their bye. I also don’t know what to expect from Robert Griffin as Jay Gruden said that he is still learning the position and he’ll likely be rusty coming off the injury and not getting much practice time. The Vikings are getting progressively better with good coaching and a talented roster and as a result I’m going to pass this one but offer a strong lean to the Redskins based on the numbers.
HOUSTON (+2) 24 Philadelphia 22
The Eagles have not been the same team this season offensively due to offensive line issues and shaky quarterback play by Nick Foles. The two often go hand in hand, especially with non-elite quarterbacks, which Foles certainly is. His 7 interceptions in his last 4 games is concerning but his offensive line issues look to have gotten a little better as C Jason Kelce is set to return. However, last week right guard Todd Herremans tore the biceps muscle in his left arm and while it looks like he is going to try to play through it, he will likely be compromised if he does. While getting some of their pieces back, the offensive line is still a work in progress. Facing a talented Texans defensive front featuring JJ Watt, this could be an issue for Philly. Overall, the Eagles offense has generated just 5.6 yppl against teams that allow 5.8 yppl with just average results in both the run and pass games. They have also benefitted from 7 defensive or special teams touchdowns this season which has made them look a bit better than they actually are.
The Texans have a good ground game that averages 140 yards at 4.6 ypr against teams that allow 114 yards at 4.4 ypr and face an Eagles rush defense that has been just below average defending the run, allowing 117 yards at 4.2 ypr so the Texans should be able to move the ball well on the ground. In addition, Ryan Fitzpatrick has played well this season and has cut down on his turnovers recently with just 1 interception in his last 3 games. It appears that Philly is a bit overvalued in this game as the stats like Houston quite a bit with my model favoring the Texans by about 5.5 points. However, some of the Texans success this season can be attributed to their +4 turnover differential while the Eagles have built a 5-2 record despite their -7 margin. I also don’t like the fact that the Texans four wins have come against teams with a 10-21 combined record while they have struggled against the good teams that they have faced. There are no situations that apply here so I’m going to pass this one but lean to the Texans plus the points.
SAN FRANCISCO (-10) 29 St. Louis 17
After beating the Seahawks two weeks ago, St. Louis came back down to earth last week in their 7-34 loss in Kansas City. They were thoroughly outplayed, generating just 188 total yards at 3.8 yppl as the Chiefs racked up 361 yards at 5.6 yppl. Quarterback Austin Davis’ concept of sticking with the short passing game was put to the test as he could only produce 116 passing yards at 3.6 yps while being sacked seven times. The Rams offense, specifically their offensive line, will have a difficult time this week after losing LT Jake Long to injury and will face a 49ers team fresh off their bye and a 17-42 drubbing the week prior against the 49ers. San Francisco has had time to heal up during the time off and will be getting several injured players back. In addition, Jim Harbaugh will have his team prepared to play well in a game where the 49ers have some significant matchup advantages.
First off, the Rams do not defend the run well (allowing 146 yards at 4.9 ypr) and face a potent 49ers ground game that will be getting guard Mike Iupati back this week from injury. Also, the Rams have been awful against the pass, allowing teams that average 6.2 yps to gain 7.6 yps. In their last meeting, Colin Kaepernick shredded the Rams defense for 343 yards and three touchdowns and I expect similar production in this meeting. When the Rams have the ball, they’ll be facing a very good 49ers defense that is allowing just 308 total yards at 5.4 yppl to teams that gain 367 yards at 5.7 yppl. I don’t have any situations in play but my model favors the 49ers by 10.6 points. I’ll lean with San Francisco minus the points.
PITTSBURGH (+2) 26 Baltimore 24
Baltimore comes off of a difficult 24-27 loss to the Bengals in Cincinnati and now look to rebound as they travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. The AFC North is a logjam right now as all four teams have a winning record with Baltimore and Pittsburgh tied for second place just behind the Bengals. This is clearly a huge divisional game for both teams. The Steelers are well aware of just how big this game is for them with just a 1-2 divisional record that includes a 6-26 loss earlier this season to the Ravens. A second Ravens loss here would be devastating and I expect that they’ll bring their A game on Sunday night.
Pittsburgh looked impressive in their 51-34 win last week at home against the Colts with Ben Roethlisberger having a career day. The Steelers offense rolled up 640 yards at 8.0 yppl on the strength of their passing offense which generated 522 yards at 10.7 yps and they’ll face a shorthanded secondary as the Ravens best cornerback (and one of the best in the league) Jimmy Smith looks like he will be out and will be replaced by Dominique Franks, who was out of football for the first five weeks of the season. With the emergence of young, skilled WR’s Martavis Bryant and Markus Wheaton to go along with the best WR in the game for my money in Antonio Brown, the Ravens pass defense could be an area prime for exploitation by the Steelers offense.
These teams are very familiar with each other and match up well so this should be an interesting game to watch. I have situations going both ways but my model favors Pittsburgh by -1.4 points. I’ll lean with the Steelers plus the points.
Indianapolis (-3) 32 NY GIANTS 23
The Colts were thoroughly whipped last week as Ben Roethlisberger had a career day, tearing through the Indy defense for 522 yards at 10.7 yps. Overall, the Steelers racked up 640 total yards at 8.0 yppl in the Colts 34-51 loss in Pittsburgh. Amazingly, just the week before, the Colts defense had pitched a 27-0 shutout in Cincinnati, completely shutting down the Bengals offense. Only one other time since 1983 has a team posted a shutout two weeks back and then allowed >50 points the following week. It was the Bucs and they beat the Lions in 1985 as a pick, 19-16. It’s not much of a sample size but that being said, I expect the Colts defense to rebound after getting clobbered last week and play more like the defense that allowed 19.4 points the first six games.
There’s certainly no reason to be concerned about the Indy offense, as they put up 449 yards at 8.0 yppl last week and so far on the season are averaging 452 total yards at 6.2 yppl against teams that allow 367 yards at 5.5 yppl. They should move the ball well this week against a Giants defense that is below average both against the run and the pass, allowing 382 total yards at 6.3 yppl to teams that gain 369 yards at 5.8 yppl. The Giants have been a bit banged up in the secondary with top cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie trying to work his way back from injury. Having a shorthanded secondary could be a real problem against a deep Colts offense.
Since Andrew Luck arrived in 2012, the Colts are 10-1 SU and ATS off a loss and should be highly motivated to play well in primetime on Monday Night Football. Meanwhile, the Giants come off of their bye and a 21-31 loss to the Cowboys in Dallas the week prior. New York has played well against .500) in the Lions, Cardinals, Cowboys and Eagles. There are situations that go both ways in this game but the stronger one is on the Colts and my model favors Indy by 9.0 points. However, Indy has had some positive fumble luck while the Giants have lost eight of their eleven fumbles offensively while their opponents have only lost two of their six. Also, Indy is #1 in defensive 3rd down conversions, holding opponents to a league best 31.1% while converting well on offense with a 44.6% rate and #6 ranking. I don’t expect those rates to continue and with a rested Giants team needing a win to get back in the mix in the NFC I can’t play on Indy. This game is close to being a Best Bet, but I’m going to pass and just offer a strong lean on the Colts minus the short number.
Bob Balfe
Broncos -3
The hype this year just is not the same as it has been when Manning and Brady get together, but both guys are amazing to watch. Remember a month ago when people were writing off this Pats team? Brady responded with 4 big wins, but a lot of that is because of weak teams he has played. There is no doubt that the best team in the NFL is the Broncos and it is not even close. This is a team that has few flaws on either side of the ball where New England has a lot of defensive injuries and still does not have a solid offensive line to protect Brady. I am glad the Patriots won their last 4 games because we have a low spread in this game. I have to go with the much better football team. Take the Broncos.
River City Sharps
Vikings Pk
This week marks the return of Robert Griffin III for the Washington Redskins, who are fresh off a MNF upset win over the Dallas Cowboys. Today, they travel to Minneapolis to take on Teddy Bridgewater and the Minnesota Vikings. This number opened up at a PK and has pretty much stayed right there, which is interesting seeing as we have a Redskins team on a high off their big win. There are a couple of angles we like here that back the home team. First, we are getting the Redskins on a short week and the second game of a back-to-back road swing. Second, Vikings HC Mike Zimmer and Skins HC Jay Gruden were on the same staff last season in Cincinnati, so there is a real familiarity with each of these systems. Even though RGIII appears to be an upgrade for the Skins over Colt McCoy, we did think that McCoy was pretty effective last week in the Cowboys win we believe you will see a lot of rust with RGIII in his return. The Vikings are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games vs. teams with a losing record and The Skins are a dismal 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games following an ATS win. The NFL is all about the situation and this really looks like a tough spot today for the Redskins and we think the value here lies with Bridgewater and the Vikings.
Scott Delaney
My free play is on the Under in the Houston-Philadelphia game.
One might think this could be a high-scoring game, especially considering how fast the Eagles like to move the ball. But after seeing how well Arizona was able to defend Philly's uptempo game in the desert, something tells me the Eagles and Texans are in store for a hard-pressed affair.
Houston is expected to have top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney back in the lineup full-time, and that'll bolster things along with J.J. Watt. The Texans are going to do everything they can to slow the tempo, and the Eagles' only way to respond will be to play defense in return.
It's not as if all the Eagles' games have gone over, either. Four of their seven games have gone over. And they've stayed low in three of their last four - including their last two straight, and last two on the road.
Houston has been mixed up in high-scoring games, but tonight it's about containing Philly's high-octane ways.
I think these two will fall short, and stay in the low 40s.
2♦ Eagles/Texans UNDER
Craig Davis
Your free play of the day is the Arizona Cardinals over the Dallas Cowboys in a huge NFC tilt in Dallas.
The Cowboys don't often get three straight home games in a row, but they are on the third of three straight right now and this is the biggest of those three games.
Tony Romo suffered a couple of slightly fracture bones in his back in last Monday night's game vs. Washington and was lucky to re-enter that game. Today, he's a game-time decision and that could give a spot start to backup Brandon Weeden.
As good as DeMarco Murray has been for the Cowboys this year... he can't do it by himself. He needs a respectable QB in his corner, throwing all routes with precision in order for the offense to remain balanced and to keep the defense on their heels.
Now, if Brandon Weeden does play and plays extremely well, the Cowboys could find that balance in their offense and win/cover this game. Having said that, I don't believe this to be the case.
I think Romo is going to try and be a hero, and it's going to ultimately cost his team a win. Arizona is good enough, especially defensively, to exploit your weaknesses. Trust me, they'll be bringing pressure on as many plays as possible.
Take the Cardinals as your free play of the day.
4♦ ARIZONA
Jeff Benton
Your Sunday freebie is the Kansas City Chiefs as the home favorite over the New York Jets.
This one is a meatball coming right down Main Street, and you can cite "on any given Sunday" all you want, but I see no chance for the Jets to win this game, let alone stay close in this Arrowhead Stadium meeting.
Mike Vick will be under center once again for Rex Ryan, but is that really anything to jump for joy about if you are a Jets fan? Vick didn't look too good in last week's loss (7th in a row for N.Y.) to Buffalo at home, and now you are asking him to deliver in one of the most hostile venues in the NFL.
Kansas City has returned from their bye week with a pair of wins and covers over the Chargers and Rams, and the Chiefs are now on a 5-1 pointspread run their last 6 games.
Just cannot make a compelling case to grab the points, as New York's 15 turnovers on the season mean the impost is likely to be negated on any possession the Jets have.
Go ahead and lay it with the Chiefs to win it by a solid 2 touchdowns.
4♦ KANSAS CITY
Gabriel Dupont
I will play the Chiefs minus the points against the Jets today.
The SMART INTANGIBLE with the Chiefs - The rushing game is bruising, and punishing, and the Jets' sixth-ranked defense can't do anything about it. Not on the road, and not in Arrowhead Stadium.
The SMART INTANGIBLE working against the Jets - The Jets can't compete on the road, with the 28th-ranked offense. Their inept ways finally have Michael Vick under center, but the team's incohesiveness is a big problem right now.
In conclusion, why KANSAS CITY is my SMART PLAY in this game - The Jets are a bad team. It's that simple. They can't put things together on offense, they look - at times - good on defense but then give up plays at the wrong time and it causes a drop in morale. They won't be able to move the ball against a Chiefs team that allows a league-low 195.7 yards passing per game. With no balance, the Jets are in trouble.
The Chiefs had seven sacks last week against St. Louis, and will be forcing Vick out of the pocket, and into tough situations against a talented secondary. Kansas City has the third-best defense in the league, and the No. 1 passing D. The Jets have dopped seven of eight to the books overall, while Kansas City has covered five of six.
1♦ KANSAS CITY
Chris Jordan
My free play for tonight is on the Houston Texans, plus the points at home against the Philadelphia Eagles.
This is a huge game for the Texans, whose pass rush is expected to get a boost with the return of top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney. The outside linebacker recorded one tackle in limited action last week after missing six games following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
And on the other side of the ball, it's running back Arian Foster who has been off to a great start in his return from back surgery. He currently ranks second in the NFL with 766 yards rushing despite missing one game with a hamstring injury.
The Eagles have failed to cover four of five on the road, while Houston has covered three of its last five, including last week's road win at Tennessee.
2♦ HOUSTON
Brad Wilton
Scheduling quirk has the Redskins and the Vikings playing again this season. This will be the 5th season in a row these NFC teams have faced one another, and each of the last 3 showdowns have played Over the total.
That changes on Sunday, as Minnesota's calling card this year is the Mike Zimmer inspired defense that has held the opposition to 17 points or less in 3 straight games. The Vikings enter having played Under the total in 3 in a row this season and 6 of their 8 games overall for the campaign.
Washington held Under on Monday night with Colt McCoy at the helm, their second in a row Under the total, and while RG3 is expected to start in this game, just how explosive do you think he will be after missing nearly 2 months of live action? I think the 'Skins may actually be better off letting McCoy operate the controls in this one, but either way I am comfortable with my Under call in this one.
The Vikings know with their offense limited with rookie Teddy Bridgewater still learning on the fly, there best chance at winning games is to play tough defense. That happens again today.
Washington-Minnesota Under the total.
2♦ WASHINGTON-MINNESOTA UNDER