Bob Balfe:
NFL
1:00 PM
Rotation #252
Jaguars +3.5 over Ravens
The Jaguars are a small dog at home today, and the general public is on the Ravens, as the spread in this game looks too easy for Baltimore. We know the Ravens can run the ball well and have an all-pro tight end in Mark Andrew, but the Jaguars have a good offensive line and a lot of targets that Trevor Lawrence can find downfield. Today’s game is the most waged-on and lopsided game of the day, with an overwhelming amount of money placed on the Ravens. You know what typically happens when these scenarios pop up. The Jaguars are coming off a bye and have prepared for two weeks for this game. Look for Jacksonville to run the ball well and play good defense. Take the Jaguars.
NFL
1:00 PM
Rotation #253-254
Broncos/Panthers Under 36.5
The Panthers will start QB Sam Darnold today. Carolina should struggle against the number one defense in the NFL today. Both teams this afternoon are severely limited at wide receiver, so I don’t see any serious threats in this game. It will be windy today, so passes and field goal kicks get tricky. This will be a fast-moving game as both teams will run the ball and settle for field goal attempts. The low total is very rare in the 2022 modern football era. As long as the defenses don’t score many points, this should be a high-scoring game. Take the Under.
NFL
1:00 PM
Rotation #257
Bengals -1 over Titans
Today’s game will likely be the most entertaining game of the day. The Bengals will be without Joe Mixon, so look for Joe Burrow to have a big game throwing the ball. Both teams today are excellent, but in my opinion, the Bengals are slightly better. The Titans are not good against the pass, so Tre Higgins and Tyler Boyd should have big games. Today’s game is a battle of contrasting styles. The Bengals like to throw, and the Titans want to run. If Cincinnati gets any significant lead, it will be tough for the Titans to get back in the game. Take the Bengals.
NFL
1:00 PM
Rotation #264
Jets -6.5 over Bears
The Jets lost in one of the most bizarre fashions last week as the Patriots broke the 3-3 tie with a punt return touchdown at the end of regulation time. The Jets will look to get back on the winning track at home against a below-average Bears team in talent. Bears QB Justin Fields is doubtful to play so Trevor Siemian will take his place. The Bears would lose the QB threat of the quarterback running the ball, so now the Jets’ Defense will focus their attention elsewhere. The Jets are an excellent defensive team and should put their offense in a prime position to score many points. The Bears defense isn’t what it used to be and should give up many big plays today. Take the Jets.
NFL
4:25 PM
Rotation #271
Saints +8.5 over 49ers
The 49ers are built to make a deep playoff run, but I believe the Saints matchup reasonably, and the spread is too high. The 49ers have a young offensive line, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel is not 100 percent today. New Orleans is a veteran team with a lot of talent on both sides. Andy Dalton is not the best QB in the world, but he can manage the game well. Look for Alvin Kamara to have a productive performance and for Dalton to keep his team in the game. This afternoon’s game should be closer than the vegas oddsmakers think. Take the Saints.