Bob Balfe
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #252
Patriots -7 over Titans
The Titans identity is to run the football with Derrick Henry and with him out they just are not close to the same team. The Titans can’t even turn to the passing game with confidence as AJ Brown and Julio Jones are on IR and this unit is just not that talented. Ryan Tannehill has been an interception machine this year which is awful news as he is facing an elite pass defense. Mac Jones has been great this year and looks a lot more mature than his rookie status. The Titans Defense is not bad, but I do think over 60 minutes the crowd noise and the cold weather will put the Titans out of this one. Look for the Patriots to attack a banged up front 7 on the ground and to hit their shots in the secondary when needed. The Patriots Defense should make a couple short fields or even put up points of their own. Take New England.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #258
Colts +3 over Bucs
We have a matchup between two complete teams on both sides of the ball. There are probably 20 teams that don’t have half of the overall talent each team has on their roster. Tampa has not played well on the road this year and the 44 year old Tom Brady has looked human as of late. The Colts looked great against Buffalo last week and I do expect that momentum to carry over. Jonathan Taylor has been the very best player in the NFL this month and he is taking a lot of pressure off Carson Wentz to be able to hit open receivers. The Colts Offensive Line is elite which should open up running lanes and give Wentz the time he needs to connect. Tampa has a great offensive line as well, but Ali Marpet is out today so there will be some shuffling. Home field advantage means a lot in a game like this. Take the Colts.
NFL
4:05 PM EST
Rotation #265-266
Chargers/Broncos Over 47
The Broncos front seven on defense is a mess. The linebackers on this team are banged up on IR and the unit now is made up of players just added to the team and rookies. The Broncos are thin at the safety position today and the Chargers like to take the deep shot. Justin Herbert is out of his funk with a nice win last Sunday. Look for the running game to find lanes against this weak front seven and to hit the homerun when it’s available. The Broncos should have a chance to move the ball down the field today as well with the Rams cornerbacks being banged up. Asante Samuel is out so Teddy Bridgewater should be able to find his targets. The Broncos receivers are underrated and should make plays today. The weather will be warm for a late November game in Denver. Look for a lot of points. Take the Over.
NFL
4:25 PM EST
Rotation #268
49ers -3 over Vikings
The Vikings looked good in their win against the Packers, but they are a mess on the defensive line. Dalvin Tomlinson is out with covid, Michael Pierce is on IR, Everson Griffen is out as he is battling with mental health issues and Danielle Hunter is also on IR. Remember what the 49ers did to the Rams a few weeks back? Kyle Shanahan ran the football behind his talented offensive line and shortened the game. This exactly what the 49ers will do against this defensive line. Mike Zimmer is just not an aggressive enough coach at times and if you can control the clock you can really make Kirk Cousins look like a rookie. Take the 49ers.
NFL
8:20PM EST
Rotation #271
Browns +3.5 over Ravens
Baker Mayfield has looked injured the last few weeks, but he gets a boost today with his running back room getting healthier. The Browns are a run first team and can take advantage of a Ravens defense that has a lot of banged up players. The Ravens have their issues as well at QB. Lamar Jackson didn’t play last week due to an illness which has some wondering what is wrong with him. This Ravens running game has rebounded since the start of the season, but still are not the same without Dobbins and Edwards. Cleveland is a pretty healthy unit on the defensive side and should keep the Ravens in check. I believe the Browns are more equipped to win this game tonight. Take Cleveland.