We’re on to Week 10 in the NFL, which kicks off Thursday with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins facing off. That means it’s time once again for our weekly look at the point spreads in order to help you win some money.
Last week, Charles Curtis went 6-7 (64-71 record overall) and Charles McDonald went 6-7 (51-57 overall).
We now go to them for a comment before the Week 10 picks.
Charles C: Not bad, but not great either. We’re at the midway point of the season, plenty of time to turn this thing around!
Charles M: The quest for .500 still looms, let’s get back to work.
(All odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook.)
1
Ravens at Dolphins (+7.5)
Charles C: Ravens
Normally, I would invoke “it’s Thursday, weird stuff happens.” But a short week for the Fins against a Ravens team that will run up the score? Yep, give me Baltimore.
Charles M: Ravens
The Dolphins were barely able to scrape by the Texans. The Ravens should handle business.
2
Browns at Patriots (-2.5)
(AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Charles C: Browns
This is a tough one all around. On one hand, the Pats’ defense could lock down the Browns, who could be missing a bunch of their RBs including Nick Chubb. On the other, the Browns’ D could keep Mac Jones in check. So I’ll take the points.
Charles M: Browns
I think the Browns defense will make it tough for the Patriots to move the ball. Their run defense is stellar and will force Mac Jones to make tough throws into the Browns talented secondary.
3
Jaguars at Colts (-10.5)
Charles C: Colts
Indy’s offense feels like it’s on track, and while the Jags shocked the world by completely shutting down the Bills, they scored just nine points! NINE! I say Colts 24, Jaguars 6.
Charles M: Colts
The Jaguars got a dub last week, but this team is still one of the worst in the league. Take the Colts to cover the spread.
4
Lions at Steelers (-7.5)
Charles C: Lions
Detroit wins the award for Just Feisty Enough to Cover in Any Week, despite their record. I can’t back the Steelers’ offense even if I think Najee Harris runs for a bajillion yards.
Charles M: Steelers
The Steelers offense has quietly been coming together in recent weeks since they implemented a bit more under center looks for Ben Roethlisberger.
5
Bills at Jets (+11.5)
Charles C: Bills
I know, I know. MIKE WHITE IS BACK! But I can’t shake this feeling that the Bills are furious with what happened last week and will want to run up the score to prove something.
Charles M: Jets
Buffalo should be able to win handily, but the Jets have a chance to cover the spread with Mike White under center. He gives them a baseline level of competency none of the other quarterbacks have.
6
Buccaneers at Washington (+8.5)
(AP Photo/Don Montague)
Charles C: Buccaneers
I don’t think Taylor Heinicke is going to keep up with Brady and the Bucs. That’s all I’ve got.
Charles M: Buccaneers
Buccaneers, simply put, are a much better team than the Washington Football Team. Take Tom Brady.
7
Saints at Titans (-2.5)
Charles C: Titans
I went back and forth with this one. The Saints’ defense is a force to be reckoned with. But the Titans have big wins over the Rams, Colts (twice), Chiefs and Bills (but uh they lost to the Jets, what?!). I’m riding that streak here.
Charles M: Saints
The Saints did lose to the Falcons last week, but their defense is still top tier and will be able to beat up on the Titans run game featuring Adrian Peterson. Ryan Tannehill against Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will be a great scheme match.
8
Falcons at Cowboys (-7.5)
Charles C: Falcons
OK, I’m buying into a Matt Ryan resurgence of sorts here just to cover.
Charles M: Falcons
Don’t expect the Falcons to win this game, but they have a small edge with Matt Ryan being familiar with Dan Quinn’s scheme on defense.
9
Panthers at Cardinals (-10.5)
Charles C: Cardinals
No matter who starts for Arizona, I don’t foresee XFL MVP PJ Walker covering on the road.
Charles M: Cardinals
You seen Sam Darnold play lately? Ok, moving on.
10
Vikings at Chargers (-3.5)
Charles C: Vikings
I keep betting against Minnesota and I keep losing. The Chargers have become a confounding team to gamble on, so this screams to take the points in what should be a close game.
Charles M: Vikings
The Vikings have underachieved, but this is still a talented team that’s capable of hanging with the Chargers.
11
Seahawks at Packers (-3.5)
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Charles C: Packers
Uhhh, I guess this is me thinking Aaron Rodgers comes back and “plays ball” again.
Charles M: Seahawks
The Seahawks get Russell Wilson back this week, giving them a real chance to get back on track after going 1-2 while he was out. Expect a lot of chunk plays down the field.
12
Eagles at Broncos (-2.5)
Charles C: Broncos
Philly on the road against a still-good-without-Von-Miller defense? I can’t put money on that.
Charles M: Broncos
The Broncos defense is playing well again and they should be able to make life difficult for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense.
13
Chiefs at Raiders (+2.5)
Charles C: Chiefs
Can’t believe I’m going to say this, but: I think the Chiefs can win this by a field goal. If you had told me months ago I’d write that this season, I’d have laughed.
Charles M: Chiefs
I kind of think this can be a “get right” game for the Chiefs. They’ve looked sloppy over the past few weeks, but I can’t shake myself free from the belief that they get it together.
14
Rams at 49ers (+3.5)
Charles C: Rams
If Los Angeles is indeed the contender they seem to be most weeks, they should take care of business. That said, I still feel shaky about this pick.
Charles M: Rams
The 49ers are really not a good team right now. The Rams are coming off somewhat of a fluky loss against the Titans last week, they should go back to looking like a Super Bowl contender this week.
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