NFL 2021 Week 8 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that could be offers us perhaps some good games and possibly more blowouts like last weeks. I'll be keeping an eye on the Packers-Cardinals, Steelers-Browns, and Cowboys-Vikings games this week. In this post I'll do a preview of the week ahead and my picks for the contests. Let's get to work!

Week 8 Preview

The NFL's eight week of the regular season will start in Glendale, Arizona and finishes in Kansas City, Missouri. Week 8 will have a 15-game slate where 30 teams will play in. Only the Baltimore Ravens and the Las Vegas Raiders have a bye this week. The week features a Thursday night game, eight early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the doubleheader this week and CBS will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!

Week 8 Picks

Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Green Bay (6-1) @ Arizona (7-0) (FOX/NFL Network/Amazon; 8:20 pm): TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Football Team and the Cardinals beat the Texans. The week starts off with one of the better contests that look to be an offensive shootout. Green Bay's defense really made some great turnovers against Taylor Heinicke and Washington. They have the offense that can keep Arizona's own offense on the sideline. Arizona's one flaw is perhaps their rush defense as they currently give up 115.7 yards/game. I still think the Cardinals will win based on their offense and well put defense. That and I'm currently down a few games to Cardinal Viking, I can't give more ground to him than I need to. 

Carolina (3-4) @ Atlanta (3-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons
The Panthers lost to the Giants and the Falcons beat the Dolphins last week. Carolina really has fallen off the cliff a game after Christian McCaffrey was out with injury. The star runningback will likely be out for this game as far as I've seen. That will likely mean that Chuba Hubbard will see most of the rushing carries again this week. He has done well in his McCaffrey's place. Atlanta has done better getting victories over the Jets and Dolphins. They have certainly come close to losing such games but they can't certainly lose to a team lead by Sam Darnold. Right?

Cincinnati (5-2) @ NY Jets (1-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
Last week the Bengals beat the Ravens and the Jets lost to the Patriots. The Bungles haven't done a whole lot of bungling this year and it is an improvement on both their offense and defensive games. That and keeping Joe Burrow upright. They seem to be a contender for the division this year and they can easily take care of the New York Jets. New York won't have rookie quarterback Zach Wilson for this one as he will be out for 2-4 weeks with an injury. The Jets are a pretty bad team and I think the Bengals will take care of business. 

LA Rams (6-1) @ Houston (1-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams 
The Rams beat the Lions and the Texans lost to the Cardinals last week. Houston's only saving grace is the Astros and that's saying a lot. Their Texans are certainly in the full rebuild and won't likely make noise in January. Their offense is pitiful and their rush defense is a carpet. They do have an average pass defense. Los Angeles is the complete 360 as they have a great team with great play on both sides of the ball. Matthew Stafford will likely torch the Texans defense. Just hope that the Astros will keep you relevant Houston, the Rockets could have a rough season as well. 

Miami (1-6) @ Buffalo (4-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
The Dolphins lost to the Falcons and the Bills were on a bye last week. Miami hung around and almost won against the Falcons. Granted the Falcons and blowing leads is a perfect marriage. Miami's defense got back to better play but they're going up against a buzzsaw in the Bills. Buffalo is better rested they have arguably the best defense in the NFL and they have a stellar quarterback in Josh Allen. I'll take the Bills.

Philadelphia (2-5) @ Detroit (0-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
The Eagles lost to the Raiders and the Lions lost to the Rams last week. Philly got clobbered against the Raiders last week and their defense was exposed a bit in the passing game. Detroit isn't Las Vegas but I do like the Eagles chances to get their 3rd win. Detroit played gutsy football with some of the playcalling in the first half against the Rams. Will Detroit try something crazy this week? I won't rule it out but it feels like a tough task to stop Jalen Hurts. 

Pittsburgh (3-3) @ Cleveland (4-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Browns
The Steelers were on a bye and the Browns beat the Broncos last week. Pittsburgh has managed to get back to a winning formula after starting 1-3. Injuries have plagued them. What could be the difference maker for them is the offensive line vs the Browns defensive line. Cleveland has had issues with injuries as well and Baker Mayfield could be playing in this one. I'd not feel good with him starting and I'd start Case Keenum. Cleveland could likely get Nick Chubb back and that could be a factor as well. It feels like a toss-up but I'll take the Steelers with the upset. 

San Francisco (2-4) @ Chicago (3-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The 49ers lost to the Colts and the Bears lost to the Buccaneers last week. San Francisco played a close game with the Colts in spite of the rain and miscues. Jimmy Garoppolo can play as long as he stays healthy which can be a tough task at times. The 49ers pass defense can shut down Justin Fields and the Bears offense. Justin Fields really shouldn't be out there if he's going to be taking that many hits. Chicago's offense is abysmal. Their defense is a saving grace. I still don't think it'll be enough for them to get a win against the 49ers. 

Tennessee (5-2) @ Indianapolis (3-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
The Titans beat the Chiefs and the Colts beat the 49ers last week. The rematch of a Week 3 game that the Titans won 25-16. The Colts are a different team than that game last week. The biggest difference is that Carson Wentz has been healthy and playing better football. In that Week 3 game the Colts gave up 113 yards to Derrick Henry. What they'll need to do is to hold him to under that 100 yard mark. If the Colts can take advantage and convert turnovers into points they have a shot to win. Tennessee is still the class of the division. I think it'll be a toss-up but I'll take the Colts. 

Jacksonville (1-5) @ Seattle (2-5) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks
The Jaguars were on a bye and the Seahawks lost to the Saints last week. Jacksonville had a bye week and they're certainly the well-rested team. I'm not sure they're the better team on paper.  Jacksonville's rush offense is fairly good when they know how to use James Robinson. They have a terrible defense and Seattle's is just as awful. It'll come down to who can ultimately stop each other. Geno Smith will start again. This game just seems like a bad one but I'll take the home team in this one. 

New England (3-4) @ LA Chargers (4-2) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
The Patriots beat the Jets and the Chargers had a bye last week. Mac Jones had a breakthrough game against the Jets. Granted this was against the Jets which are awful. Having to go across the country and take on a Chargers team that got roughed up against the Ravens. Hopefully the rested Chargers can bounce back against a Patriots team that is still trying to figure itself out. I think it will depend on how well the Chargers offense responds. I'll take the Chargers.

Tampa Bay (6-1) @ New Orleans (4-2) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Both teams won last week as the Buccaneers beat the Bears and the Saints beat the Seahawks. Tampa played perfect football against Chicago last week. Nearly every facet of the game is in favor for the Buccaneers. New Orleans barely beat the Seahawks last week. They have been very good at times and very bad at times as well. I think it factors into the quarterback position as Jameis Winston isn't Drew Brees. It doesn't seem likely that the Saints will win. 

Washington (2-5) @ Denver (3-4) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Football Team; CV: Broncos
Both teams lost as the Football Team lost to the Packers and the Broncos lost to the Browns. Washington's defense seems to be the healthier of the two. Taylor Heinicke has played alright at times while not having his best game last week against the Packers. Teddy Bridgewater seems to be the safer pick at quarterback between him and Heinicke. Denver has a banged up defense once again and they're 3-0 start seems like a long time ago. I'll go with Washington by a squeaker. 

Dallas (5-1) @ Minnesota (3-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Cowboys and Vikings were on a bye last week. Dallas has gotten off to a great start to the year with somewhat soft schedule. Dak Prescott is somewhat questionable to play but he feels confident that he will start. Ezekiel Elliot has been the x-factor in the Cowboys resurgence as the last few seasons he has had diminished production. Minnesota has had some close calls when it comes to losses. The Vikings offense has been the better side of the ball for Minnesota and they'll have a tough task to beat out the Cowboys defense. I'll take the upset. 

NY Giants (2-5) @ Kansas City (3-4) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Giants beat the Panthers and the Chiefs lost to the Titans. New York had its best win of the season against a fairly decent but on the decline team in the Carolina Panthers. They had some great performances in that game but they're going up against another down but not necessarily out team in the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City hasn't had the best start to its year and its defense has been atrocious. Not to say that the offense has had its moments of struggles. If they want to have a rebound game, this game has it written all over. I think the Chiefs will take it. Or maybe not. Any given Sunday right? 

Early & Late Game TV Pairings (courtesy of 506sports.com):

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area

CBS Single

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Cincinnati @ NY Jets
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

Miami @ Buffalo
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton

Tennessee @ Indianapolis
Spero Dedes, Jay Feely

New England @ LA Chargers (LATE)
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Jacksonville @ Seattle (LATE)
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta

FOX Early

San Francisco @ Chicago
Adam Amin, Greg Olson

Philadelphia @ Detroit
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Carolina @ Atlanta
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

LA Rams @ Houston
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

FOX Late

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
Joe Davis, Troy Aikman

Washington @ Denver
Brandon Gaudin, Mark Schlereth

For more information on which game is being shown in your area, check out: NFL 2021: Week 8 Maps. Check local listings. 

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3

Total: 69-38

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3

Total: 73-34

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

NFL 2021 Week 7 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone yet again. The week that was brought us some surprises, a majority of them blowouts but some of them were shocking. Like the Bengals beating up on the Ravens, the Browns beating the Broncos with a backup quarterback and third string running back, and a few revenge games. All that and more on this week's recap post.

Week 7 Recap

Denver 14, Cleveland 17: TW: Broncos; CV: Browns
Opportunity has to be the keyword for this game. Teddy Bridgewater would start for the Broncos and had 187 yards passing with two touchdowns and had one interception. Denver's running game wouldn't get much going as Javonte Williams rushed for 20 yards and Melvin Gordon rushed for 18 yards. Two of Denver's scores would come on passes to the left as Bridgewater would find Melvin Gordon for 8 yards and Javonte Williams for a 10-yard score. Case Keenum would get to play against his former team and had a 199-yard, one touchdown performance as the quarterback. It would be D'Ernest Johnson's night as the 3rd stringer would make the most of his opportunity to rush for 146 yards with a touchdown run. I didn't think Cleveland would do it without their starters but they found a way to win.

TW: 0-1; CV: 1-0

Next week:
Denver: vs Washington
Cleveland: vs Pittsburgh

Atlanta 30, Miami 28: TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons
It was a back and forth affair but it would be Younghoe Koo that would give the Falcons a .500 record. Matt Ryan threw for 336 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception. Cordarrelle Patterson rushed for 60 yards with a touchdown, his longest run was from 13 yards. Kyle Pitts had a day catching the ball for 163 yards with seven catches and had quite the day on National Tight Ends Day. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 291 yards with four touchdowns and had two interceptions. One of the interceptions was a one-handed pick. Myles Gaskin rushed for 67 yards on 15 carries. Miami had a turnover on a Falcons botched punt but would ultimately lose their sixth straight as Younghoe Koo hit a 36-yard field goal in the final seconds. 

TW: 1-1; CV: 2-0

Next week:
Atlanta: vs Carolina
Miami: @ Buffalo

Carolina 3, NY Giants 25: TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers
It was a baseball score there for a while for this game. Sam Darnold threw for 111 yards with an interception. Darnold almost looked like he was seeing ghosts in MetLife Stadium as he had an intentional grounding called on him resulting in a safety for the Giants. Chuba Hubbard rushed for 28 yards in the game. Daniel Jones showed off his skills in more than one way. Jones threw for 203 yards with a touchdown pass. He would be a wide receiver on a 16-yard trick play from Dante Pettis to Daniel Jones. Devontae Booker rushed for 51 yards with a touchdown run, his longest run was for 19 yards. I felt the Panthers would've been alright without Christian McCaffrey but holy crap four straight losses is an eye-opener. 

TW: 1-2; CV: 2-1

Next week:
Carolina: @ Atlanta
NY Giants: @ Kansas City

Cincinnati 41, Baltimore 17: TW: Ravens; CV: Bengals
Well, this game was a close one until the 2nd half happened. Joe Burrow had a career day throwing the football as he had 416 yards with three touchdown passes and had an interception in the game. Two of those passes would go to CJ Uzomah with 91 receiving yards with two touchdowns in honor of National Tight Ends Day. Ja'Marr Chase had a great day with 201 receiving yards with a touchdown, his longest was from 82 yards. Joe Mixon rushed for 59 yards with a touchdown and Samaje Perine rushed for 52 yards with a touchdown. Lamar Jackson threw for 257 yards with a touchdown pass. He was also runner in this game with 88 yards rushing. Devonta Freeman rushed for 14 yards with a touchdown. The Bengals defense seemed legit and with this you have consider the Bengals to be legit as well. 

TW: 1-3; CV: 3-1

Next week:
Cincinnati: @ NY Jets
Baltimore: Bye

Kansas City 3, Tennessee 27: TW: Titans; CV: Chiefs
It was an ugly game if you're a fan of the Red and Gold team. Patrick Mahomes threw for 206 yards with an interception in the game. He was also the leading rusher for the Chiefs with 35 yards in the game. Legendary tight end Travis Kelce was fairly quiet in the game but he did contribute 65 yards to the National Tight Ends Day cause. Patrick Mahomes would leave the game after taking a hit to the head on a Titan's players knee. Ryan Tannehill threw for 270 yards with a touchdown pass but also threw an interception in the game. Derrick Henry showed off his arm on a 5-yard toss to Mike Pruitt. Derrick Henry also rushed for 86 yards in the game but Ryan Tannehill would show off his legs on a 2-yard scramble to the right for a touchdown run. 

TW: 2-3; CV: 3-2

Next week:
Kansas City: vs NY Giants
Tennessee: @ Indianapolis

NY Jets 13, New England 54: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
Score speaks for itself. Zach Wilson would start for the Jets and had 51 yards passing before leaving the game with a knee injury that was hit by Patriots linebacker Matt Judon. Mike White would contribute 202 yards with a touchdown (his 1st NFL touchdown pass) and had two interceptions. Michael Carter rushed for 37 yards. Elijah Moore rushed for 19 yards with a touchdown run. It was Mac Jones' day as he threw for 307 yards with two touchdown passes. Backup Brian Hoyer would contribute 79 yards passing. Wide Receiver Kendrick Bourne would add to the passing game as he hit Nelson Agholor on a 25-yard deep pass for a touchdown. New England's running game would have a day as well as Damien Harris rushed for 106 yards with two touchdowns. JJ Taylor rushed for 21 yards with two touchdowns as well. The Patriots 54 points was the most allowed by New York since October 29th, 1978 when New England put up 55 in a 55-21 drubbing. Congrats Jets, you broke Zach Wilson. 

TW: 3-3; CV: 4-2

Next week:
NY Jets: vs Cincinnati
New England: @ LA Chargers

Washington 10, Green Bay 24: TW: Packers; CV: Football Team
The score seemed a bit off as Washington had outgained total offensive yards by a 430-304 margin. Taylor Heinicke threw for 268 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in the game. Heinicke had 95 yards in the game. Antonio Gibson rushed for 51 yards. The big stat for Washington was that they were 4-11 on 3rd down conversions and 1-4 in 4th down conversions as well as 0-4 on Red Zone Trips. Aaron Rodgers was strong in the game with 274 yards with three touchdown passes. Aaron Jones rushed for 19 yards in the game on six carries. Probably would've been a closer game if they went for a field goal or something. 

TW: 4-3; CV: 4-3

Next week:
Washington: @ Denver
Green Bay: @ Arizona

Detroit 19, LA Rams 28: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The Lions showed that they had no fear and when you're 0-6 going into this game you have all the guts in the world. Jared Goff would come back to LA to face the team that had drafted him five years ago. The quarterback threw for 268 yards with one touchdown pass while throwing two picks in the game. Jamaal Williams would rush the ball fairly okay with 57 yards on the ground with 14 yards being the longest run. Dandre Swift would rush for 48 yards with 14 as well being the longest run he could go for. Detroit's lone touchdown would come on a 63-yard bomb from Goff to Dandre Swift. Matthew Stafford would come into the game facing the team he helped lead for 11 seasons as he torched the Lions defensive unit for 334 yards with three touchdown passes. Two of them were to Cooper Kupp. Darrell Henderson rushed for 45 yards. Detroit had some surprises for the Rams including the early score was an onside kick that Detroit would ultimately get. It was a failed try at an upset and the Lions are still winless. 

TW: 5-3; CV: 5-3

Next week:
Detroit: vs Philadelphia
LA Rams: @ Houston

Philadelphia 22, Las Vegas 33: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
The interim coach remains undefeated. Jalen Hurts would struggle for the first three quarters but would eventually get hot into the 4th. Hurts finished with 236 yards with two touchdown passes. The first one was off of a 13-yard pass down the middle to Kenneth Gainwell and the second to Jalen Reagor for 17 yards. Jalen would rush for 61 yards including the longest run in the game for 16 yards. Miles Sanders rushed for 30 yards and Boston Scott would rush for 24 yards and get a score on a 1-yard into the gut. Derek Carr was close to perfect as he was 31 for 34 with two touchdown passes with an interception. Have to imagine the other two incompletions were dropped passes. Kenyan Drake rushed for 69 yards with a touchdown. Josh Jacobs rushed for 29 yards with a touchdown but would leave the game due to a chest injury after his score. 

TW: 6-3; CV: 6-3

Next week:
Philadelphia: @ Detroit
Las Vegas: Bye

Chicago 3, Tampa Bay 38: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
What you saw was really a demolition of epic proportions for the Bears. Tampa's defense made it very inhospitable for the rookie quarterback as he threw for 184 yards with three interceptions and a fumble. Khalil Herbert would be the leading rusher in the game as he had 100 yards on 18 carries with a longest run for 29 yards. Chicago's defense would be the bright spot as they did force Tom Brady into seven consecutive incompletions (apparently the first time in his career that he's done that, courtesy of Pardon The Interruption). Tom Brady would throw for 211 yards with four touchdown passes including the 600th regular season touchdown to Mike Evans. He is the only player to have that number in a career. Leonard Fournette rushed for 81 yards with a touchdown run. It certainly felt like domination but the Buccaneers could've done a whole lot more against Chicago. If I'm a Bears fan I'd be embarrassed to have that team shatter Justin Fields' confidence and spirit. 

TW: 7-3; CV: 7-3

Next week:
Chicago: vs San Francisco
Tampa Bay: @ New Orleans

Houston 5, Arizona 31: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
Well at least we got ourselves a scorigami for the 2nd straight week. Davis Mills wouldn't do a lot on offense to give the Texans some hope of a passing game as he finished with 135 yards on 23 completions. David Johnson would rush for 25 yards on seven carries against his former team. Kyler Murray would do fine throwing the ball with 261 yards passing with three touchdowns and had an interception in the game. Chase Edmonds rushed for 81 yards and James Conner rushed for 64 yards with a rushing score. Former Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins would catch seven balls for 53 yards with a score. Defensive end JJ Watt would have a tackle in the game against his old team. The Cardinals franchise is now 7-0 improving to their best start since 1974. 

TW: 8-3; CV: 8-3

Next week:
Houston: vs LA Rams
Arizona: vs Green Bay

Indianapolis 30, San Francisco 18: TW: Colts; CV: Colts
In rain-soaked San Francisco the running game would ultimately prove to be the decider. Carson Wentz was not as effective in the wet conditions as he threw for 150 yards with two passing touchdowns while going for a rushing touchdown with 23 rushing yards. Jonathan Taylor would rush for 107 yards with a rushing score. The Colts defense would force four San Francisco turnovers two fumbles and two interceptions. Jimmy Garoppolo would fare not as well as Wentz as he threw for 181 yards with a touchdown pass but also threw two said interceptions. Elijah Mitchell would also take advantage of the sloppy conditions and rush for 107 yards with a touchdown run. 

TW: 9-3; CV: 9-3

Next week:
Indianapolis: vs Tennessee
San Francisco: @ Chicago

New Orleans 13, Seattle 10: TW: Saints; CV: Saints
It was also another rainy night for primetime football. Jameis Winston threw the ball for a solid 222 yards with a touchdown pass to Alvin Kamara to the right for 13 yards. It was at first a fumble but Winston would recover it and throw it in for the score. Alvin Kamara rushed for 51 yards and Jameis Winston rushed for 40 yards. Saints outside linebacker Demario Davis had a day in getting seven solo tackles and getting 3 assisted and adding two sacks to the game.  Geno Smith wouldn't be quite as comfortable in his 2nd straight start for Seattle but would throw for 167 yards with a touchdown pass to DK Metcalf deep for an 84-yard touchdown to start the scoring for the game. Anthony Collins rushed for 35 yards in the game. Uffdah Seattle is lost without Russell Wilson. 

TW: 10-3; CV: 10-3

Next week:
New Orleans: vs Tampa Bay
Seattle: vs Jacksonville

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3

Total: 69-38

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3

Total: 73-34

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

See you all on Wednesday for the Week 8 Picks post! 

-Tom

NFL 2021 Week 7 Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that will be offers some intriguing matchups and hopefully closer games compared to Week 6. I'll be keeping an eye on the Bengals-Ravens, Lions-Rams, and Colts-49ers games this week. For this post I'll be doing a preview of the week as well as my picks for the week's games. Let's get to work!

Week 7 Preview

The seventh week of the NFL's regular season will start in Cleveland, Ohio and finish up in Seattle, Washington. There will be a 13-game slate this week as 26 teams will play. The week has a Thursday night game, six early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers will have a bye this week. FOX will have the single, regional game and CBS will carry the doubleheader again this week. Let's get to the picks!

Week 7 Picks

Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Denver (3-3) @ Cleveland (3-3) (FOX/Amazon/NFL Network; 8:20 pm): TW: Broncos; CV: Browns
Both teams lost last week as the Broncos lost to the Raiders and the Browns lost to the Cardinals. Both teams had really bad losses but I think the Broncos seem to be the better team off in this matchup as they don't have players banged up. Cleveland really can't catch a break as both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt could miss this game. Baker Mayfield could have a rebound game like he has in the past but without a running game that he's been blessed with, he could be in hot water. Denver seems like the less banged up club going in so I'll take them.

Atlanta (2-3) @ Miami (1-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons
Last week the Falcons were on a bye and the Dolphins lost to the Jaguars. Miami played alright but ultimately lost to the winless Jaguars last week. Miami's inability to stop the offense was the biggest culprit and I think they will have a tough time to win this one. Matt Ryan and company are coming off a bye week that gave them extra rest after playing overseas in Week 5. Miami didn't get that luxury sadly and I think that will play into this one. I'll take the Falcons.

Carolina (3-3) @ NY Giants (1-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers
Both teams lost as the Panthers lost to the Vikings and the Giants lost to the Rams last week. Carolina started out at 3-0 and are now staring at a not a healthy .500 record. New York couldn't really get anything going on offense and couldn't stop the Rams either. Chubba Hubbard has been a solid choice at running back for Carolina and they can rely on Sam Darnold to keep them in games. I just question how well their defense can do against the Giants. Daniel Jones can play well but Saquon Barkley has had some injury issues this early in the year. They'll need to get to a good start as Carolina is no slouch on defense. 

Cincinnati (4-2) @ Baltimore (5-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Ravens; CV: Bengals
Both teams got wins last week as the Bengals beat the Lions and the Ravens beat the Chargers. Cincy has had a good season in its helm as Joe Burrow has remained upright and not injured. Baltimore got its offense going against the Chargers and blew them out of the water. I think the Ravens great offense will keep going into this game but they're going to face a challenge in the 8th ranked rushing defense that Cincy possesses. Baltimore's defense is good too and we will have to see how they can slow down the Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase connection. I'll take the Ravens

Kansas City (3-3) @ Tennessee (4-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Titans; CV: Chiefs
Both teams won their games last week as the Chiefs beat the Football Team and the Titans beat the Bills. Kansas City found themselves at a challenge this year and their problems that they had in the Super Bowl (offensive line and defense) reared its ugly head this season. Patrick Mahomes didn't play that great against Washington but he did enough to bring the Chiefs back. Tennessee seems to have the offense that can keep Mahomes off the field as they have Derrick Henry and a quarterback in Ryan Tannehill that can grind you to dust. I'll take the Titans. 

NY Jets (1-4) @ New England (2-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Jets had a bye and the Patriots lost to the Cowboys last week. New York is the better rested team as they had the bye last week. New England played a competitive game against Dallas and came close to winning. Mac Jones hasn't been terrible but he hasn't been great either in his rookie year. Zach Wilson has been terrible but after all he plays for the Jets so you have to give him some leeway. New England's saving grace this year has been their defense which is currently ranked 17th in total yards allowed with 359.2 yards/game. I'll take the Pats.

Washington (2-4) @ Green Bay (5-1) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Football Team
The Football Team lost to the Chiefs and the Packers beat the Bears last week. Washington had a competitive game against the Chiefs and kept with them during the first half. Washington's running attack has been a decent unit with 106.3 yards/game which gives them 19th in the NFL. They face a Packers team that did well on offense and played even better in defense, especially in on pass defense. If Washington wants to win this one they'll need to get Taylor Heinicke to take his chances down the field. I don't see it happening as this seems like a tough one to climb. I'll take the Pack

Detroit (0-6) @ LA Rams (5-1) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams
Last week the Lions lost to the Bengals and the Rams beat the Giants. Jared Goff faces off against his old team and Matthew Stafford faces against his old team in this game. Detroit was expected to not have a great season but certainly not a season like this. They've been close in some of their games but couldn't quite find the winning one. The Rams have had a great year out of Matthew Stafford. I think the game means a bit more to Matthew Stafford facing off against his old team that he had played for 11 seasons. I think he would like nothing more than to beat them and I think the Rams will. 

Philadelphia (2-4) @ Las Vegas (4-2) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
Last week the Eagles lost to the Buccaneers and the Raiders beat the Broncos. Philly came close to beating the defending champs and their pass offense has done well despite having a 2-4 record. Las Vegas played their hearts out amid all the controversy over the Jon Gruden emails. They had a great day out of Kenyan Drake as well as Derek Carr. Las Vegas's defense will face a tough task in trying to slow down Jalen Hurts who can beat you with his arm and legs. I think it'll be a close one but I think the Raiders will win. 

Chicago (3-3) @ Tampa Bay (5-1) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Bears lost to the Packers and the Buccaneers beat the Eagles last week. Chicago showed some signs of life on the running game with Khalil Herbert and Damien Williams as the runningbacks. After that loss to the Packers, you have to feel that they have some sort of demoralization on their team. They face a tough task in trying to beat the Tom Brady Buccaneers. Tampa hasn't missed a beat as defending champs and Tom Brady has certainly lead the way in that. I'll take the Buccaneers.

Houston (1-5) @ Arizona (6-0) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
The Texans lost to the Colts and the Cardinals beat the Browns last week. JJ Watt and DeAndre Hopkins will face against their old team in the Houston Texans. They won't face against against head coach Bill O'Brien but they still feel that they would like to have some sort of revenge against Houston. The Cardinals have been playing outstanding football on offense with a solid support in defense. I'll take the Cards.

Indianapolis (2-4) @ San Francisco (2-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
The Colts beat the Texans and the 49ers had a bye last week. San Francisco had a bye last week and they certainly needed one as they were banged up on offense. Trey Lance won't likely make the start but it is possible that a banged up Jimmy Garoppolo could get the nod from Kyle Shanahan.  Indianapolis would like to get back to a winning record come playoff time and they can against the 49ers. Carson Wentz played a solid game last week and the week before. It'll come down to him again this week. I'll take the Colts.

New Orleans (3-2) @ Seattle (2-4) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Saints were on a bye and the Seahawks lost to the Steelers last week. New Orleans came off of a bye and are the well rested team in this game. The real question is how well they can be consistent as they can be either a great team that dominates opponents or a team that has its wheels fall off. That being said I feel they are the better team on paper. Seattle won't likely have Russell Wilson again and will have Geno Smith to lead them to a win. I personally don't see it happening. I'll take the Saints. 

Early & Late Game TV Pairings

Note: Games in bold are games being shown in my area.

CBS Early

Kansas City @ Tennessee
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Cincinnati @ Baltimore
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

NY Jets @ New England
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton

CBS Late

Chicago @ Tampa Bay
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Houston @ Arizona
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta

FOX Single

Washington @ Green Bay
Joe Davis, Greg Olson

Carolina @ NY Giants
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth

Atlanta @ Miami
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

Philadelphia @ Las Vegas (LATE)
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Detroit @ LA Rams (LATE)
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

For more information on which game is being shown in your area, check out: NFL 2021: Week 7 Maps.  

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3

Total: 59-35

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2

Total: 63-31

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

NFL 2021 Week 6 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The week that was offered up more blowouts than usual but we would also see a winless team pick up dub #1 and a scorigami happen. All the blowouts and more in this week's recap post. Let's get to work!

Week 6 Recap

Tampa Bay 28, Philadelphia 22: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers still don't miss a beat but the Eagles are fighters. Tom Brady threw for 297 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception in the game. Leonard Fournette would be the showcase runner for Tampa as he rushed for 81 yards with two touchdowns. Jalen Hurts would provide the offense once again in this game as he threw for 115 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Hurts would also rush for 44 yards with two touchdown runs. One of the runs would see Hurts throw a ball to the wall close to where Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout was sitting. The baseball player got a kick out of it. It was a tale of two halves: Tampa doing Tampa things while the other was Philadelphia trying to make a comeback. We'll have to see if Tampa can keep up with all the injuries they have. 

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Next week:
Tampa Bay: vs Chicago
Philadelphia: @ Las Vegas

Miami 20, Jacksonville 23: TW: Jaguars; CV: Jaguars
For the 2nd straight week, the NFL UK fans were treated to quality football. Tua Tagovailoa would return to the field after missing a few games with an injury. Tua would throw for 329 yards with two touchdown passes and had an interception in the game. Miami wouldn't find consistency with running the ball as Malcolm Brown rushed for 24 yards and Salvon Ahmed would rush for 22. Trevor Lawrence threw for 319 yards with a touchdown pass. Jacksonville would have a better time with their ground game as James Robinson rushed for 73 yards with a touchdown run, his longest run was for 24 yards. Jacksonville entered the game with a 20-game losing streak. They would place their hopes for a win on their kicker Matthew Wright from 53 yards. He would make it and the Jaguars get their first win of the year. 

TW: 2-0; CV: 2-0

Next week:
Miami: vs Atlanta
Jacksonville: Bye

Green Bay 24, Chicago 14: TW: Packers; CV: Packers
It was a good old fashioned Black & Blue division type of game. Aaron Rodgers would prove to own the Bears in more ways than one. Rodgers threw for 195 yards with two touchdown passes. One of them was a shuttle-pass to Allen Lazard. The Packer quarterback would also run in for a score on a 16-yard play while taunting the Bears fans with "I still own you." While for Chicago Justin Fields would have a decent day with 174 yards with a touchdown pass while having an interception as well. Khalil Herbert would have a good day running against the vaunted Packer pass rush with 97 yards and a touchdown run performance. With the win, Aaron Rodgers's record against Chicago improves to 22-5. I'd say he owns them just as much as Bears owner, Virginia Halas McCaskey, does. 

TW: 3-0; CV: 3-0

Next week:
Green Bay: vs Washington
Chicago: @ Tampa Bay

Cincinnati 34, Detroit 11: TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
In Detroit, the Bengals looked to get back to a winning way against the unlucky Lions. Joe Burrow threw for 271 yards with three touchdown passes while throwing an interception in the game. With the victory assured, Brandon Allen would come in for Burrow and find Auden Tate for a 7-yard pass for a touchdown. Joe Mixon would not quite hit the 100-yard mark but he would hit for 97 yards. Ja'Marr Chase would get four catches for 97 yards, his longest was a 53-yard bomb from Burrow to the rookie receiver. Jared Goff would hit for 202 yards with an interception in the game. The only offensive touchdown would come on a Dandre Swift run up the middle for 1-yard. The runner would get 24 yards in the game. You can't really feel bad about a close loss if it was a 23-point loss. With Jacksonville winning their game the Detroit Lions remain the only winless team left in the NFL. 

TW: 4-0; CV: 4-0

Next week:
Cincinnati: @ Baltimore
Detroit: @ LA Rams

Houston 3, Indianapolis 31: TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Well Houston, you still have the Astros and perhaps the Rockets. Davis Mills would get the start again this week. He threw for 243 yards but would have two interceptions in the game. Houston would get decent running production from Mark Ingram as he rushed for 73 yards with his longest being for 24 yards. Former Bronco running back Phillip Lindsay rushed for 39 yards with a 35-yard run being his longest. Kaimi Fairbairn would get the only points for Houston on a 31-yard field goal in the 2nd quarter. Carson Wentz had a good day throwing the ball as he threw for 223 yards with two touchdown passes on 11 completions. His longest throws were for 51 and 52 yard passes. Jonathan Taylor had a 145-yard, two touchdown day as his longest run was for 83 yards. Nice to see the Colts playing like the Colts we were sort of expecting in the preseason. 

TW: 5-0; CV: 5-0

Next week:
Houston: @ Arizona
Indianapolis: @ San Francisco

Kansas City 31, Washington 13: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
It was an ugly start to a game for Patrick Mahomes but after halftime they would clamp down on Washington. Patrick Mahomes threw for 397 yards with two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. One of the interceptions would come on a bad snap and an even bad throw to a Washington player. Damien Williams would rush for 62 yards in the game including two touchdown runs that would come on a 2-yard and 3-yard play. It would come to the Chiefs defense to stop their opponents and Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton would do that. He intercepted a ball that was in the back of a Washington players helmet and haul it in for the pick. Taylor Heinicke threw for 182 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the game. JD McKissic rushed for 45 yards int he game while Antonio Gibson rushed for 44 yards in the game. Washington's defense would cause three turnovers including a fumble on a Tyreek Hill rebound. They have a really awful turnover ratio and if they want to do good things they need to clean that up. Relying on hero-ball can't save them everyday for the Chiefs. 

TW: 6-0; CV: 6-0

Next week:
Kansas City: @ Tennessee
Washington: @ Green Bay

LA Chargers 6, Baltimore 33: TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
I gave CBS crap for not putting this game in an early-game slot and after this one was over, I stood corrected. Sorry CBS. Justin Herbert threw for 195 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in the game. The Chargers running game wouldn't be able to get going with Justin Herbert being the leading rusher for 12 yards. Austin Ekeler would only get seven yards in this one. Lamar Jackson threw for 167 yards with a touchdown pass but also threw two picks in the game. Baltimore's scoring would come on their running attack as Devonta Freeman rushed for 53 yards with a touchdown, Latavius Murray with 44 yards and a touchdown and Le'Veon Bell rushed for 18 yards with a touchdown. I feel the rush defense of the Chargers was exposed big time last week against Cleveland and for sure was exposed by the Ravens. Not a good performance for LA. 

TW: 6-1; CV: 6-1

Next week:
LA Chargers: Bye
Baltimore: vs Cincinnati

LA Rams 38, NY Giants 11: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The score would become a scorigami (a score that hasn't happened in NFL history) but in reality it was a score that shouldn't have been as close as it should. Matthew Stafford has had a rejuvenated season with the Rams and this game would be no different as he had 251 yards passing with four touchdown passes but threw an interception in the game. Rams runningback Darrell Henderson rushed for 78 yards with a touchdown in the game. Daniel Jones would get the start after being injured last week. The Giants quarterback looked awful as he had 242 yards passing with three interceptions while only completing 29 of 51 passes. Devontae Booker rushed for 41 yards in the game. New York's bright spot on offense was Elijah Penny who rushed into the endzone on a 4-yard run, while finishing with 15 yards rushing. Matthew Stafford gets to face the Detroit Lions next week, sounds like a revenge game for him, who knows. 

TW: 7-1; CV: 7-1

Next week:
LA Rams: vs Detroit
NY Giants: vs Carolina

Minnesota 34, Carolina 28 (F/OT): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
Football gods giveth and the football gods taketh. Kirk Cousins threw for 373 yards with three touchdown passes, including the game-winning touchdown to KJ Osborn to put the Vikings at a 3-3 record. Dalvin Cook would return to action after missing a few games to injury. The runner was on a rampage as he rushed for 140 yards with a touchdown run. Sam Darnold was off for most of the game with a 207-yard passing day with a touchdown and an interception. The one time he was on was on a 97-yard drive that would result in a Carolina touchdown and successful two-point conversion that would send the game to overtime. Chuba Hubbard rushed for 61 yards with a touchdown. So close Carolina but only one can win in this league. 

TW: 8-1; CV: 8-1

Next week:
Minnesota: Bye 
Carolina: @ NY Giants

Arizona 37, Cleveland 14: TW: Browns; CV: Cardinals
So Nick Chubb was out and eventually Kareem Hunt was out, the football gods hate Cleveland don't they. Kyler Murray would do Kyler Murray things as he threw for 229 yards with four touchdowns, two of them were to DeAndre Hopkins. James Conner had a solid day running the ball for 71 yards in the game. Chase Edmonds rushed for 46 yards with his longest run was for 40 yards. Baker Mayfield threw the ball for 234 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception. Two of those touchdown passes were to Donovan Peoples-Jones who had 101 receiving yards with four catches. Kareem Hunt would rush for 66 yards in the game before leaving the game with an injury. One key stat to this game was that the Cardinals defense would force three turnovers on the Browns, two fumbles and an interception. Poor Cleveland. 

TW: 8-2; CV: 9-1

Next week:
Arizona: vs Houston
Cleveland: vs Denver

Dallas 35, New England 29 (F/OT): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
What in the actual football was this game? Dak Prescott threw for 445 yards with three touchdowns and had an interception. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 69 yards in the game. CeeDee Lamb had 149 yards receiving on nine catches. New England's defense would cause two turnovers including a fumble on a goal line stand. Mac Jones threw for 229 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception in the game. It would be a pick-six by Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs, his sixth straight interception. The Patriots running game had some solid performers as Damien Harris rushed for 101 yards with a touchdown. Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 23 yards with a touchdown. 

TW: 9-2; CV: 10-1

Next week:
Dallas: Bye
New England: vs NY Jets 

Las Vegas 34, Denver 24: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
I thought the Raiders would ultimately win but holy crap they played like a stellar team on Sunday amid all the controversy surrounding Jon Gruden's emails. Derek Carr played lights out in the game throwing for 341 yards with two touchdown passes. One of the tosses was a 31-yard toss to Kenyan Drake. Josh Jacobs rushed for 53 yards with a touchdown and Kenyan Drake added a rushing touchdown to his receiving touchdown and added 34 yards of rush offense. Teddy Bridgewater was throwing the ball on some plays and off on some. Bridgewater threw for 334 yards with three touchdowns and got picked off three times. Raiders defenders Jonathan Abram, Brandon Facyson, and Trevon Moehrig picked off Bridewater passes. Javonte Williams rushed for 53 yards and Melvin Gordon rushed for 50 yards. We'll have to see how long this newfound success lasts for Las Vegas but it is a nice sight to see them come out and ball. After three straight wins for the Broncos they have lost three straight games. Yikes.

TW: 10-2; CV: 11-1

Next week:
Las Vegas: vs Philadelphia
Denver: @ Cleveland

Seattle 20, Pittsburgh 23 (F/OT): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
TJ Watt is turning into be worth every penny that the Steelers extended to him this season. Geno Smith, not Russell Wilson, would start for Seattle in this one. The former New York Jet would throw for 209 yards with a touchdown pass. It would ultimately be a forced fumble by TJ Watt that would turn the tables to the Steelers. Alex Collins would rush for 101 yards with a touchdown in this game, his longest was for 21 yards. Ben Roethlisberger was solid in the game with 29 of 40 completions for 229 yards with a touchdown pass. Najee Harris wouldn't get 100 yards in this game but he would finish with a respectable 81 yards. Eric Ebron would get in with a touchdown run on a 1-yard trick play. The confusing part of it was the last sequence of plays. It was clear that DK Metcalf fumbled on the ball but Seattle recovered the ball. I think the clock stopped at one second left when Geno Smith spiked the ball. Yet NFL referees like to extend this stuff a long time over. 

TW: 11-2; CV: 12-1

Next week:
Seattle: vs New Orleans
Pittsburgh: Bye

Buffalo 31, Tennessee 34: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
It was the Bills game in the 1st half but it would be the Titans that would crush the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen threw for 353 yards with three touchdowns and had an interception in the game. Devin Singletary would have a quiet game on the ground with 27 yards. Ryan Tannehill threw for 216 yards and had an interception in the game. King Derrick Henry rushed for 143 yards with three touchdown runs. His longest run was from 76 yards for a score. It was a tight game but it was a 4th down and one stop in the 4th quarter that would be the decider in this game. It was a close one. Still think the Bills will win the division as the AFC East isn't that great as it was thought of. 

TW: 11-3; CV: 12-2

Next week:
Buffalo: Bye
Tennessee: vs Kansas City

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3

Total: 59-35

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2

Total: 63-31

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

See you guys on Wednesday for the Week 7 Picks post!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Week 6 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that is Week 6 will surely bring some surprises, upsets and good games for football fans around. I'll be keeping an eye on the Chargers-Ravens, Cardinals-Browns and Bills-Titans games this week. In this post I'll do a preview of the week and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Week 6 Preview

The sixth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and finishes in Nashville, Tennessee. The week features a 14-game slate that will have 28 teams playing. The Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers are on a bye this week. The week features a Thursday night game, a Sunday morning game, seven early games, three early games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the doubleheader and FOX will have the single, regional game this week. 

Week 6 Picks

Note: TW is me, and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Tampa Bay (4-1) @ Philadelphia (2-3) (FOX/Amazon/NFL Network; 8:20 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Both teams got wins last week as the Buccaneers beat the Dolphins and the Eagles beat the Panthers. Week 6 starts with a relatively decent matchup. The Buccaneers look to be on a tear lately and it proved last week over a 45-17 victory against Miami. Miami was decimated with injuries to key players so that might've played into it. The Buccaneers defense will likely get some key guys back on defense and that doesn't spell well for the Eagles looking to get back into the NFC East race. Philly has a solid pass offense with great targets. I just don't think that they can keep up with the Bucs. 

Miami (1-4) @ Jacksonville (0-5) (CBS; 9:30 am): TW: Jaguars; CV: Jaguars
Both teams lost as the Dolphins lost to the Buccaneers and the Jaguars lost to the Titans last week. Another early morning game this week. Both teams aren't really good. Miami was supposed to be a playoff contender and they really fell off the ladder and Jacksonville was expected to be bad. Jacoby Brissett and Tua Tagovailoa have had injuries this season and I really question how they can play well. Miami's defense has been a disappointment as well. If there's a chance that the Jaguars win a game and snap the 20-game losing streak it just might be this one. 

Green Bay (4-1) @ Chicago (3-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Packers
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Bengals and the Bears beat the Raiders. The rivalry returns this season. Green Bay played an okay game against the Bengals but they didn't seem right in that one. Perhaps that the Bengals defense is legit or that Mason Crosby had some bad luck in his golf game. Chicago had one of their better showings against a distracted Raiders team. I think the game will come down to how well Mason Crosby will do as I think the Bears defense will give the Packers some trouble in it. 

Cincinnati (3-2) @ Detroit (0-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
Both teams lost last week as the Bengals lost to the Packers and the Lions lost to the Vikings. Cincy has been one of the surprise teams so far this season. Detroit not so much. Much to the credit to the Bengals success is their defense which has allowed only 20 points/gam which puts them at 7th place in the NFL. Detroit has come close in a lot of games and they might have a shot to take dub #1 in this one but as long as Joe Burrow is in this one, I hate to give them any faith. 

Houston (1-4) @ Indianapolis (1-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Both teams lost last week as the Texans lost to the Patriots and the Colts lost to the Ravens. Davis Mills and the Texans had a better showing last week against New England but they fell short of winning. Carson Wentz had a return to form against Baltimore on Monday night and I think that the momentum will continue into this week as Houston's defense isn't trustworthy. 

Kansas City (2-3) @ Washington (2-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
Both teams lost last week as the Chiefs lost to the Bills and the Football Team lost to the Saints. A battle of who will have the worser defense in this one. Prior to this I would've gone with the Chiefs hands down. After the way they've played so far this year, I am starting to have my doubts. Kansas City is also banged up on offense as Tyreek Hill and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are injured. Travis Kelce will be available to play but someone is going to need to step up on defense. Washington can give them some trouble as they do have a decent running game in Antonio Gibson. 

LA Chargers (4-1) @ Baltimore (4-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
Both teams last week as the Chargers beat the Browns and the Ravens beat the Colts. Justin Herbert and company put up 47 on the Browns and almost lost. They've been the story so far this season with Herbert at the helm but I think its been the defense that has been just as good. Baltimore has done well this year but they've relied on Lamar Jackson so often this season. This one will be a good one to watch that is unfortunately not on the late-game window. I'll take the Chargers based on their better defensive play. 

LA Rams (4-1) @ NY Giants (1-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The Rams beat the Seahawks and the Giants lost to the Cowboys last week. The Rams did well against the Seahawks and are coming into this game with longer rest. Matthew Stafford has been a beacon in the revitalized Rams offense. New York is banged up a lot on offense and will likely rely on Mike Glennon again this week. It's a tough choice but I think the Rams will take this one. Sarcasm included. 

Minnesota (2-3) @ Carolina (3-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Vikings would beat the Lions and the Panthers lost to the Eagles last week. Its a huge game for the Vikings and a huge game for Sam Darnold. Minnesota wants to get back into the playoff picture and they certainly will need to win this game. Kirk Cousins will play well in this game but his weapons will be limited as a lot of the Vikings running backs and wide outs will have had injuries. Carolina will have injury problems of their own but their offense didn't put up enough points to win against the Eagles. It'll be a tight game but I think the Vikes will find a way to win. 

Arizona (5-0) @ Cleveland (3-2) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Browns; CV: Cardinals
The Cardinals beat the 49ers and the Browns lost to the Chargers. Another good game to keep an eye on. Arizona has an undefeated record and they go into a place that has been good for the Browns this season. Cleveland possesses a great running game and the Cards defense will have their hands full stopping Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Kyler Murray has a decent running game but can they do well enough to be the Chubb-Hunt tandem of Arizona? It'll be an offensive showcase and I think the Browns will beat the Cardinals. 

Dallas (4-1) @ New England (2-3) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
The Cowboys beat the Giants and the Patriots beat the Texans last week. This is the marquee game? I mean it would be marquee if it was Prescott vs Brady but Tom Brady doesn't play in New England anymore. All that aside the Cowboys look to be the team to beat in the NFC East while the Patriots are just trying to stay within a playoff spot. New England barely beat the Texans and largely was the fact that their defense made Davis Mills look like a god. I think Dallas will take it.

Las Vegas (3-2) @ Denver (3-2) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
Both teams lost last week as the Raiders lost to the Bears and the Broncos lost to the Steelers. Out with Jon Gruden and in with interim Rich Biaccia. Such scandal as Jon Gruden with those emails could destroy a ballclub but the Raiders could become a more unified team because of the hardship. Or they could fall into disarray and fall off the face of the earth. The Denver Broncos were at one point undefeated but a soft schedule has decimated their record to a measly 3-2. Las Vegas has a solid club and I think they'll find a win for Rich Biaccia. 

Seattle (2-3) @ Pittsburgh (2-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The Seahawks lost to the Rams and the Steelers beat the Broncos. Russell Wilson will miss this game due to an injury on his finger. Geno Smith will get the start for Seattle. Seattle's gameplan will likely have to center around limiting the Steelers wide receivers now that JuJu Smith-Schuster is out for the season. Ben Roethlisberger showed signs of him returning to life and the running game finally got into a groove with Najee Harris. I'll take the Steelers because of their defense.

Buffalo (4-1) @ Tennessee (3-2) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Both teams got wins as the Bills beat the Chiefs and the Titans beat the Jaguars. Week 6 finishes with a good game with two AFC teams with great offensive power. Buffalo made their way past their biggest obstacle in the Chiefs and it seems that this game could be an a cinch in most people's eyes. Tennessee exposed themselves quite a bit in losing to the Jets. However, they do have Derrick Henry who is in my opinion the best running back in the league right now. Buffalo's defense is currently 3rd in stopping the run, holding runners to 78.4 yards/game. I think Buffalo takes it.

Early & Late Game Broadcast Pairings (courtesy of 506sports.com):

Note: games in bold are the game showing in my area

CBS Early

Kansas City @ Washington
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

LA Chargers @ Baltimore
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta

Houston @ Indianapolis
Spero Dedes, Jay Feely

CBS Late

Dallas @ New England
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Las Vegas @ Denver
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton

FOX Single

Green Bay @ Chicago
Joe Davis, Greg Olson

LA Rams @ NY Giants
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth

Minnesota @ Carolina
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Cincinnati @ Detroit
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

Arizona @ Cleveland (LATE)
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

For more information on which game is being shown in your area, check out: NFL 2021: Week 6 Maps

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4

Total: 48-32

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6

Total: 51-29

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

Expect the Week 6 Recap post sometime after the Monday night game or on Tuesday. Enjoy the games!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Week 5 Recap

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come and gone. The week that was provided us: kickers had a rough week, the Jacksonville Jaguars losing 20 straight games, and a punter netting a 0 yard punt via being blocked by a fellow blocker. All those games and more in this week's recap post! Let's get to work!

Week 5 Recap

LA Rams 26, Seattle 17: TW: Rams; CV: Rams
Two quarterbacks had issues with their fingers in this game. Matthew Stafford was able to handle the discomfort from his throwing hand finger. Russell Wilson wasn't so fortunate. Matthew Stafford threw for 365 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in this game. It was a better game for Stafford in some aspects. The Rams running game had a solid game with Darnell Henderson rushed for 82 yards with a rushing touchdown. Sony Michel had 37 yards with a touchdown run as well. LA's defense wouldn't get a lot of pressure on Russell Wilson but Aaron Donald had five tackles and a sack. Russell Wilson threw for 152 yards with a touchdown and an interception before leaving the game with an injury to his throwing hand middle finger. Geno Smith would come in and provide 131 yards with a touchdown pass and threw an interception in the game. It would be his first touchdown pass since 2017. It will be likely that Russell Wilson will be out for a few weeks, it would be his first time with an injury. 

TW: 1-0; CV: 1-0

Next week:
LA Rams: @ NY Giants
Seattle: @ Pittsburgh

NY Jets 20, Atlanta 27: TW: Falcons; CV: Jets
The fans at London were treated to two things: American football and the Atlanta Falcons nearly blowing a lead in the 4th quarter. Zach Wilson threw for 192 yards with an interception. Michael Carter would get 38 yards with a touchdown. Ty Johnson would get 12 yards with a rushing touchdown. New York's defense was a bright spot as Quinen Williams got two forced fumbles and CJ Mosley had one. Atlanta would get a great game from Matt Ryan. Ryan threw for 342 yards with two touchdown passes. Cordarrelle Patterson had a solid day with running the ball with 54 yards on 14 carries. Mike Davis had 53 yards with a touchdown on 13 carries. Kyle Pitts was the big target in this game with 119 yards receiving with a touchdown. Truly tea and crumpets were to be had in this game. 

TW: 2-0; CV: 1-1

Next week:
NY Jets: Bye week
Atlanta: Bye week

Denver 19, Pittsburgh 27: TW: Steelers; CV: Broncos
It was a return to the Steelers of old. Teddy Bridgewater threw for 288 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception in the game. The two touchdowns and interception would come late in the 4th quarter. Javonte Williams would get 61 yards rushing for the Broncos. Denver's defense would get an early turnover on a Ben Roethlisberger fumble by Malik Reed. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 253 yards with two touchdowns. One of them would come on a 50-yard passing touchdown to Diontae Johnson. Najee Harris would finally get his breakthrough game as he rushed for 122 yards with a touchdown on 23 carries. Chase Claypool would also have a great day with 130 yards receiving with a touchdown. His longest was from 59 yards. 

TW: 3-0; CV: 1-2

Next week:
Denver: vs Las Vegas
Pittsburgh: vs Seattle

Detroit 17, Minnesota 19: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
Oh Detroit, you were so close again. Jared Goff threw for 203 yards with an interception in the game. Detroit's running game was the bright spot for the Lions as Jamaal Williams rushed for 57 yards and Dandre Swift rushed for 51 yards with a rushing touchdown, giving Detroit their only offensive score in the game. The Swift touchdown would come in with 37 seconds left in the 4th quarter. Kirk Cousins threw for 275 yards with a touchdown pass and had an interception in the game. Alexander Mattison rushed for 113 yards as Dalvin Cook would be out again for this game. Vikings kicker Greg Joseph would hit the game-winning field goal from 54 yards as time expired in the game. Such a heartbreaker for the Lions as Dan Campbell had to fight back tears after the loss. 

TW: 4-0; CV: 2-2

Next week:
Detroit: vs Cincinnati
Minnesota: @ Carolina

Green Bay 25, Cincinnati 22 (F/OT): TW: Packers; CV: Bengals
Packers kicker Mason Crosby and Bengals kicker Evan McPherson would combine for 4 for 9 on field goal attempts in this game. Aaron Rodgers threw for 344 yards with 344 yards passing with two touchdowns and had an interception in the game. Aaron Jones had a good day with running the ball with 103 yards and AJ Dillon had 30 yards rushing. Mason Crosby had missed three field goals in the game but he would hit a 49-yard field goal to give the Packers the edge in the game. Joe Burrow threw for 281 yards with two touchdown passes with two interceptions in the game. Cincinnati would get some help on the ground with Samaje Perine running the ball with 59 yards rushing. Joe Mixon would get 33 yards with a touchdown. Ja'Marr Chase had 159 yards receiving with a touchdown. Honestly should've ended in a tie as both teams really didn't look like they should've won. 

TW: 5-0; CV: 2-3

Next week:
Green Bay: @ Chicago
Cincinnati: @ Detroit

Miami 17, Tampa Bay 45: TW: Bucccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Tom Brady came, Tom Brady saw, and Tom Brady conquered in a battle for Florida. Jacoby Brissett threw for 275 yards with two touchdown passes with an interception in the game. Myles Gaskin rushed for 25 yards in the game. Jerome Baker had seven tackles with a sack in the game for the Dolphins. Tom Brady threw for 411 yards with five touchdown passes. Leonard Fournette rushed for 67 yards with a touchdown run. Antonio Brown and Mike Evans had two touchdown pass receptions from Tom Brady each. Nothing much else to say, the sky is blue. 

TW: 6-0; CV: 3-3

Next week:
Miami: @ Jacksonville (at London)
Tampa Bay: @ Philadelphia

New England 25, Houston 22: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
It would be a rebound game for Davis Mills but then the Texans would Texan. Mac Jones would have 231 yards with a touchdown and had an interception in the game. Damien Harris rushed for 58 yards with a touchdown. Patriots kicker Nick Folk would have a rebound game from missing the game-winner last week against the Buccaneers. Folk would have a 4 for 4 day on field goals, including the game-winner from 21 yards. Davis Mills had a four-interception game against the Bills last week. This week he would have a better game with 312 yards with three touchdown passes. Mark Ingram would have 41 yards rushing for the game. One of the biggest moments in the game was when Texans punter Cameron Johnston's punt would bound off of Terrance Brook's helmet for a punt of zero yards. The Patriots would take advantage of the miscue by hitting a field goal that would cut the Texans lead to 10. 

TW: 7-0; CV: 4-3

Next week:
New England: vs Dallas
Houston: @ Indianapolis

New Orleans 33, Washington 22: TW: Football Team; CV: Saints
Of course the Saints would win when I pick against them. Jameis Winston had a bounceback game against Washington. He threw for 279 yards with four touchdowns and had an interception in the game. One of the touchdowns would come from a Hail Mary pass to Deonte Harris for a 72-yard score. Alvin Kamara would have a rebound game as well as he rushed for 71 yards with a touchdown run. He would also score a receiving touchdown to have 51 receiving yards in the game. Taylor Heinicke would not have a great game as he has had in previous games. The quarterback would throw for 248 yards with two interceptions in the game. Antonio Gibson's two rushing touchdowns on 60 yards rushing would give Washington some relevance in the game. 

TW: 7-1; CV: 5-3

Next week:
New Orleans: Bye week
Washington: vs Kansas City

Philadelphia 21, Carolina 18: TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers
With the turnovers that the Panthers, this game's score should've been way different. Jalen Hurts had 198 yards with an interception. Hurts would also rush for 30 yards with two touchdowns. Miles Sanders rushed for 45 yards for the Eagles. Jake Elliot would hit 2 of 2 field goals. Sam Darnold threw for 177 yards with a touchdown pass but would also have three interceptions for Carolina. Two of the interceptions would be picked off by Darius Slay. Chuba Hubbard had 101 yards rushing in the game for the Panthers. Good day for him on the ground in the absence of Christian McCaffrey. Carolina's defense would get a safety on a Jalen Hurts fumble. Carolina is 3-2 after a 3-0 start. Could the wheels be falling off a bit? Perhaps. 

TW: 7-2; CV: 5-4

Tennessee 37, Jacksonville 19: TW: Titans; CV: Titans
The Jaguars have lost 20 straight games, only the 2nd-longest losing streak to the 0-26 start that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had during the 1976-1977 seasons. Ryan Tannehill would have a rebound game from his poor performance against the Jets last week. He had 197 yards with a touchdown pass that would go to Mycole Pruitt on a 14-yard play. Derrick Henry would continue to do Derrick Henry things and get 130 yards rushing with three touchdowns on the ground. Trevor Lawrence threw for 273 yards with a touchdown and had an interception. James Robinson rushed for 149 yards with a touchdown run. His longest was from 58 yards. Trevor Lawrence rushed for 28 yards with a touchdown. I would honestly not be surprised if Urban Meyer either resigns or gets fired by not just the on the field performance but his off the field antics. That team looks lost and needs someone that will have the respect of that locker room. 

TW: 8-2; CV: 6-4

Next week:
Tennessee: vs Buffalo
Jacksonville: vs Miami (at London)

Chicago 20, Las Vegas 9: TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
It was a defensive game but Justin Fields would get his first career touchdown pass in it. Fields finished the game with 111 yards passing with a touchdown on 12 completions. Khalil Herbert, not Khalil Mack, would rush for 75 yards in the game. Damien Williams rushed for 64 yards with a touchdown. Khalil Mack would return to face his former team on the road. The linebacker would tally seven tackles and a sack in the game. Derek Carr threw for 206 yards with an interception. Josh Jacobs would rush for 48 yards with a touchdown. Las Vegas's offense looked off and it might've been a factor with the recent story coming out of Jon Gruden's 2011 comments to NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith. Could it have been a factor perhaps. Could it be construed as being that, I would say yeah. 

TW: 8-3; CV: 6-5

Next week:
Chicago: vs Green Bay
Las Vegas: @ Denver

Cleveland 42, LA Chargers 47: TW: Browns; CV: Browns
I felt this game was going to be a dandy on the picks post and boy I wasn't wrong in this one. Baker Mayfield would play in the game despite having a harness on his left shoulder. The QB would have 305 yards passing with two touchdowns. Nick Chubb had a stellar day on the ground with 161 yards with a touchdown. His running mate Kareem Hunt rushed for 61 yards with two touchdowns. David Njoku was the leading receiver for Cleveland with 149 yards with a touchdown. Justin Herbert had 398 yards passing with four touchdowns. Austin Ekeler rushed for 66 yards with two touchdowns. Justin Herbert also rushed for 29 yards with a touchdown. Mike Williams was the leading receiver for LA with 165 yards with two touchdowns. Last time there was a 47-42 game was last year's Browns-Ravens game. 

TW: 8-4; CV: 6-6

Next week:
Cleveland: vs Arizona
LA Chargers: @ Baltimore

NY Giants 20, Dallas 44: TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
Dak Prescott would come in and take care of business against the Giants. Daniel Jones would start for the Giants before leaving the game on a cart with a concussion. Mike Glennon would come in and throw for 196 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Saquon Barkley would also leave the game with an injury before rushing for nine yards. Devontae Booker rushed for 42 yards with a touchdown. Dak Prescott threw for 302 yards with three touchdowns but had an interception in the game. Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 110 yards with a touchdown. Safe to say the Cowboys are playing well. 

TW: 9-4; CV: 7-6

Next week:
NY Giants: vs LA Rams
Dallas: @ New England

San Francisco 10, Arizona 17: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
Never thought the Cards would keep it tight for the 49ers to come within a touchdown. The former North Dakota State product Trey Lance would get his first NFL start. Lance threw for 192 yards with an interception. He would also rush for 89 yards in the game, his longest being a 15-yard run. Deebo Samuel would get the only touchdown for San Francisco on a 13-yard run. Kyler Murray threw for 239 yards with a touchdown pass. James Conner would get 29 yards with a touchdown run. Rondale Moore would get 38 yards rushing. Didn't also think the Cardinals would be the only undefeated team left in the NFL. 

TW: 10-4; CV: 8-6

Next week:
San Francisco: Bye week
Arizona: @ Cleveland

Buffalo 38, Kansas City 20: TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills would see some measure of revenge over their defeat in the AFC Championship Game this past January. Josh Allen would throw for 315 yards with three touchdowns. He would also score a rushing touchdown while getting 59 yards. Patrick Mahomes would ultimately carry carry the Chiefs as he threw for 272 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 61 yards in the game. There was also a lightning delay during halftime. Safe to say the delay stopped the Buffalo Bills better than the Chiefs defense. 

TW: 11-4; CV: 9-6

Next week:
Buffalo: @ Tennessee
Kansas City: @ Washington

Indianapolis 25, Baltimore 31 (F/OT): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
It wasn't a pretty game for the Baltimore Ravens but they ended up coming out the winner in the end. One of the reasons why it wasn't pretty was the resurgence of Colts quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz threw for 402 yards with two touchdown passes. It was certainly one of his best games as a Colt. One of his touchdowns would come on a screen play to Jonathan Taylor that would go for a 76-yard touchdown. Jonathan Taylor would hit 53 yards rushing with a touchdown. Lamar Jackson threw for 442 yards with four touchdowns. He also rushed for 62 yards in the game. The game-winning touchdown would come on a 5-yard play to Marquise Brown. At one point the Colts were up 25-9 in the 4th quarter. 

TW: 12-4; CV: 10-6

Next week:
Indianapolis: vs Houston
Baltimore: vs LA Chargers

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4

Total: 48-32

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6

Total: 51-29

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

Look out for the Week 6 Picks post sometime on Wednesday! See you then.

-Tom

NFL 2021 Week 5 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is soon upon us. The fifth week of the regular season is sure to bring much surprises, upsets and fun. The games I'm going to keep an eye on are the Rams-Seahawks, Browns-Chargers, and Bills-Chiefs games. In this post, I'll do a week preview and my picks for the week's games. Let's get to work!

Week 5 Preview

The fifth week of the NFL's regular season will start in Seattle, Washington and ends in Baltimore, Maryland. All 32 teams will be playing in a 16-game slate. The week that will be will have a Thursday night game, a Sunday morning game, eight early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the single, regional game and FOX will have the doubleheader this week. Let's get to the picks!

Week 5 Picks

Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

LA Rams (3-1) @ Seattle (2-2) (FOX/Amazon/NFL Network; 8:20 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The Rams lost to the Cardinals and the Seahawks beat the 49ers last week. The period of trashy Thursday night games are over as two division contenders square off. LA looked a bit off against the Cardinals and a lot of it was on the defense. On a short week and going on the road against the 12th man could be a tough sell to some people picking the Rams. Sean McVay will get them back in order I feel but it'll be a close one. 

NY Jets (1-3) @ Atlanta (1-3) (NFL Network; 9:30 am): TW: Falcons; CV: Jets
The Jets won against the Titans and the Falcons lost to the Football Team last week. New York got a great win against the Titans and earned their first win. Both teams will be going to the United Kingdom so it'll be truly morning football. Both teams aren't really good. I like the Falcons offense against the Jets defense if Atlanta can keep them on the field. Zach Wilson looked promising last week but this could be a tough one to handle for him. I'll take the Falcons.

Denver (3-1) @ Pittsburgh (1-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Broncos
Both teams lost last week as the Broncos lost to the Ravens and the Steelers lost to the Packers. Both teams have solid defenses, though I would give the Steelers a slight advantage in that department. Denver has its issues on offense but I would give the Steelers the edge in offensive woes. Can I trust a banged up Ben Roethlisberger over a healthier Drew Lock? I think the game will be a defensive battle but I feel the Steelers will take it in the last possession. 

Detroit (0-4) @ Minnesota (1-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
Both teams lost last week with the Lions losing to the Bears and the Vikings losing to the Browns. Detroit came close to getting their first win over the Bears but they're going up against a Vikings team that is better than their record shows. Kirk Cousins has thrown well so far this week but I question how well their running game can do against Detroit. In spite of that if they can get themselves a decent game and give Kirk Cousins a break they have a great shot to win. 

Green Bay (3-1) @ Cincinnati (3-1) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Bengals
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Steelers and the Bengals beat the Jaguars. Green Bay's offense has been doing well since the Week 1 fiasco over the Saints. Cincy's offense is just as good and I think the reason for that is them running the ball with Joe Mixon. I like the Packers in the matchup if their defense can slow down Joe Mixon and make Joe Burrow throw the ball more often. 

Miami (1-3) @ Tampa Bay (3-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Dolphins lost to the Colts and the Buccaneers beat the Patriots last week. Miami looked lost against the Colts as their defense really let Carson Wentz look good. Their offense just doesn't hold up a lot of promise to keep up with the Buccaneers. Tampa didn't look great against New England but a win is a win. Tom Brady is still playing well and that doesn't spell good for Miami who are looking to bounce back. 

New England (1-3) @ Houston (1-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
Both teams lost last week as the Patriots lost to the Buccaneers and the Texans lost to the Bills. New England stayed with the defending champs and almost won but almost doesn't count. Their defense will look a bit different without Stephon Gilmore who was picked up by Carolina this week. If Davis Mills has the game that he had last week then this will be a tough one to sell for the Texans in terms of pick 'ems. I think Bill Belichick will get his guys back to focus. 

New Orleans (2-2) @ Washington (2-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Football Team; CV: Saints 
The Saints lost to the Giants and the Football Team beat the Falcons last week. New Orleans is a weird team. They play well one week and shit the bed the next. Washington is somewhat of the same. If I didn't have to pick this game I would but that would just not be fair. If there's one thing that the Saints don't do well is stopping the run and Saquon Barkley's run last week was somewhat of a telling sign. I'll take the underdog in Washington. 

Philadelphia (1-3) @ Carolina (3-1) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers
Both teams took losses last week as the Eagles lost to the Chiefs and the Panthers lost to the Cowboys. Philly's offense looked fairly unstoppable against the defending AFC champs in the Chiefs. Jalen Hurts has done well with his arm and legs in that offense. Devonta Smith has been a great target for Hurts to throw to. Carolina won't likely have Christian McCaffrey again but they will have an addition on defense with Stephon Gilmore who was acquired by trade from New England. Sam Darnold will have to pick up the slack on offense but I think he can do it. 

Tennessee (2-2) @ Jacksonville (0-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Titans; CV: Titans
Both teams lost last week as the Titans lost to Jets and the Jaguars lost to the Bengals. Tennessee lost a really tough game against the Jets. They really let that one slip away as the Jets did enough to win. I think they'll rebound back against a Jaguars team that is not playing well both on the field and off the field as Urban Meyer's actions last weekend will take far more of a distraction than needed. Derrick Henry will have a field day against the Jaguars defense. 

Chicago (2-2) @ Las Vegas (3-1) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
The Bears beat the Lions and the Raiders lost to the Chargers last week. Both teams are dealing with injuries on the rushing offense as David Montgomery won't be playing in this game and Josh Jacobs hasn't been able to stay healthy yet so far this year. Justin Fields played better but he didn't look great against Detroit. Jon Gruden's defense will be ready to contain him and play well. Derek Carr could face a challenge in keeping Khalil Mack off balance but I think the Raiders will take this one. 

Cleveland (3-1) @ LA Chargers (3-1) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Browns; CV: Browns
Both teams won last week as the Browns beat the Vikings and the Chargers beat the Raiders. Cleveland has done well in offense with a good balance of run and pass. Their defense has been probably the biggest factor for them as Myles Garret has led a bunch of great defenders. They'll need to play great against one of the best offenses in football in the Chargers. Justin Herbert has played spectacular and Austin Ekeler has ran well. This game should be a great watch but only one can win. I'll go with a slight nod to the Browns but I think it will be close. 

NY Giants (1-3) @ Dallas (3-1) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
Both teams won last week as the Giants beat the Saints and the Cowboys beat the Panthers. New York avoided the dreaded 0-4 start by beating a Saints team that was imploding. What they face off against is an improved Dallas team that beat up a Panthers team without Christian McCaffrey. Dallas had great success with their running game as Ezekiel Elliot had one of his best games in a few seasons. I think it'll be a tough road for the Giants to win but I think Dallas will pull it off. 

San Francisco (2-2) @ Arizona (4-0) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
The 49ers lost to the Seahawks and the Cardinals beat the Rams last week. Jimmy Garoppolo won't likely see action in this game and will thrust rookie Trey Lance into the spotlight. Lance has had some playing time and has done good in limited action with 162 passing yards with three touchdowns and 44 yards rushing with one touchdown. The Cardinals defense was what impressed me over their win against the Rams last week. They seemed to know everything the Rams were doing. The Cardinals remain to be the last unbeaten left in the league and I think the unbeaten streak will continue on for at least another week.

Buffalo (3-1) @ Kansas City (2-2) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Both teams won last week as the Bills beat the Texans and the Chiefs beat the Eagles. Old school AFC matchup on NBC. This game will be a rematch of the AFC championship game last year. Buffalo has came out and destroyed opponents as they have scored 118 points and allowed 21 points since Week 2. Kansas City's defense looked a bit off against Philly as they practically couldn't stop them last week. That doesn't spell good news for the Chiefs in this one. They just seem to have enough defense to stop them. 

Indianapolis (1-3) @ Baltimore (3-1) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
Both teams won last week as the Colts beat the Dolphins and the Ravens beat the Broncos. Indy avoided a dreaded winless start against Miami. This Colts team is still trying to find its identity I think. Baltimore proved that the Broncos were pretenders last week. I think the Ravens will win on their running game and Lamar Jackson can do both run and pass. Carson Wentz could be a factor in the game but he just seems quite off this season. 

Early and Late Game TV Pairings (courtesy of 506sports.com):

Note: Game in bold is being shown in my area

CBS Single

Miami @ Tampa Bay
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

New Orleans @ Washington
Spero Dedes, Jay Feely

New England @ Houston
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton

Tennessee @ Jacksonville
Tom McCarthy, Tiki Barber

Chicago @ Las Vegas (LATE)
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Cleveland @ LA Chargers (LATE)
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

FOX Early

Green Bay @ Cincinnati
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Philadelphia @ Carolina
Joe Davis, Greg Olson

Denver @ Pittsburgh
Brandon Gaudin, Mark Schlereth

Detroit @ Minnesota
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

FOX Late

NY Giants @ Dallas
Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

San Francisco @ Arizona
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2021: Week 5 Maps. Check local listings. 

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7

Total: 36-28

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6

Total: 41-23

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 5 recap post! Enjoy the games!

-Tom