Written by Sam DeCoste
With a week to go before Thanksgiving, the NFL schedule makers have given us a feast of football this week with some spectacular, blockbuster games this week. There is no shortage of playoff caliber showdowns to watch this week, starting with a crucial AFC South matchup between the Colts and Texans with first place in the division on the line. On Sunday, we will see the Dallas Cowboys take on the New England Patriots for the first time since 2015, and the Green Bay Packers battle the San Francisco 49ers in what could be a playoff preview in the NFC. It should prove to be a thrilling weekend of football!
Week 11 was one of my most prolific performances in the Predix. After three weeks of mediocrity, I finally picked my accuracy up, going 11-3 in the games last week. With only six weeks of football left, I need to boost my winning percentage to prove I am the expert. So without any further delay, let's get right into it!
Here are my records over this season:
My record last week: 11-3
Regular season record: 100-61-1
Lock of the Week record: 7-4
BYES: Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Vikings
The last time we saw these divisional foes square off, the Colts prevailed by a score of 30-23. Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett tossed 4 touchdown passes in the win, while Deshaun Watson threw 2 interceptions. However, the fortunes of these two squads have shifted completely since this Week 7 clash, as the Colts have gone 2-2 since that game, and have suffered key injuries to Brissett and star wideout T.Y. Hilton.
As for the Texans, Deshaun Watson has been playing at an MVP level this season, but they are coming off a humiliating defeat to the Ravens in Baltimore. Watson was completely neutralized, throwing for just 169 yards and an interception, and the defense surrendered 41 points and 4 passing touchdowns to Lamar Jackson. While last week was as incomplete a performance as could be, the Texans match up well with the Colts this week. The Colts offense is not at full strength and they have been playing under their capabilities for weeks since their first matchup.
Hilton is not healthy, and Brissett is not back at 100% yet. The Colts just do not have the firepower to march into Houston and steal a win like they were able to last season. Houston will prevail and take a huge step in reclaiming the AFC South.
Prediction: IND 19, HOU 26
Against the Patriots, the Eagles offense was pathetic. They scored just 10 points and Carson Wentz completed just half of his passes, while running the ball for just 81 yards against one of the league's least competent rushing defenses. When the Seahawks come to town, the Eagles need to ride Miles Sanders. The rookie running back had a breakout game against the Bills four weeks ago, but has been virtually silent since. Miles Sanders needs a big game to take the load off of Carson Wentz to give the Eagles a chance to win.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks were on bye last week following their thrilling overtime win in San Francisco, and Russell Wilson delivered an MVP performance in overtime when they desperately needed it. Cris Carson ran for 89 yards on 25 carries, and is carrying the load for them on the ground. A key injury to watch out for is Tyler Lockett. His health is decisive because he is the biggest threat on the Seahawks offense besides Russell Wilson. Without him, Wilson's passing attack is incredibly shorthanded and will struggle against the Eagles on the road.
It's always exciting to watch a battle of the birds, and this could go either way. But I like the Seahawks, because Russell Wilson is an X-factor.
Prediction: SEA 26, PHI 21
The Panthers and Saints renew their NFC South rivalry in a must win game for both teams for their respective playoff standings. The Panthers are trying to crawl back into the playoff hunt at 5-5, while the Saints are hoping to retake the number one seed at 8-2.
Kyle Allen is suffering a midseason collapse, throwing for 9 interceptions in 4 weeks, and he is opening the door for a potential Cam Newton return. Allen is putting his team in difficult circumstances, and he is costing them in key areas and times in the game, most notably the red zone. And Christian McCaffrey has not been playing at the MVP level he was back in October, which has not been able to compensate for Allen's turnover woes.
Meanwhile, the Saints are on fire at 8-2, and the threesome of Brees, Kamara, and Thomas will be too powerful for the Panthers to keep up. The Saints will move to 9-2. This is my Lock of the Week.
Prediction: CAR 9, NO 29
When will Bruce Arians bench Jameis Winston? That is the million dollar question. After 10 games, Winston has thrown 18 interceptions this season. Eighteen. That is unbelievably woeful. Against the Saints, Winston threw the ball to the other team 4 times, marking the third time he has thrown at least 3 interceptions this season. Winston only has 3 games this season without throwing an interception, and that is where the Bucs 2-2 start has fallen to a 3-7 mark they stand at right now. Arians needs to bench Winston for good, because Winston is not the answer, and as long as he is starting at quarterback, the Bucs will be perennial laughing stocks, and losers.
On the other side, the Falcons are suddenly resurgent. Falcons fans would love to know where this version of the team has been all year long, as they started 1-7 to virtually end their playoff hopes before Halloween. But after two straight wins over NFC South opponents on the road, the Falcons are hoping to end the season on a tear and against all the odds, qualify for the playoffs. That is unlikely, but they are playing very well. The Falcons have not lost to the Bucs since 2016, and the streak will not end on Sunday. Atlanta will win their third straight.
Prediction: TB 20, ATL 27
Allen versus Allen. Brandon versus Josh. A quarterback matchup for the ages.
Brandon Allen has played surprisingly well for Denver this season, and nearly led the Broncos to two straight wins if not for blowing a 20 point lead against the Vikings. But the Broncos face a tough test going into Buffalo this week, against Josh Allen who has not thrown an interception since Week 5.
On the offense for the Bills, John Brown leads the AFC in receiving yards this season with 817 yards, and he has been a centerpiece of the Bills offense this season. However, Chris Harris is one of the best cover corners in the league, and Denver will prioritize shutting down John Brown, who is Josh Allen's top weapon. The Bills need to utilize Devin Singletary in the running game, and get Cole Beasley involved on short passes to churn the clocking tire the Broncos defense.
This should be a defensive slugfest, because Denver and Buffalo both have top five defenses in yards allowed this season. But ultimately, the Bills are at home, and Josh Allen is the better quarterback in this game. The Bills will win and move to 8-3, just like everyone expected at the beginning of the season.
Prediction: DEN 14, BUF 17
After going out late with an injury against the Rams, it appears Mitchell Trubisky will be available for the Bears this week against the Giants. Head coach Adam Nagy will continue to play for the Bears because they are in the thick of the playoff race, but the Bears are better off playing Chase Daniel the rest of the season. Trubisky is not the answer at quarterback, and he was a liability in LA when they played the Rams. Against the Giants, an atrocious passing defense, Trubisky will have a shot to carve the Giants defense, but the game plan needs to revolve around Tarik Cohen and David Montgomery for the Bears offense to move the chains.
Over in New York, the Giants are coming off a bye week, after a humiliating loss to the Jets. However, despite getting carved in the secondary, Daniel Jones played his best game of the season, throwing for 308 yards and 4 touchdowns. But Jones and the Giants defense does not match up well with the Bears pass rush or the defense. Khalil Mack is a game wrecker and will wreak havoc in the Giants backfield, especially against running back Saquon Barkley who is not at 100%.
Daniel Jones is the key to the game, and a spectacular performance from him could lead an upset victory. But the Bears defense is too powerful, and the Bears have home field. I will go with a Bears win.
Prediction: NYG 12, CHI 18
The Steelers offense has been pathetic under Mason Rudolph, and if not for Myles Garrett's incident, we would be talking about Rudolph's four interceptions against the Browns. Rudolph has been a liability, James Conner has been banged up all year long, and the defense will not be able to sustain their electric tear led by Minkah Fitzpatrick. Not to mention Maurkiece Pouncey has been suspended for three games in the Garrett fallout, and he weakens the offensive line significantly. He is a pillar on the offense, and he will be missed.
Against the Bengals, none of Pittsburgh's weaknesses will play a heavy enough part to make a difference. The Steelers will win without a fright.
Prediction: PIT 17, CIN 9
Last week may have been Sam Darnold's best career performance. Darnold threw for 293 yards and scored 4 touchdowns, while still throwing an interception. The only problem with that is it came against the Washington Redskins, who reside in the cellar of the NFC. Darnold has been remarkably inconsistent this season since coming back from mononucleosis, Darnold only has 11 touchdown passes to 10 interceptions this year, and has a passer rating of 81.1. Le'Veon Bell has been virtually silent all season long, Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder have not made the impact Jets fans were hoping they would this year, and the Jets have underachieved significantly. Luckily for the Jets, they are starting to pick up momentum, and they have a chance to play spoiler against the Raiders this week.
The Raiders squeaked a seven point win over the Bengals this week, and it took a four quarter performance to make it happen. Josh Jacobs carried the ball 23 times for 112 yards, and Carr completed 25 of 29 passes for 292 yards. While the Raiders offense has been efficient and the team embodiment of game management, they have been able to win. The problem with the Raiders offense is they lack big play skill players. Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller have been the two most dangerous passing game weapons for them this season, and Josh Jacobs has been heavily leaned on to make plays all year long. At some point, the lack of explosiveness in the Raiders offense will catch yup to them, and I think this will be the week.
It is never easy flying cross country in the middle of a playoff push, and the Raiders are on upset alert this week. Do not be surprised to see the Jets hand the Raiders a decisive loss, potentially handing them a killer blow to their playoff hopes.
Prediction: OAK 17, NYJ 21
The two game winning streak of the Browns has been completely overshadowed by the moronic actions of Myles Garrett from Thursday night. But here, I am going to stick to football.
The Browns are transforming on offense with the addition of Kareem Hunt, and they have allowed the offense to expand against top notch defenses back to back weeks, against the Bills and Steelers. The one-two punch of Chubb and Hunt is becoming a matchup nightmare for opponents. Against the Steelers, Chubb carried the ball 27 times, and Hunt caught the ball 6 times out of the backfield. The ground and pound from Chubb and the aerial threat Hunt gives provides another element to the offense, which opens things up for Beckham and Landry on the outside.
The Dolphins are coming off an embarrassing defensive performance versus the Bills, in which they surrendered 424 yards of offense and 4 touchdowns to Josh Allen. Going to Cleveland is a tall task for the Dolphins, even if the Browns are without Myles Garrett. The Browns offense will be too overwhelming to contain.
Prediction: MIA 10, CLE 24
In relief of Matt Stafford, backup quarterback Jeff Driskel has performed above expectations. Against the Cowboys, Driskel kept the Lions in the game for four quarters, and even threw for 2 touchdown passes without turning the ball over. They are even involving the young running back Bo Scarbrough, handing him the ball 14 times for 55 yards and a touchdown. The Lions are playing well on offense without Stafford, and at this point, are experimenting with unproven players in the league to see if they can fit for the team going into the 2020 season.
Over in Washington, the Redskins are proving to be one of the least productive offenses in football. The team scored just two touchdowns since October 20, and both of them came against the Jets a week ago. Dwayne Haskins has all the makings of a raw prospect who is simply not ready to play, and it shows on the field. Against the Lions, nothing will change. The Lions will thump the Redskins in the nation's capital.
Prediction: DET 23, WSH 8
The identity of the Titans has completely transformed since Ryan Tannehill took over at quarterback. The last time the Titans were in action, Tannehill orchestrated a game winning drive in the fourth quarter to lead Tennessee to a thrilling upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs. They have won three of their last four games, and it comes down to the productivity of Tannehill along with the efficiency on the ground with Derrick Henry. Against the Chiefs, Henry ran for 188 yards and two scores, and he will prove to be one of the most indispensable backs in the league doing the playoff push, because if the Titans can run the ball, they will win games in December.
Over in Jacksonville, the return of Nick Foles did not exactly go as planned. Foles attempted 47 passes and threw for early 300 yards and two touchdowns, but the Jags were blown out 33-13 in Indianapolis. DJ Chark scored two touchdowns and is continuing his breakout season, but Fournette was unable to get going on the ground. However, the Jags should be able to bounce back this week and score more points because the offense is moving the ball, they are just struggling extending drives near midfield and scoring in the red zone.
Jags-Titans is quietly one of the most competitive division rivalries in the NFL, and both teams match up this week to make for a potentially dramatic contest. Last time out, the Jags got the best of the Titans back in Week 3. But that was Marcus Mariota's Titans. Ryan Tannehill's Titans are winning games, and they should carry the same momentum they have had for the past month into this week and walk away with a key win.
Prediction: JAX 20, TEN 26
A heavyweight battle between the number one defense in the NFL and the number one offense. The Patriots rank first in yards allowed, and their defense has been a brick wall this season. They bounced back from the Ravens game by neutralizing Carson Wentz and the Eagles. This week, the Patriots need to shut down a high octane offense in the Cowboys which can beat the defense in a multitude of ways. Dak Prescott has 841 passing yards in his last two games alone, and has already thrown for 21 touchdowns in the air this year. Prescott is playing lights out football, and has quietly played at an MVP level this season. Not to mention Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper are stars at their positions, and pose lots of matchup nightmares for the Patriots defense.
The Patriots are due for an offensive explosion, because Tom Brady has not been playing at a Tom Brady level for over a month. He has not thrown for 300 yards in a game since Week 6, and has thrown 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in that span, completing just 61% of his passes. Brady needs to find some rhythm and make plays happen with the shorthanded offensive arsenal at his disposal. More touches for N'Keal Harry, and lean on Julian Edelman on third downs, and run the ball with more efficiency. If the Patriots can do that, they can keep the Cowboys offense off the field, and then the Patriots defense can take the field and get the job done.
This has Game of the Year potential written all over it. Hopefully the game lives up to the hype. Ultimately, the Patriots are tough to bet against, and the Cowboys do not have the coaching to outsmart Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Jason Garrett will once again prove to be the weak link for America's team.
Prediction: DAL 17, NE 22
There's a reason that the NFL flexed this game on to Sunday Night Football. The best defense in the NFC squares off against Aaron Rodgers, in a playoff caliber matchup.
Over the previous two games, the Niners defense has been exposed. Against the Seahawks and Cardinals, the 49ers surrendered 51 points, 562 total yards, and nearly lost two straight games. Jimmy Garoppolo, meanwhile, threw for 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in those two gams, and needed a game winning drive versus the Cardinals to bounce back with a win. Not to mention Emmanuel Sanders is banged up, and the 49ers may need him to sit out some time for him to recover back to full health in time for the postseason run. This is not the week the 49ers can afford to underperform on offense, considering who is lining up on the other side.
Aaron Rodgers is among the frontrunners for MVP this season, as he is playing at a championship level once again. He has 17 touchdown passes to just 2 picks this year, with a passer rating of 102.7. Not to mention Rodgers is facing up against the franchise which passed him up in the 2005 NFL Draft with the first overall pick, and Rodgers always has an extra spice of motivation when he squares up against the 49ers. And the 49ers defense may be stellar, but elite defenses haven't always stopped Rodgers in the past.
This game is coin toss in my eyes. It could go either way. Call me crazy, but I think that Aaron Rodgers will have something up his sleeve that will be enough to sneak past the 9-1 49ers.
Prediction: GB 23, SF 17
While the Ravens already beat the Patriots this season, this game may be the chance for Baltimore's greatest statement win of the year. The Ravens are making a West Coast trip to Los Angeles, home of the NFC champions, and one of the most high-octane offenses in the league. Lamar Jackson has a chance to cement his name at the forefront of the MVP conversation with a big night against the Rams.
On the other side, the Rams need to rediscover their identity. The Rams have scored under 20 points in back to back games in the regular season, the first time that has ever happened in the Sean McVay era. But the Rams are due for an explosion on offense. Brandin Cooks will be back for the Rams, and they still have some of the best skill position players in the league with Todd Gurley, Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods. The key to a Rams victory will be Cooper Kupp, who only has 3 combined catches in the last 2 games. For the Rams to come out on top, they need to start fast and score points in a hurry, and make the Ravens adjust their run heavy game plan. Force Lamar Jackson to beat you through the air. He has yet to prove he is capable of that in his short professional career.
It will be interesting to watch two different offensive philosophies match up, and see which one prevails. The old school Ravens offense has the coaching and the talent to make it happen in Hollywood on Monday night, but my money is on the home team. The Rams will win their second straight and take a huge step towards a potential playoff run.
Prediction: BAL 24, LAR 31
Here are my records over this season:
My record last week: 11-3
Regular season record: 100-61-1
Lock of the Week record: 7-4
BYES: Cardinals, Chargers, Chiefs, Vikings
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| IND @ HOU |
As for the Texans, Deshaun Watson has been playing at an MVP level this season, but they are coming off a humiliating defeat to the Ravens in Baltimore. Watson was completely neutralized, throwing for just 169 yards and an interception, and the defense surrendered 41 points and 4 passing touchdowns to Lamar Jackson. While last week was as incomplete a performance as could be, the Texans match up well with the Colts this week. The Colts offense is not at full strength and they have been playing under their capabilities for weeks since their first matchup.
Hilton is not healthy, and Brissett is not back at 100% yet. The Colts just do not have the firepower to march into Houston and steal a win like they were able to last season. Houston will prevail and take a huge step in reclaiming the AFC South.
Prediction: IND 19, HOU 26
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| SEA @ PHI |
Meanwhile, the Seahawks were on bye last week following their thrilling overtime win in San Francisco, and Russell Wilson delivered an MVP performance in overtime when they desperately needed it. Cris Carson ran for 89 yards on 25 carries, and is carrying the load for them on the ground. A key injury to watch out for is Tyler Lockett. His health is decisive because he is the biggest threat on the Seahawks offense besides Russell Wilson. Without him, Wilson's passing attack is incredibly shorthanded and will struggle against the Eagles on the road.
It's always exciting to watch a battle of the birds, and this could go either way. But I like the Seahawks, because Russell Wilson is an X-factor.
Prediction: SEA 26, PHI 21
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| CAR @ NO |
Kyle Allen is suffering a midseason collapse, throwing for 9 interceptions in 4 weeks, and he is opening the door for a potential Cam Newton return. Allen is putting his team in difficult circumstances, and he is costing them in key areas and times in the game, most notably the red zone. And Christian McCaffrey has not been playing at the MVP level he was back in October, which has not been able to compensate for Allen's turnover woes.
Meanwhile, the Saints are on fire at 8-2, and the threesome of Brees, Kamara, and Thomas will be too powerful for the Panthers to keep up. The Saints will move to 9-2. This is my Lock of the Week.
Prediction: CAR 9, NO 29
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| TB @ ATL |
On the other side, the Falcons are suddenly resurgent. Falcons fans would love to know where this version of the team has been all year long, as they started 1-7 to virtually end their playoff hopes before Halloween. But after two straight wins over NFC South opponents on the road, the Falcons are hoping to end the season on a tear and against all the odds, qualify for the playoffs. That is unlikely, but they are playing very well. The Falcons have not lost to the Bucs since 2016, and the streak will not end on Sunday. Atlanta will win their third straight.
Prediction: TB 20, ATL 27
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| DEN @ BUF |
Brandon Allen has played surprisingly well for Denver this season, and nearly led the Broncos to two straight wins if not for blowing a 20 point lead against the Vikings. But the Broncos face a tough test going into Buffalo this week, against Josh Allen who has not thrown an interception since Week 5.
On the offense for the Bills, John Brown leads the AFC in receiving yards this season with 817 yards, and he has been a centerpiece of the Bills offense this season. However, Chris Harris is one of the best cover corners in the league, and Denver will prioritize shutting down John Brown, who is Josh Allen's top weapon. The Bills need to utilize Devin Singletary in the running game, and get Cole Beasley involved on short passes to churn the clocking tire the Broncos defense.
This should be a defensive slugfest, because Denver and Buffalo both have top five defenses in yards allowed this season. But ultimately, the Bills are at home, and Josh Allen is the better quarterback in this game. The Bills will win and move to 8-3, just like everyone expected at the beginning of the season.
Prediction: DEN 14, BUF 17
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| NYG @ CHI |
Over in New York, the Giants are coming off a bye week, after a humiliating loss to the Jets. However, despite getting carved in the secondary, Daniel Jones played his best game of the season, throwing for 308 yards and 4 touchdowns. But Jones and the Giants defense does not match up well with the Bears pass rush or the defense. Khalil Mack is a game wrecker and will wreak havoc in the Giants backfield, especially against running back Saquon Barkley who is not at 100%.
Daniel Jones is the key to the game, and a spectacular performance from him could lead an upset victory. But the Bears defense is too powerful, and the Bears have home field. I will go with a Bears win.
Prediction: NYG 12, CHI 18
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| PIT @ CIN |
Against the Bengals, none of Pittsburgh's weaknesses will play a heavy enough part to make a difference. The Steelers will win without a fright.
Prediction: PIT 17, CIN 9
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| OAK @ NYJ |
The Raiders squeaked a seven point win over the Bengals this week, and it took a four quarter performance to make it happen. Josh Jacobs carried the ball 23 times for 112 yards, and Carr completed 25 of 29 passes for 292 yards. While the Raiders offense has been efficient and the team embodiment of game management, they have been able to win. The problem with the Raiders offense is they lack big play skill players. Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller have been the two most dangerous passing game weapons for them this season, and Josh Jacobs has been heavily leaned on to make plays all year long. At some point, the lack of explosiveness in the Raiders offense will catch yup to them, and I think this will be the week.
It is never easy flying cross country in the middle of a playoff push, and the Raiders are on upset alert this week. Do not be surprised to see the Jets hand the Raiders a decisive loss, potentially handing them a killer blow to their playoff hopes.
Prediction: OAK 17, NYJ 21
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| MIA @ CLE |
The Browns are transforming on offense with the addition of Kareem Hunt, and they have allowed the offense to expand against top notch defenses back to back weeks, against the Bills and Steelers. The one-two punch of Chubb and Hunt is becoming a matchup nightmare for opponents. Against the Steelers, Chubb carried the ball 27 times, and Hunt caught the ball 6 times out of the backfield. The ground and pound from Chubb and the aerial threat Hunt gives provides another element to the offense, which opens things up for Beckham and Landry on the outside.
The Dolphins are coming off an embarrassing defensive performance versus the Bills, in which they surrendered 424 yards of offense and 4 touchdowns to Josh Allen. Going to Cleveland is a tall task for the Dolphins, even if the Browns are without Myles Garrett. The Browns offense will be too overwhelming to contain.
Prediction: MIA 10, CLE 24
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| DET @ WSH |
Over in Washington, the Redskins are proving to be one of the least productive offenses in football. The team scored just two touchdowns since October 20, and both of them came against the Jets a week ago. Dwayne Haskins has all the makings of a raw prospect who is simply not ready to play, and it shows on the field. Against the Lions, nothing will change. The Lions will thump the Redskins in the nation's capital.
Prediction: DET 23, WSH 8
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| JAX @ TEN |
Over in Jacksonville, the return of Nick Foles did not exactly go as planned. Foles attempted 47 passes and threw for early 300 yards and two touchdowns, but the Jags were blown out 33-13 in Indianapolis. DJ Chark scored two touchdowns and is continuing his breakout season, but Fournette was unable to get going on the ground. However, the Jags should be able to bounce back this week and score more points because the offense is moving the ball, they are just struggling extending drives near midfield and scoring in the red zone.
Jags-Titans is quietly one of the most competitive division rivalries in the NFL, and both teams match up this week to make for a potentially dramatic contest. Last time out, the Jags got the best of the Titans back in Week 3. But that was Marcus Mariota's Titans. Ryan Tannehill's Titans are winning games, and they should carry the same momentum they have had for the past month into this week and walk away with a key win.
Prediction: JAX 20, TEN 26
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| DAL @ NE |
The Patriots are due for an offensive explosion, because Tom Brady has not been playing at a Tom Brady level for over a month. He has not thrown for 300 yards in a game since Week 6, and has thrown 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in that span, completing just 61% of his passes. Brady needs to find some rhythm and make plays happen with the shorthanded offensive arsenal at his disposal. More touches for N'Keal Harry, and lean on Julian Edelman on third downs, and run the ball with more efficiency. If the Patriots can do that, they can keep the Cowboys offense off the field, and then the Patriots defense can take the field and get the job done.
This has Game of the Year potential written all over it. Hopefully the game lives up to the hype. Ultimately, the Patriots are tough to bet against, and the Cowboys do not have the coaching to outsmart Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Jason Garrett will once again prove to be the weak link for America's team.
Prediction: DAL 17, NE 22
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| GB @ SF |
Over the previous two games, the Niners defense has been exposed. Against the Seahawks and Cardinals, the 49ers surrendered 51 points, 562 total yards, and nearly lost two straight games. Jimmy Garoppolo, meanwhile, threw for 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in those two gams, and needed a game winning drive versus the Cardinals to bounce back with a win. Not to mention Emmanuel Sanders is banged up, and the 49ers may need him to sit out some time for him to recover back to full health in time for the postseason run. This is not the week the 49ers can afford to underperform on offense, considering who is lining up on the other side.
Aaron Rodgers is among the frontrunners for MVP this season, as he is playing at a championship level once again. He has 17 touchdown passes to just 2 picks this year, with a passer rating of 102.7. Not to mention Rodgers is facing up against the franchise which passed him up in the 2005 NFL Draft with the first overall pick, and Rodgers always has an extra spice of motivation when he squares up against the 49ers. And the 49ers defense may be stellar, but elite defenses haven't always stopped Rodgers in the past.
This game is coin toss in my eyes. It could go either way. Call me crazy, but I think that Aaron Rodgers will have something up his sleeve that will be enough to sneak past the 9-1 49ers.
Prediction: GB 23, SF 17
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| BAL @ LAR |
On the other side, the Rams need to rediscover their identity. The Rams have scored under 20 points in back to back games in the regular season, the first time that has ever happened in the Sean McVay era. But the Rams are due for an explosion on offense. Brandin Cooks will be back for the Rams, and they still have some of the best skill position players in the league with Todd Gurley, Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods. The key to a Rams victory will be Cooper Kupp, who only has 3 combined catches in the last 2 games. For the Rams to come out on top, they need to start fast and score points in a hurry, and make the Ravens adjust their run heavy game plan. Force Lamar Jackson to beat you through the air. He has yet to prove he is capable of that in his short professional career.
It will be interesting to watch two different offensive philosophies match up, and see which one prevails. The old school Ravens offense has the coaching and the talent to make it happen in Hollywood on Monday night, but my money is on the home team. The Rams will win their second straight and take a huge step towards a potential playoff run.
Prediction: BAL 24, LAR 31
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