Howdy.
Welcome back and all that. Each week, I’ll post a quick writeup of pending AFC North games, with a few notable points and, yes, timely, knowledgeable predictions regarding the games’ outcomes.
As usual, these picks are for fun and should in no way be used for actual wagering purposes. That is, unless you want to make a ton of money in a legal forum, because we know more stuff and things about football than you do or something.
Washington Football Team @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, September 27, 1:00 pm, FOX
The Browns finally witnessed some offense last week, while the WTF (sorry, but expect it to continue) witnessed a regression of sorts. The starting QBs are both young and supposedly capable, while the defenses for both teams have significant questions to answer and a lot to prove.
I have to pick the Browns on the basis of their (gasp!) passing game, which stands to gain a ton of yardage against a lousy Washington secondary and LB corp as long as QB Baker Mayfield remains upright and focused. Washington has an emerging defensive line, but that appears to be about all they can claim.
DOOOMMEEEEDD: Washington 23, Browns 24
Me: Washington 13, Browns 21
Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, September 27, 1:00 pm, CBS
The return of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has had a galvanizing effect on the rest of the Pittsburgh offense, as they have averaged 26 points in their first two games, while the Texans have been…much less than that. Texans head coach Bill O’Brien would be on a short, short leash if he were operating in this manner anywhere but under the auspices of the McNair family.
It’s a no-brainer here; the Steelers simply have too much offense and defense for the addled, roster-challenged Texans to keep pace. Texans QB DeShaun Watson is in for a rough day.
DOOOMMEEEEDD: Texans 20, Steelers 27
Me: Texans 13, Steelers 30
Cincinnati Bengals @ Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, September 27, 1:00 pm, CBS
The Bengals have shown themselves to be a typical team in the midst of a substantial rebuild, complete with a rookie QB, faulty offensive line and…let’s just say it: terrible defense. The Eagles are not in rebuild mode and were considered a possible division winner until their first two losses and crushing reality set in. So what gives first?
I’m going with the fledgling Bengals to capture their first win. Philadelphia’s problems appear to be largely between their collective ears, while the Bengals are, like their evolving QB, reading and reacting to their challenges despite their record.
DOOOMMEEEEDD: Bengals 27, Eagles 24
Me: Bengals 31, Eagles 20
Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens
Monday, September 28, 8:15 pm, ESPN
Considered one of the marquee matchups the NFL currently has to offer, this one features two superlative offenses and two adequate defenses that thrive off those same offenses. The Chiefs have been making a living of playing from behind, while the Ravens have seemed challenged when that scenario has presented itself. This would lead one to think the Ravens are in severe trouble if they fall behind early, and I tend to agree. In any case, expect a close, hard-fought game and a strong reliance on each team’s defensive strengths – the Ravens and their top-notch (if slightly depleted) secondary, and the Chiefs’ excellent defensive line, led by DT Chris Jones.
Against my better judgment, I’m taking the home-field Ravens, but not by much. The Chiefs, usually no strangers to shootouts, will have trouble finding opportunities due to the Ravens adaptable offense, which will make a point of staying on the field as long as possible – something they’re quite capable of doing.
DOOOMMEEEEDD: Chiefs 34, Ravens 29
Me: Chiefs 27, Ravens 31
See ya’ll there.
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