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.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans has been postponed due to COVID-19 considerations and quarantine procedures. Stay tuned for updates regarding rescheduling.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, October 4, 1:00 pm, CBS
Ugh meets ugh. Gross battles with gross. Really, there’s not a lot of positives for either team thus far, although the Bengals are surely happy with rookie QB Joe Burrow’s development. Cincinnati must begin to view improvements to their offensive line as an imperative, because Burrow can’t be expected to survive many more games like last week, in which the Eagles sacked him eight times and hit him countless others.
The stripped-down Jaguars shouldn’t pose too much of a threat, as most of their impactful players have moved on or been traded. In a league full of “win now” mantras, it’s oddly refreshing to see two teams with no championship aspirations face off, at least this season. The one that’s further along in their rebuild will be the team that wins. Bengals, that means you.
DOOOMMEEEEDD: Jaguars 26, Bengals 27
Me: Jaguars 16, Bengals 24
Cleveland Browns @ Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, October 4, 1:00 pm, FOX
The 2-1 Browns are sporting a winning record for the first time since the Paleozoic Era, or so it seems. Their two-game winning streak has been delivered largely on the legs of RB Nick Chubb, who appears more focused and determined than he was last season, when he posted the second-best rushing totals in the NFL. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has been touted as a large proponent of a solid running game, and Sunday should prove no different.
Defensively, the Browns must focus on getting to multi-talented Dallas QB Dak Prescott, who’s been racking up passing yards at a record pace. Expect the Browns to play a “clean” defensive alignment (few coverage shifts; stay largely in their base 4-3 alignment) to account for Prescott and limit explosive RB Ezekiel Elliott.
DOOOMMEEEEDD: Browns 30, Cowboys 34
Me: Browns 24, Cowboys 31
Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Football Team
Sunday, October 4, 1:00 pm, CBS
“Battle of the Beltway”, indeed. The popular consensus seems to be that the Ravens, losers of their last contest in particularly ugly fashion, will run roughshod over the hapless WFT; I contend it won’t be nearly that easy, given the QB protection issues that have been evident for Baltimore all season. The WFT sports an excellent defensive line – possibly their only positive claim – and has disrupted offensive game plans a couple of times this season. Even without rookie pass rushing DE Chase Young, the WFT’s defensive push should be formidable. Look for the Ravens to counter by attacking the WFT’s suspect CBs, provided QB Lamar Jackson gets the protection he’ll need.
Defensively, the Ravens should have little trouble locking down the few bright spots the WFT’s offense sports, most notably underrated WFT WR Terry McLaurin. The WFT offers little in rushing prowess, so this looks to be a chance for the Ravens to expand their coverage ability and personnel – expect them to employ five DBs at minimum for the majority of their defensive snaps.
DOOOMMEEEEDD: Ravens 38, WFT 17
Me: Ravens 27, WFT 20
See y’all there.
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