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.
Note: This week’s version is a little abridged – time constraints and real-world stuff is combining to make my flourishing SKA writing career a little more difficult. Thanks for your patience.
Tennessee Titans @ Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 pm, CBS
The Titans, fresh off their first loss of their 2020 campaign, are looking to exact revenge. Unfortunately for him, it will come against Bengals rookie QB Joe Burrow, who will undoubtedly struggle against myriad and complicated defensive looks the Titans are sure to employ.
bill the dill pickle puff: Titans 24, Bengals 14
Me: Titans 30, Bengals 16
Las Vegas Raiders @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 pm, FOX
Without mercurial WR Odell Beckham Jr., Browns QB Baker Mayfield gets a chance to prove his production issues weren’t entirely his fault. Look for the Browns to spread the ball around a bit against an underrated Raiders team. This one looks pretty even overall, but I’ll defer to the home team in a close one.
bill the dill pickle puff: Raiders 24, Browns 31
Me: Raiders 20, Browns 24
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, November 1, 1:00 pm, CBS
The grudgefest continues, even during a pandemic. As befitting this matchup, it’s expected to rain in Baltimore Sunday, adding a sloppy element that’s sure to delight fans and players alike. Ravens fans continue to wonder why Baltimore hasn’t reverted to the running game that worked so effectively last season, while Pittsburgh fans have been delighted to witness their starting QB play like one after last season. The Ravens welcome recent trade pickup DE Yannick Ngakoue, who was instrumental in Jacksonville’s dual shellacking of the Steelers a few years ago, while the Steelers will send their cadre of pass rushers, most notably OLB T. J. Watt, after Ravens QB Lamar Jackson in a effort to limit his rushing opportunities more than his passing game. This one will be typically low-scoring and ugly, which usually means a win for the home team.
bill the dill pickle puff: Steelers 16, Ravens 28
Me: Steelers 17, Ravens 21
See y’all there.
Job Tittles
Perspicacity.