I’m picking up what the Eagles have been putting down. I think Carson Wentz is the real deal and that Philly has the offensive juice to go into Carolina’s house and take down the Panthers. Stella thinks I’m talking nonsense; she anticipates Cam Newton and company going to town on the depleted Eagles secondary. She’s no fan of the Carolina D, but she’s pretty sure the Panthers can outscore Philadelphia pretty handily.
Stella recognizes that this year’s Saints team doesn’t live up to the franchise’s reputation, but she also thinks that Drew Brees has enough in the tank to handle the Lions. New Orleans always plays tough at home; she’s guessing that they come out on top in a shootout. I agree on the shootout, but not on the winner – I think Matthew Stafford is going to throw all over this struggling Saints defense. We might not be of the same opinion as to the winner, but one thing we do agree on? Take the over.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are growing on me as a possible dark horse contender in the NFC. While Jameis Winston is still a bit too loose with the ball, there’s a LOT of receiving talent on the Bucs. If Winston can rein in the turnovers, they’ll win going away. Stella doesn’t believe he can, though – not against an Arizona secondary filled with ballhawks. Stella’s sure that if the Cardinals D-line can generate any kind of pressure, they’ll win the game.
Stella’s rapidly becoming a believer in these new-look Jaguars. Sure, she’s not sold on Blake Bortles – she’s not blind, after all – but she likes rookie RB Leonard Fournette as a workhorse back and loves the athleticism of the young Jacksonville defense. To her mind, that’s enough to beat the Rams. I really dig this Rams team, with a reinvigorated Todd Gurley toting the rock and young QB Jared Goff out there with something to prove. This LA squad can give the Jags defense all it can handle … and more.
I’m a bit hesitant on this next one. I went with the Chargers on the road against the Raiders. While I don’t love this Chargers team, Oakland looks to be in free fall. I hope I’m wrong, being a Michael Crabtree owner in fantasy football, but I think the Chargers might pull off the upset here. Stella says I’m overthinking things. Yes, Derek Carr is still out and both Amari Cooper and Marshawn Lynch are underperforming; she still thinks the Raiders have the juice to win this game at home. I’m going with my gut, but I’m nervous about it.
Finally, I’m making another gut call in the Monday night game. While I think that the Titans are the more talented team, something tells me that the Colts will be able to pull it together enough to take them out. Tennessee is reeling – Indy can take advantage. Again, total hunch. Stella acknowledges the less-than-ideal situation in Tennessee – the injury to Marcus Mariota is a big issue – but she still thinks the Colts are just not equipped to pull off the road win.
And there you have it. I’m holding out hope to overtake Stella this week, but honestly, I’d be happy with another slate of games where I don’t get embarrassed.
(winners in caps)
-
ALLEN’S PICKS
Thursday, Oct. 12
PHILADELPHIA at Carolina
Sunday, Oct. 15
Miami at ATLANTA
Cleveland at HOUSTON
GREEN BAY at Minnesota
DETROIT at New Orleans
NEW ENGLAND at NY Jets
San Francisco at WASHINGTON
Chicago at BALTIMORE
TAMPA BAY at Arizona
LA RAMS at Jacksonville
Pittsburgh at KANSAS CITY
LA CHARGERS at Oakland
NY Giants at DENVER
Monday, Oct. 16
INDIANAPOLIS at Tennessee
Week 5 record: 8-6
Season record: 45-32
-
STELLA’S PICKS
Thursday, Oct. 12
Philadelphia at CAROLINA
Sunday, Oct. 15
Miami at ATLANTA
Cleveland at HOUSTON
GREEN BAY at Minnesota
Detroit at NEW ORLEANS
NEW ENGLAND at NY Jets
San Francisco at WASHINGTON
Chicago at BALTIMORE
Tampa Bay at ARIZONA
LA Rams at JACKSONVILLE
Pittsburgh at KANSAS CITY
LA Chargers at OAKLAND
NY Giants at DENVER
Monday, Oct. 16
Indianapolis at TENNESSEE
Week 5 record: 8-6
Season record: 46-31
