Happy New Year! No better way to start off 2023 than with a 5-0 week. Thank you David for carrying the squad last week, all while traveling across multiple states, moving and it being the holiday season. Abysmal performance from John. Only two weeks left! Two more chances to make a push. We’re excited to see where we would’ve ended up in the actual competition, need a strong close!
A lot more factors and variables than normal in play when you get to this point in the season. Who actually cares? Who needs the wins? Who is “playing” for draft position? The race for the playoffs is on.
David’s Picks (18-12-2)
Pick #1: Carolina Panthers +3 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I want to fade the Bucs. I hate them. Simple as that. Panthers have looked like the better team the last few weeks and at the least I expect them to keep it close.
Pick #2: Philadelphia Eagles -5.5 v. New Orleans Saints
Eagles proved last week against one of the best defenses in the NFL that they could still move the ball at a high level with Gardner Minshew. I just don’t believe in the Saints offense. They can muck up games but I don’t think that works against a team as flexible as the Eagles. This is still a really important game for the Eagles. They lock up the #1 seed with a victory and with a banged up QB, it’s especially important for them to have what will end up being two extra weeks to get Jalen Hurts back to full health. I see this weirdly as a kitchen sink/empty the tank type of game for a 13-2 squad playing with a backup quarterback. The Eagles are the better team at every level.
John’s Picks (16-14-2)
Pick #1: Washington Commanders -2.5 v. Cleveland Browns
I’m going to fade Deshaun Watson the remainder of the season, until he proves that he’s back to playing at an NFL caliber level. The Browns struggle against power run games due to their lack of size (relative to the rest of the NFL) in the interior. They’ve built their team for speed, and they struggle when someone punches them in the face. The Commanders are bringing back Carson Wentz, they’re right in the thick of the playoff chase, what should a smart team do here? Feed Brian Robinson, and pound the ball up the middle. I’m taking this bet assuming the Commanders will act intelligently in this spot.
Pick #2: Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5 @ Baltimore Ravens
Still no Lamar for this game. While it hasn’t always been pretty, I do like how the Steelers have been playing the last month+. My bias is seeping in but I really think they find a way. Ravens have struggled to score as well, and in a game with an over/under set at 35.5 that’s known for being close no matter the circumstances over the years, give me the 2-1/2 points.
Mutual Pick (9-7)
Pick: San Francisco 49ers -9.5 @ Las Vegas Raiders
The Niners still have something to play for, battling it out with the Vikings for a hypothetical second round playoff game. The Raiders have struggled defending the run, they’ve struggled defending tight ends, and they’ve struggled to be efficient offensively, especially the last month+ of the season. Now no Derek Carr? Niners overwhelm Jarrett Stidham and ice the game away in the second half.