MARLBORO, NY – Maybe you’re nursing a hangover (even money). Maybe you have children’s soccer to attend (4-1). Maybe you’re donning your Sunday best and head to church (long-shot). These are all valid reasons in not giving much thought as to whom you’re going to bet in today’s NFL games–that’s why you come to MTM on Sundays for Cheesy Bruin’s Free NFL Picks. After going 3-1 last week, I’m at 5-3 for the early season and look for a clean sweep with these selections.
FAVORITE: There are few contenders for worst team in the NFL after only two games. The Jets, Colts, and Bears are known stinkers and head the list but what about the New Orleans Saints? I have seen a fair amount of the Saints defense allow the opposition to run free in the secondary like school kids during recess. The Vikings exploited the New Orleans defense in Week #1 while the Patriots hardly broke a sweat in dismantling it last week. Natural playing surfaces are usually Kryptonite to New Orleans’ offense as it slows them down but they lack speedsters to have that apply to their currently constructed personnel anyway. This selection is not so much in support of the Carolina Panthers but more so an extreme lack of faith in the Saints who need to be in the discussion for worst NFL team. The pick CAROLINA -5.5 over New Orleans.
UNDERDOG: Last week I spoke of the tendency to overreact after the first game across the NFL landscape. In continuation of the theme, the Broncos have appeared on national television broadcasts in their first two games and look like the real deal in the process of wins against the Chargers and Cowboys. There’s a lot of talk about the play of QB Trevor Siemian alongside the always stellar Denver defense. Not so fast. There is a scent of a letdown as the Broncos, a West Coast/Mountain Time team, pack their bags for an early start in Buffalo. The Bills, while not setting any records in back-to-back point spread wins, might be better than what we have seen after two games. Overreaction and letdown are two undeniable forces at work here and add up to an upset. The pick BUFFALO +3 over Denver.
OVER: Tick, tick, tick…it’s only a matter of time before the Pittsburgh offense explodes like everybody knows it can. The Steelers let the Vikings hang around all game last week and that was with Case Keenum under center for the oft injured Sam Bradford. A lot has been made of Ben Roethlisberger’s play on the road compared to his numbers at home and deservedly so. Running back Le’Veon Bell has thus far under-performed to the dismay of his fantasy-owners. After Tampa Bay had their way with them last week, the Chicago Bears just might be what the Steelers offense needs. The only worry for me in this one is Chicago holding up their end of the scoring as the Steelers hit for the low-30’s. The pick Pittsburgh/CHICAGO OVER 44
UNDER: I can see the Jets pulling out a victory today based only upon all of the injuries to the Dolphins skill position players–starting and backup wide receivers AND running backs may not suit up for the Fins. I only care about points scored in this game however, as should you. There isn’t enough talent on the offensive side of the ball for either team. The pick Miami/NY JETS UNDER 43.
That’s it for me today. Come back tomorrow for DJ Eberle, a man who likes the smell of Tyrod Taylor’s farts. And please follow us on Twitter – @CheesyBruin & @MeetTheMatts, @Matt_McCarthy00, Instagram @MeetTheMatts and like our Facebook page, Meet The Matts.
