Eddy P’s Blazing Five: Week 4
By: Eddy Priganica
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans (Eagles -3.5, O/U 41)
The Titans and the Eagles have not played much good looking football this year. The Eagles first 3 games all seemed slow and boring while the Titans are coming off a 9–6 victory. Both teams have been dealing with pre-existing and new injuries to their respective teams. The good news for the Titans is that Marcus Mariota is probable to play this week but they will be without receiver Rishard Matthews.
As for Philly, they have not looked like the defending super bowl champions… yet. I believe that Wentz simply looked rusty in his first game back and the champions seem to have that Superbowl Hangover feel to them. However with Wentz having a full week of practice and one game under his belt I believe that this team could turn back into the juggernaut that it was last year. The Titans however are no pushover. As mentioned earlier both these teams have been in some terrible games this year and that is why the point total is as low as it is. However the last 4 out of 5 times these two teams have played the total has gone over and out of Philadelphia’s last 5 road games 4 of those have gone over. I believe with Wentz getting the feel of the game back and Mariota back in the lineup these teams will be able to surpass the 41 point total. If I was forced to pick the game I would say the Eagles spread but my pick for this game is going to be the OVER of 41.
Pick: Over 41
Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys ( Dallas -3, O/U 43.5)
The Lions after coming out and looking like they had enough of Matt Patricia in their first 2 games seem to have figured it out with their primetime victory over the Patriots last week. It was nonsense that the team was already turning on their new head coach. The Lions have one of the most powerful offensive attacks in football right now despite it being on a slight delay this year. Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay are all home run threats whenever the ball is in their hands and Matt Stafford is completely capable of getting the ball in their hands. The Lions also seem to have for the first time in my lifetime of watching football a capable running back with rookie Kerryon Johnson. This is all exciting for Detroit who looked like their season was over after week 1.
The Cowboys have had one of the most disappointing offenses in the NFL. Dak Prescott who drove Tony Romo out of town seems to have forgotten how to make reads. The offensive line has been just average and the Cowboys have no production from their receivers. This is one of the few Wide Outs by Committee teams with no solid options outside. The only brightspot for the Cowboys has been their defense which has not been the case for a long time. I am truly surprised the Cowboys are favored here after their pitiful performance against Seattle last week. Homefield advantage cannot help redesign an offense unfortunately for them.
Pick: Detroit Lions +3
Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons ( -4 Falcons, O/U 52)
After looking like a complete disaster in week 1 it seems like Matt Ryan and this Atlanta offense have figured it out. (I have heard that a million times). However, I will believe it for now because if that offense cannot score then the Falcons are not winning games. The Falcons secondary is torn apart and just not very good, this was on display last week when they gave up 43 points. The Falcons do play well at home and should at least have the advantage of being at their super cool modern stadium.
Andy Dalton is about as trustworthy as a quarterback as a Las Vegas strip club promoter. I am not sold on Red Rifle BB Gun but I also think the Bengals have a good roster this year. AJ Green is questionable for this game and with that the Falcons will be able to stack the box more to stop Gio Bernard who has been good for Cincy this year. The Falcons are 5–2 ATS at home in their Last 7 and I think it will be 6–2 after the Bengals come to town.
Pick: Falcons -4
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (-6.5 Patriots, O/U 48)
Stop me if you have heard this before “The Patriots dynasty is over”. It feels like after every early season loss the Patriots dynasty seems to have fallen before our eyes. This narrative has been anything but accurate for the past 10 years. The Patriots have glaring problems on both sides of the ball however which has not been the case for a long time. There is no way in hell that hoodie and Josh McDaniels will allow the same offense that hit the field last week to be prevalent this week. One of the reasons the Patriots have been so good for so long is coaching and film study. I believe that this week the offense had to have been changed to incorporate the receivers more. There should be a lot of James White this week in order to try to pull coverage off Gronk and get that polar bear going.
The Dolphins are coming into Gillette rollin’ off three straight victories. Ryan Tannehill has played alright and the Dolphins have some serious playmakers on offense. Cameron Wake and Safety Reshad Jones are both questionable for this week and those would be huge losses for that defense. Expect Gronk to shred this secondary if Jones is out. Miami historically is bad on the road and especially bad in New England. Miami is 1–5 ATS in their last 6 and they have not won at Gillette Stadium since 2009.
Pick: Patriots -6.5
Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos (-4.5 Chiefs, O/U 55)
Good teams win, great teams cover the spread. The Chiefs have done both all 3 games this year. Kansas City is the most electric team in the NFL and nobody seems to have figured them out… on offense that is. KC’s defense is atrocious and struggles on all aspects but it has not mattered yet because the offense just scores too much. Although Denver has a good defense and great pass rush I do not believe Mahomes and Company will be affected. Although Mahomes and the Chiefs like to air the ball out they still are able to set up these long passes by having a good running game and running exotic plays in all formations that can pick up 6–7 yards at a time. That is how they get you. The Chiefs can throw long or dink/run short out of all their formations. Denver has looked okay at best through 3 games this year but has not covered the spread in its last 5 dating back to last season.
Pick: Chiefs -4.5
