Kern on NFL -- Saints vs. Bears, Chargers vs. Titans, Seahawks vs. Ravens, 49ers vs. Redskins, Raiders vs. Packers . . . and more
And now for the pro picks . . .
Last week we went 6-1, which isn’t going to happen every week. At least I don’t think so. But as long as we can win more than we lose, life is pretty decent. And that’s all we ever really shoot for. A man’s got to know his limitations. Doesn’t mean that every now and again you can’t exceed them. Yeah, baby.
And should I mention that I liked Kansas City on Thursday but failed to get it out in time. My bad. Yo, I would have told you the same thing had I liked the Broncos instead. Trust me. I’m an equal-opportunity prognosticator/fact-checker. Or something like that.
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Saints (+3) over Bears
I guess the Saints have to lose one of these days with Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback, but I’m not sure this is that time yet. Over/Under is 38.5, so it could be that kind of game. Both teams can stop the other guys. So I’ll take my chances that it will come down to the end and hope getting a field goal makes all the difference. Or maybe you won’t need the points anyway.
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Chargers (+2) over Titans
I can’t believe the Chargers are this disappointing. But playing away, even more than halfway across the country, sometimes is a good thing for them since they have little homefield advantage in Los Angeles. And I’m not sure what the Titans are right now, even with a new QB.
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Seahawks (-3.5) over Ravens
Wouldn’t go crazy here, but the Seahawks are usually real good in Seattle, especially against teams that have to travel a long way to get there. That hook might get you, but I’ll take my chances with the current MVP frontrunner in a battle of highlight quarterbacks.
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49ers (9.5) over Redskins
The Redskins stink, new coach or not. And they too have no homefield advantage. I’m not sure how good the 49ers are, but they look like they’re legit, at least at this point. I know laying this many on the road in this league can sometimes be iffy, but it’s still the Redskins. I know they have to cover some weeks, because it says so in the rules, but maybe not against this kind of opponent.
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Raiders (+5) over Packers
I almost can’t believe I’m doing this, but the Raiders haven’t been bad, and the Packers should have lost at home Monday against the Lions, a team the Raiders beat on the road. Don’t know what that means, but Jon Gruden’s team had a week off after beating the Bears in London, and I’ll take a shot that his guys can at least keep it real interesting.
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Bengals (+3.5) over Jaguars
Again, this pick even surprises me a bit. But why not? The Bengals at least seem to be trying. Not sure if the Jags are going anywhere. Call it a hunch. Maybe Cincy even gets its first win for its new coach.
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Giants (-3) over Cardinals
Cards have been playing hard for their first-year coach, with the No. 1 pick in the draft at QB, but I just think this is a good spot for the Giants. And they might get Saquon Barkley back. I think their new QB will have another good performance at home, and do just enough to get the job done for us.
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Don’t have a real feel for the Eagles at Cowboys. Keep going back and forth, which usually isn’t a productive thing. For whatever reason I’m thinking maybe you go with the Over 48.5. The Cowboys offensive hasn’t been all that, but neither has the Bird’s D. Especially if Amari Cooper is a go. I’m seeing something like the Eagles-Packers Sunday game, which ended 31-24 and should have been 31-all.
I know that’s probably too many picks for my own good, but what the hey. It’s only money. Or amusement purposes only. Whichever makes your world keep spinning.
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