We have three underdogs that have a chance to shock their opponents away from home this week. Starting in Philadelphia, the Rams are legit and should be a real threat to knock off the champions.
While concern is real for Stroud and Houston, that defense and the offensive playmakers will not allow for a 0-3 start, especially against a divisional foe in Jacksonville.
The Rams and Eagles match up in Philly for a battle between two 2-0 squads. Los Angeles defeated Tennessee and Houston, while Philly beat the Cowboys and Chiefs in tight games. The momentum is simply heading LA’s way leading up to this game.
The wide receivers have been virtually non-existent for Hurts and the Eagles, while the Rams' defensive line is by far the most aggressive and dynamic Philly has seen all season.
On the other side of the ball, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should be too much for this Eagles secondary to handle in a game where we could end up seeing a shocking result.
Los Angeles is 7th in yards and 4th in yards allowed. Look for this trend to swing their direction as this Philadelphia offense continues to struggle outside of Barkley.
Best Bet: Rams +162
I like Jake Browning. Since an early December start in 2023, the Cincinnati backup QB is 5-2. While he needs to create more of a connection with Ja’Marr Chase, Browning is one of the better backups in the league and takes on a Vikings team that has just played one great quarter this entire season thus far.
With McCarthy missing 2-4 weeks, I think this team takes another small step backwards this week as the Bengals' offensive core comes to life and wins this ball game. Not to mention, the Bengals' defense has looked much better this season.
Best Bet: Bengals +130
Houston will not start the year 0-3. While Stroud’s regression is a serious concern, this defense is too good to allow for this to happen. They started 5-1 last season and 2-2 in 2023 with Ryans at the helm.
Against a Jacksonville team that is prone to turning the ball over, give me the better defense to win this game and win the turnover battle.
Not to mention, Nick Chubb and Nico Collins are starting to find their rhythm, while rookies Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins are starting to make a real impact.
Best Bet: Texans +120