Bob Balfe
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #458
Browns -13.5 over Cardinals
When a betting line opens at 7.5 and moves to 13.5, it tells you that Vegas isn’t sure what’s happening. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs is now with the Vikings, and Kyler Murray isn’t ready yet. The Cardinals will start Clayton Tune today, and we wish him good luck against the Browns front seven. Cleveland is a tough place to play, and I don’t think Clayton Tune will do too much. The Browns have a good running game and many receivers that can catch the ball. Arizona is below average offensively, and it only gets more challenging on the road. Clayton Tune should put the ball on the deck at least once, putting Cleveland in a great field position all day. Take the Browns.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #464
Patriots -2.5 over Commanders
Patriots/Commanders Over 41.5
The Commanders traded away their best two defenders at the trade deadline. Washington’s organization is thinking about tomorrow rather than today. New England isn’t the best offensive team, but they have the luxury of facing the worst defense in the league that is now down their best two sack artists. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones needs to step up his play today. New England has enough playmakers on offense to crack the Commander’s defense and win this game. Washington will compete on offense as Sam Howell has improved drastically since his first rookie start. The Commanders love to throw the ball downfield and should have some success. The problem for Washington is their defense. Patriots coach Bill Belichick will exploit the weak spots. Take New England and the Over.
NFL
1:00 PM EST
Rotation #466
Saints -9.5 over Bears
The Saints are not known for their offense anymore, but last week, they put on a clinic and are looking to add to the offensive momentum against a bad Bears defense. Chicago should be without Justin Fields again this week, which means they will start the young and inexperienced Tyson Bagnet. The Saints’ defense is much better than the Bears’ offense and should create short fields at Bagnet’s expense. Derek Carr will look like Drew Brees today. Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has a considerable experience edge against the Bears defensive coordinator who took over just a few weeks ago. Today’s game is a tough spot for a bad Chicago team. Take the Saints.
