Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at Cleveland Browns
This is the Battle for Ohio. I’m guessing the state wants both teams to lose. What a train wreck.
Pick: Cincinnati 24, Cleveland 20
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (NO LINE)
We aren’t sure whether Sam Bradford will play, and for that reason, I’m taking the Lions (2-1) over the Vikings (2-1) on the road. Detroit could easily be undefeated and looks like a very solid team in a suddenly wide-open NFC.
Pick: Detroit 26, Minnesota 23
Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) at New York Jets
This looked awful at the start of the season, and it still might be. Yet, the Jaguars (2-1) and Jets (1-2) are giving us something to watch on Sunday. Can Jacksonville make some noise in the AFC South? Can New York get to .500? Depends on Josh McCown and Blake Bortles, and who turns it over less.
Pick: Jacksonville 19, New York 10
Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys (-8.5)
We could see some fireworks in this game. The Rams (2-1) are a real team with Jared Goff throwing darts, while the Cowboys (2-1) found themselves in Arizona. If Los Angeles find a way to win, we should pay attention to Sean McVay’s squad.
Pick: Dallas 28, Los Angeles 24
Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) at Baltimore Ravens
This is going to be a brawl. The Ravens (2-1) aren’t very good, but they play the Steelers (2-1) tough. Both teams are coming off horrid losses. I’m very, very tempted to pick Baltimore in this game. Very.
Pick: Pittsburgh 17, Baltimore 16
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (PICK)
The Texans (1-2) have to win this game. If they lose to the Titans (2-1) they are two games back in the AFC South and have a pair of divisional losses at home. Tennessee has a chance to drive a stake through the heart, and I think it finds a way behind a punishing ground game.
Pick: Tennessee 20, Houston 17