We’ve made it a quarter of the way through the 2019 NFL season. We have somewhat established who’s good and who’s bad, but with several exceptions. We have an unusually large number of 2-2 teams. The Giants and Bucs are 2-2, and so are the Ravens and Eagles. Who’s real and who’s fake? Time will tell.
In addition to the overwhelming mediocrity in the NFL this year, another theme has been instability at the quarterback position. Future HOF quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees are injured, and Eli Manning has been benched. Because of all this variability, it has been a tough year to bet games. I have been burnt underestimating some of these backup quarterbacks.
Let’s dive in.
Giants +5.5 vs. Vikings
Confidence-4
I’m a believer in Daniel Jones. Do I think the Giants are a playoff team? No, but they have proven to be at least a competent NFL team, now that they have a qb who isn’t a statue. Their defense is suspect as hell, but Kirk Cousins ain’t exactly lighting it up. I think the Vikes win by a field goal just because the Vikings have enough weapons and a pretty good defense. 24-21 Minnesota.
Patriots -15 at Redskins
Confidence-5
I normally avoid these laughably huge spreads like the plague, but we’re talking one of the 2 best teams in the league against an absolute dumpster fire. One can’t help but think that this spread would be over 20 if the Bills didn’t play the Pats down to the wire like they did last week. Dwayne Haskins was abysmal in his debut last week as the Skins got boat raced by the mediocre Giants, and it appears that veteran Colt McCoy will get the nod. I can’t tell if Jay Gruden is just trolling everyone, or trying to stick it to Redskins ownership. Clearly, this dude is out of fucks to give.
Belichick will show no mercy, and this game will be a blowout. There will be more draining of the swamp in DC on Sunday. Pats win, 34-7. Bet your life savings.
Jaguars +3.5 vs. Panthers, Jags moneyline
Confidence-4
I’m going to continue to ride the Gardner Minshew express until the wheels fall off. Obviously he’s not going this by himself, but he’s made some huge plays in the last 2 wins for Jacksonville. It should also be noted that Leonard Fournette looks like the Leonard Fournette from 2 years ago. He was an absolute beast in Denver last week. Carolina has been good since Kyle Allen took over at qb, but this week he faces one of the league’s toughest defenses. I think Jacksonville wins another close road game, 21-17.