College Football Week 7 and NFL Week 6 Preview: 10/12 - 10/16

 

College Football Week 7 and NFL Week 6 Preview: 10/12 - 10/16

Thursday, October 12th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Broncos at Chiefs

Russell Wilson, not Drew Brees. I don't think he has looked terrible, but there are issues with this Broncos team. The Chiefs are working through injuries to Kelce and Mahomes on a short week. Will this game be ugly? Yes. I hate short week football, it just doesn't allow the players to rest up and the coaches to come up with the best game plans.

A Game for the Football Crazies: West Virginia at Houston

The Dana Bowl! Both these programs have fallen under tough times, but the Cougars head coach's history at both schools ensures there will be some spiciness. I'm not going to watch, but if you need something on, football is here.

Picks of the Day

Pick: Broncos +11 (-112) vs Chiefs

I think the Chiefs win, but they are banged up and I think they simplify things, squeak out a win, and get right with the mini bye. Broncos' country, let's ride.

Friday, October 13th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Stanford at Colorado

Stanford is probably the worst Power 5 team out there and the fanbase has moved on to other things (and they have options, they're Stanford grads). Colorado had a rough schedule, but is still battling. Can they capture that national attention again in the 10pm slot on a Friday night?

A Game for the Football Crazies: Fresno State at Utah State

Fresno State has a hiccup, otherwise they would probably be the top Group of 5 team right now. A trip to Utah State is a tall ask, but they are 5 point favorites. I think this will be the best game of the ones played on Friday, but a hard sale with hockey and playoff baseball also on tv.

Picks of the Day

Pick: u60 (-110) Stanford vs Colorado

Shoutout to my friends who hate that I keep picking unders. Colorado can chuck the ball all over the yard, but they are incredibly one dimensional on offense, and that can cause some problems. Stanford is so bad on offense that they can't hold up their end of the bargain to get the total here.

Saturday, October 14th

Game of the Day: Oregon at Washington

This game will weigh heavily on the PAC 12 Champion, the College Football Playoff, and the Heisman. I think Oregon is the most complete team in the conference, but I'm not sure anyone can stop Washington's high-powered passing game. As always, turnovers, whether either team can get pressure, and who has the ball last will decide this one.

Most Entertaining Game: Georgia Southern at James Madison

The Fun Belt is always entertaining, and these two teams showcase the best of this conference. JMU gives up 38(!) rushing yards a week. Combined, they gain 874 yards. What is going to give? If the noon slate isn't your favorite, flip over to ESPN2.

A Game for the Football Crazies: USC at Notre Dame

USC in South Bend in the rain? I'm sick of writing about Notre Dame, but this one has to be spotlighted. USC has not won in South Bend since 2017. Their coaches have been running around with sprayers so they can "prepare" their receivers and returners for the rain (SoCal problems at their finest). Notre Dame hasn't been firing on offense recently but they better pick it up or pray for a monsoon on Saturday night because USC can score on anyone, including the Irish's vaunted defense.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Miami +3.5 (-110) vs North Carolina

How will the Hurricanes respond after one of the dumbest end of game clock situations ever? People are already looking at UNC's trip to Clemson later in the season, but I think they will have their hands full here. Get the dual screen going to watch Drake Maye and Caleb Williams at the same time on Saturday night.

Second Pick: Iowa +10 (-110) vs Wisconsin

Iowa's offense still is not anything to write home about, but I think this is a low scoring game, which increases the likelihood of staying within 10 points.

Third Pick: USC ML (+120) vs Notre Dame

The rain will complicate things, but I think USC gets the job done in South Bend. Notre Dame has not shown the ability to score a ton of points like they will be asked to do on Saturday night.

Sunday, October 15th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Lions at Buccaneers

One team was placed with high expectations and one team was thought of as an afterthought. Now both teams come in with one loss and plenty of studs on both sides. Mayfield has been playing more on-schedule this year and it has paid dividends. Can the Lions break that up? I think the Lions stay hot here, but they may overheat in the Florida sun.

Most Entertaining Game: Vikings at Bears

I know Jefferson is out, but I think Kirk can score on this Bears' defense and if Fields breaks free against the blitz-heavy Vikings defense he can go a long way. The Bears' passing offense has dramatically improved in the past two weeks and the Vikings' secondary is open for being attacked. Throw in the fact that both teams have a propensity for turnovers and I think this will be the most fun game of the day.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Colts at Jaguars

Minshew Mania returns to Duval. Colts fans are rightly upset that they are without their rookie sensation signal caller, but Minshew has proven more than capable and Jonathan Taylor is back. The Jags just spent two weeks in London, so how rested will they be after going 2-0? I think whoever can run the ball the best gets out of here for a win, so watch out for Eitenne on the outside and Taylor gashing up the middle.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: o44.5 (-108) Vikings vs Bears

Both teams can score, and both teams can give up some serious points. I already said this will be the most entertaining game and I stand by it with the over.

Second Pick: Eagles -7 (-108) vs Jets

The Jets got the win in Denver last week, but the feel good story runs into a buzz saw here. The Eagles are slowly figuring things out, and their run defense is absolutely insane. I think the Jets need to stay on schedule to have a chance, because third and long versus that front is not where you want to be. I don't think that happens and I think the Eagles roll.

Monday, October 16th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Cowboys at Chargers

Cowboys stay in Cali and face a tough Chargers team. Without Trevon Diggs outside, how does Dallas cover all of the Charger wide receivers? Can LA get their highly-paid defense going against a Cowboys offense that is up-and-down? A nice game here to close out the week.

Picks of the Day

Pick: u50.5 (-110) Cowboys vs Chargers

These teams have a way of stalling out drives and having weird finishes. I think that means that the clock bleeds and the under hits.

Season Totals

College Football Picks: 20-17-1 (+2.60 units)
NFL Picks: 8-8-1 (-0.46 units)
Overall: 28-25-2 (+2.14 units)

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