College Football Week 8 and NFL Week 7 Preview: 10/19 - 10/23

Thursday, October 19th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Jaguars at Saints

Trevor Lawrence feels optimistic that he will play, but this will be a fractured gameplan for the Jaguars as they try to go into the Super Dome and squeak out a win. The Saints also feel like they are just trying to hang on after being the clear favorite in the division to start the year so this would be a big win for either team.

A Game for the Football Crazies: James Madison at Marshall

The Sun Belt still delivers, and undefeated James Madison heads to Marshall. Marshall can feel really Jekyll and Hyde as a program, with that big upset at Notre Dame last year and then some lackluster results. But I think it will be relatively close as they are the home team.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: James Madison -3.5 (-110) vs Marshall

The Dukes are rolling this year and are ripe for an upset, but I will ride with them as they head over to West Virginia for this one.

Second Pick: u39 (-110) Jaguars vs Saints

Primetime unders are 14-6 this year. Sticking with them.

Friday, October 20th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Temple at SMU

I was wrong on the SMU vs TCU game this year, but I think SMU is a decent team and will fair well in the ACC soon enough. The Owls are struggling, but SMU can give up some yards, so I think the over is in play. Watch baseball on Friday, folks.

Picks of the Day

Pick: o54.5 (-110) Temple vs SMU

Friday night points! Both teams can give up points, which is helpful for this.

Saturday, October 21st

Game of the Day: Penn State at Ohio State

Finally! The Big Ten is a three team race and two meet here. Ohio State could maybe still make the playoffs with one loss but it will be hard for Penn State to get in if they don't beat the Buckeyes. James Franklin is 4-12 against Ohio State and Michigan in his time in Happy Valley but I think this is a team that can buck the trend. Let's see how both teams' offensive lines hold up so they can get their receivers open against the man coverage that is going to be played outside.

Most Entertaining Game: Tennessee at Alabama

Does Tennessee have the most rivalries in the SEC? People love to hate the Volunteers, including the Tide. This is a lowkey great uniform game, and both teams have a lot of talent around some erratic quarterbacks. That leads to chaos in my opinion, and worth watching. 

A Game for the Football Crazies: North Texas at Tulane

Tulane is now ranked again and on a bit of a roll. North Texas averages over 475 yards of offense. Can the Green Wave shut them down? If the big games aren't looking good, tune into this one.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: u32.5 (-110) Minnesota vs Iowa

The the past two years, Iowa now has the 5 lowest points totals ever. You have to bet it when it gets this low, let's have fun with this historically bad offense.

Second Pick: Penn State +4.5 (-110) vs Ohio State

I know Penn State has been terrible in the big play department this year, but I think they step up and make them in this game. I may sprinkle some ML, but the 'Shoe can be a house of horrors for teams late.

Third Pick: Arizona State +26.5 (-110) vs Washington

Washington coming off a huge win and have a late game where they are almost 4 touchdown favorites? Give me the Sun Devils plus the points.

Sunday, October 22nd

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Dolphins at Eagles

The Dolphins have rolled this year, but looked mortal against Buffalo. The Eagles finally tripped up as their fans haven't been as pleased as they were last year with the offense. I think Buffalo did a great job of getting pressure while keeping everything in front of them on the backend. I think the Eagles can certainly get home on the pass rush, but that secondary will struggle with all the playmakers the Dolphins have. Also will be interested to see if Hurts can find some momentum as the Dolphins have a ton of talent on defense as well and Lane Johnson is out.

Most Entertaining Game: Lions at Ravens

Lions are catching points in Baltimore, which stinks to me. The Ravens get back from their trip to London, how will they look? Can they get rolling against the Lions? I think this could be the best game of the slate and will be a ton of fun to watch.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Falcons at Buccaneers

Can the Bucs rebound after the beatdown by the Lions? The Falcons have a ton of skill but no QB. Either Baker continues to show that the Browns moved off of him too quickly or this is the slow march of the end for him.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Chargers +5.5 (-108) vs Chiefs

Chiefs play a lot of one score games and the Chargers have had some success in Arrowhead. I like them in this spot to cover, but probably lose in a weird way.

Second Pick: Dolphins ML (+105) vs Eagles

The Eagles are banged up and I think the Phins have the upper hand with the Eagles' secondary. Let's go Miami!

Third Pick: u52 (-110) Dolphins vs Eagles

See note for Thursday night under.

Monday, October 23rd

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: 49ers at Vikings

Kirk is not waving his no-trade clause, so time to see if they can get a wild card spot. The 49ers got really banged up last week and will limp into this one. As an aside, people will point to it being a dome game after the crappy weather in Cleveland, but Purdy played at Iowa State, he can handle the elements.

Picks of the Day

Pick: u44 (-112) 49ers vs Vikings

See note for the Sunday night under.

Season Totals

College Football Picks: 21-19-1 (+0.51 units)

NFL Picks: 9-10-2 (-1.55 units)

Overall: 30-29-3 (-1.04 units)