College Football Week 9 and NFL Week 8 Preview: 10/26 - 10/30

Thursday, October 26th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Buccaneers at Bills

The Bucs have a great front and the Bills go away from the run faster than Jason Garrett and Tony Romo. But if the Bills want to get to where they need to go they can't just have deep shots and Superman efforts from Allen and Diggs. I'll be watching James Cook, not just because he's on my fantasy team, but because he is a great back for this team with his rushing and great work in the short passing game.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Georgia State at Georgia Southern

This will be an insane game though, highly recommend watching a bit since there is a break in postseason baseball and no one wants to watch Tampa.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: u63 (-112) Georgia State vs Georgia Southern

This is a big game in the Sun Belt conference and a rivalry game. I think both teams will be juiced for this one and will have some sloppy play, leading to the under. 

Second Pick: u43 (-108) Buccaneers vs Bills

Primetime unders are 16-7 this year. Sticking with them.

Friday, October 27th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Florida Atlantic at Charlotte

Not all Game of the Days are created equal. FAU is very hot and cold on offense, but when they click, look out. Charlotte is like Iowa, not a lot of offense and a ton of defense. We will know early on which way this one goes.

Picks of the Day

Pick: Under 4.5 Runs 1st Five Innings (-125) Diamondbacks at Rangers

A lot of time off for those bats, I think the pitchers dominate in the first game of the World Series.

Saturday, October 28th

Game of the Day: Oregon at Utah

It's pretty wild that the winner of the PAC 12 is usually the best team that didn't have to play at Utah. Oregon is still a dominant team, despite the loss to Washington, but I don't think they should be touchdown favorite in Salt Lake. Cam Rising isn't walking through that door, but the Utes have the best culture in college football and I think they will be ready.

Most Entertaining Game: Oklahoma at Kansas

Did Oklahoma struggle last week because they were looking ahead to the Jayhawks? Kansas does some awesome triple option stuff and they really are investing in the football team. They get a chance to prove their status on the national stage, but they had that last year when TCU came in and took their lunch money when they hosted College Gameday. Let's see if Venables can shut down the option attack or if he is more conservative after catching strays in the Michigan scandal article this week on ESPN.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Air Force at Colorado State

The Falcons may make the NY6 bowl game slate, you have to watch their quarterback make their offense hum! Colorado State has played a lot of Power 5 schools this year that we can compare Air Force to after this one. It's a dangerous science, but we all do it.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Utah ML (+205) vs Oregon

I'll bite! I would recommend Utah covering, but I think they can pull the whole thing off. Lanning will want to be aggressive, but can they match the physicality of 4 quarters in Utah? We shall see.

Second Pick: Kentucky ML (+150) vs Tennessee

I know, it's Kentucky football. But I think the Vols will be a little sluggish after the thumping by the Tide last week and I don't trust their quarterback play on the road.

Third Pick: Arizona ML (+142) vs Oregon State

Three underdog moneyline plays?!?!?! Why not? Oregon State comes off a buy and head down to the desert. DJ has been great this year playing off the run and pushing the ball downfield. The problem is that the Wildcats don't give up the run. Can DJ execute if the Beavers become one-dimensional? I'll take a flyer on it.

Sunday, October 29th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Bengals at 49ers

The AFC North bottom-dwellers head to the sliding 49ers. Burrow will face a ton of pressure, but I think he will still make more plays than Daniel Jones did. Can the 49ers get healthy and get right? This may be the biggest regular season game of Purdy's young career, but he needs to respond.

Most Entertaining Game: Jaguars at Steelers

The Jaguars looked great against the Saints, but a Mike Tomlin team that believes is the next step up. The Steelers could finish above .500 with bubblegum and duct tape, but I think the Jags give them too many problems in what could be a high-flying game.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Jets at Giants

Obligation as a blog to talk about New York football. The Giants got going last week with a commitment to the run game, but can Saquon stay locked in with trade rumors everywhere? That Jets' front is no joke. This will probably be a rock fight, but a lovely uniform matchup nonetheless.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Vikings ML (-112) vs Packers

Kirk Cousins balled out on Monday night and I think he stays hot. The Packers need to get figured out if they're going to extend Jordan Love, and he can prove he deserves it here, but I don't think he will.

Second Pick: Cardinals +8 (-108) vs Ravens

The Ravens are the team of the week after beating the Lions, so I'm taking the rebound. They'll get comfortable in the desert, the grass will be weird, and Dobbs will keep balling.

Third Pick: u46.5 (-110) Bears vs Chargers

See note for Thursday night under.

Monday, October 30th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Raiders at Lions

I think the Lions needed the reset after everyone praising the franchise for the first time since... ever? The Raiders are a mess, so this is a chance to get back to the winning ways.

Picks of the Day

Pick: u46 (-110) Raiders vs Lions

See note for the Sunday night under.

Season Totals

College Football Picks: 25-20-1 (+3.15 units)

NFL Picks: 11-13-2 (-2.75 units)

Overall: 36-33-3 (+0.40 units)