There was news this earlier this week, which was actually confirmed Friday by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, that the NFL is considering having doubleheaders on Thursday nights as opposed to just one game.
To that I say: HELL NO.
Has the NFL watched the games that take place on Thursday night? They are usually sloppy messes that looks like CFL-calibre football at times. It is some of the worst football you can watch and is the exact opposite of the good showcase that the league desires. If anything it’s an advertisement for mediocrity.
And there’s also the advanced injury risk that comes along with the extra games. If there are more Thursday night games, then each time will likely have to play on that short week twice per season.
Three days simply isn’t enough time to both recover from a bruising game on Sunday as well as prepare for your opponent.
This is a cash grab for the NFL Network plain and simple. Yet again, the NFL has proven that it couldn’t care less about its players and making decisions that will only pad the owners’ pockets.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPS.
JACKSONVILLE +9 over San Diego
You’re not going to believe this, but I think that the Jags can actually win this game. The Chargers are playing at 10 local time, the Jags looked decent against the league’s best team in Denver, Justin Blackmon looks amazing and Chad Henne is markedly better than Blaine Gabbert.
New England -4 over NEW YORK JETS
The Patriots defence is falling apart due to injuries, but Bill Belichick can hold it together with his mind. Don’t think he has some nasty stuff planned for Geno Smith.
KANSAS CITY -7 over Houston
Everything is falling apart for the Texans and facing this awesome Chiefs defence, odds are high that pick-six streak will continue.
DETROIT -3 over Cincinnati
The Bengals have been having a tough time this season while Calvin Johnson will be close to 100% again.
MIAMI -9 over Buffalo
Can you really trust a banged-up Thad Lewis on the road? Against a good defence no less?
WASHINGTON -1 over Chicago
This is the week that RG3 explodes and shows all the promise of last year. The Bears have just lost too many defenders at this point.
PHILADELPHIA -3 over Dallas
This one should be a shootout. The Cowboys aren’t going to be able to pressure the passer without DeMarcus Ware and the running game will suffer without DeMarco Murray.
CAROLINA -6 over St. Louis
The Rams offence is just dreadful, lacking real playmakers. Zac Stacy helps but the Panthers will take this one.
ATLANTA -7 over Tampa Bay
The ship is sinking in Tampa much faster than the Falcons are falling in Atlanta. Don’t forget Matt Ryan’s sterling home record either and the fact they’re coming off a bye either.
TENNESSEE +4.5 over San Francisco
If the Titans can cover in Seattle with Ryan Fitzpatrick under centre, they can cover hosting the Niners and the average-looking Colin Kaepernick.
GREEN BAY -10 over Cleveland
No Randall Cobb, no problem. The real problem in this game is Brandon Weeden, who fans are trying to run out of town.
PITTSBURGH -1 over Baltimore
This one is always close and the home team usually wins. The Steelers seem to have turned things around with their first win and the Ravens aren’t a solid road squad.
Indianapolis +7 over DENVER
Think the Colts have something planned for Peyton Manning’s emotional return to Indy? I’d think so. The Colts will do enough to keep it close and cover in the end.
NEW YORK GIANTS -3.5 over Minnesota
I mean, Eli and Co. have to turn it around sometime, right? And Josh Freeman isn’t going to be helping too much.
This week: 0-1
Last week: 8-7
This season: 42-47-3