If the end Monday night’s game between the Seahawks and Lions taught us anything, it’s that video review calls really need to be opened up.
When K.J. Wright poked the ball through the end zone instead of simply fielding it, it was illegal and should have been punished appropriately. But because the ref didn’t call it the illegal bat, it wasn’t reviewable.
Why not?
While I don’t think all penalties should be reviewable – if you challenged almost any play, you’d probably find some holding somewhere – there are some that should be.
This case was pretty cut-and-dried. It should’ve been called and the NFL even admitted that after the game – much to the Lions’ chagrin.
The CFL has allowed challenges on pass interference calls for two years now and it hasn’t been a hindrance. In fact, most reviews showed that the refs got it right in the first place.
Expanding video reviews only makes sense with the ever-expanding role that technology is playing in our world today. Have you seen the NFL’s enhanced replays? They’re insane.
If that sort of technology could be applied without delay to games, there’s no reason why we can’t use it to get calls right.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
HOUSTON -2 over Indianapolis
Maybe the Colts should cut ties with this Andrew Luck guy and ride the hot hand of Matt Hasselbeck for the rest of the season.
Jacksonville +2.5 over TAMPA BAY
Lovie Smith hasn’t won at home as Bucs coach. Blake Bortles hasn’t won on the road as Jags starting QB. I’d rather back the team with more upside getting the points.
Buffalo -1 over TENNESSEE
The Bills look like they’re on one game, then off the next. This happens to be an “on” week.
Cleveland +7 over BALTIMORE
The Browns are a sneaky team and the Ravens don’t impress anybody, really.
Washington +8 over ATLANTA
The Falcons are really good, but Washington might be as well. I still don’t see how there’s any merit to a Kirk Cousins MVP campaign, though.
KANSAS CITY -10.5 over Chicago
The Bears finally won a game thanks to Jay Cutler’s return, but the good times end here. The Chiefs are good team just waiting to pound somebody after a rough stretch.
PHILDELPHIA -4.5 over New Orleans
The Saints needed overtime to beat a Cowboys team that is falling apart. The Eagles need this win pretty badly.
GREEN BAY -10 over St. Louis
If you want to bet against Aaron Rodgers at home, be my guest.
Seattle +3 over CINCINNATI
Kam Chancellor is showing just how valuable he is to the Seahawks. They need to pay the man, now.
Arizona +2.5 over DETROIT
The Cardinals blow out bad teams. That’s what they do.
New England -10 over DALLAS
I’d be surprised if Brandon Weeden can keep the banged-up Cowboys in this game for the first half.
Denver -4.5 over OAKLAND
The Broncos defence should give their former co-ordinator fits.
San Francisco +7 over NEW YORK GIANTS
While Odell Beckham could very well light it up in prime time, the Niners did just do a decent job against the vaunted Packers offence in a losing cause. Although it is very tough to bet on Colin Kaepernick these days.
Pittsburgh +3 over SAN DIEGO
With 10 days to prepare, Mike Vick should fare better than in his Steelers starting debut.
Last week: 8-6-1
This season: 36-25-2