I’m all for technological advancements, but this one is dumb.
Unless you’re in the Buffalo or Jacksonville area, you won’t be able to watch their game from London on TV. That’s right, it’s Internet only everywhere else.
While this is a great experiment and a glimpse into the future with more and more people cutting the cord every day, why can’t it be on TV and streamed?
There are still people that don’t have a good enough Internet connection to watch the game online in HD and there are even more that have a cap on data, something that will be severely abused when streaming a game for three-plus hours.
While this move does expand the game, it’s also hurting an existing base.
Even worse, though Toronto is considered part of Buffalo’s market when it comes to blackouts, we’re not considered part of it when it comes to watching the game on TV this Sunday. How does that make sense?
I don’t know about you, but I was looking forward to waking up and plopping myself on the couch for what could actually be a decent game – shocking, I know, considering the opponents – but now, I’m far more likely to check out the Manchester Derby and see the Bills-Jags highlights during the pre-game show for the 1 p.m. slate.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
Seattle -6.5 over SAN FRANCISCO
Sure, it was just a Thursday night game, but the Seahawks finally looked like the team they’re supposed to be.
Jacksonville +7 over Buffalo at London
So, no Tyrod Taylor again and Percy Harvin might retire? I’ll take the points on the neutral field, please.
Cleveland +5.5 over ST. LOUIS
This should be a nice battle in the trenches – until Josh McCown starts to air it out again. Todd Gurley should have a monster day, but I’m not worried.
Pittsburgh -2 over KANSAS CITY
Nothing is going right for the Chiefs right now. And even though Landry Jones could be shaking about starting at Arrowhead, I think he gives Pittsburgh a much better chance to win than Mike Vick did.
MIAMI -4 over Houston
Last week, the Dolphins showed off the talent that they have been hiding and all it took was a new coach.
New York Jets +10 over NEW ENGLAND
The Pats line is hurting enough to make you believe that the Jets could make a backdoor cover here, like the Colts did.
Minnesota -2.5 over DETROIT
That was a fluke win by the Lions against a team that’s also pretty bad. I’ll take the Vikings and the Stefon Diggs revolution.
Atlanta -4 over TENNESSEE
With Marcus Mariota banged up and the Falcons having 10 days to prepare, Julio Jones should shred this Titans defence by himself.
WASHINGTON -3 over Tampa Bay
Sure, Washington is banged up, but the Bucs are just bad and headed for another top pick.
New Orleans +4.5 over INDIANAPOLIS
So, the Colts aren’t good, right? And they’re only a .500 team when playing out of their division, too. I’ll take the points with both Andrew Luck and Drew Brees looking a little worse for wear.
SAN DIEGO -4 over Oakland
Philip Rivers is on track for one of the best passing seasons of all time.
NEW YORK GIANTS -3 over Dallas
Really, you think that the Giants, who should’ve won in Dallas when they had Dez Bryant and Tony Romo, are only giving the standard home-field advantage line here? Matt Cassel isn’t the answer.
Philadelphia +3 over CAROLINA
Sure, the Panthers are undefeated, but the Eagles look like they’re finally hitting their stride.
ARIZONA -9 over Baltimore
Not sure how a good team like Arizona loses to Landry Jones, but it’ll come back strong against the woeful Ravens.
Last week: 6-7-1
This season: 51-35-5