I hate ties in the NFL.
They’re the worst. Football should be a game that is won or lost, not drawn.
Now, thanks to the highest-scoring tie in NFL history, we’re going to have to see records at the end of the season like 8-7-1 instead of a much cleaner 8-8. I’m sure you’re not going to care, but that plays hell with an editor’s layout.
There’s a very easy way to avoid these damned ties, which are cropping up more and more often with three in five years: Play NCAA-style overtime.
While many will say that the NFL should just extend overtime until a winning score is produced, that’s not a feasible way of doing things when you consider the players’ safety.
Longer games mean more chance at injury and that’s certainly something that you don’t want.
So play the shootout style like both college and the CFL use – although the CFL does have ties after a certain amount of rounds. It’s a lot more exciting than a battle of field position that overtime can become, when teams are more afraid to lose than they want to win.
Nobody likes ties and there’s plenty of ways to get rid of them. So let’s do it.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPS.
NEW ENGLAND -9.5 over New York Jets
I am a little shocked that this game came down to a blocked field goal with time expiring, but should’ve known better considering the Patriots injuries and the that Rex Ryan is always out to get Bill Belichick.
INDIANAPOLIS -3 over Cincinnati
Without A.J. Green, the Bengals aren’t so scary. Their defence is also slacking and they’re a much better team at home.
WASHINGTON -5.5 over Tennessee
With Robert Griffin III somehow getting close to coming back after that gruesome injury, Kirk Cousins may be playing for his job.
Miami +3 over CHICAGO
The Dolphins are a real Jekyll and Hyde team, but the Bears are too. I’ll take Miami with the points on the road.
Cleveland -5.5 over JACKSONVILLE
The Browns have been on fire in the past few weeks and the Jags aren’t exactly a top-class opponent. Brian Hoyer is making himself a lot of money in the free-agent market this off-season.
Seattle -7.5 over ST. LOUIS
The Seahawks will use this as a statement game after losing at home in their supposed fortress last week.
Carolina +7 over GREEN BAY
The Packers aren’t exactly impressing every week and the Cats can keep it close.
Atlanta +7.5 over BALTIMORE
When two good offences collide, I’d rather take the points if it’s more than a TD. And why the heck isn’t Antone Smith getting the ball more often, Mike Smith?
Minnesota +7 over BUFFALO
The Vikings seriously have to start blocking better, but the Bills are due for a big letdown game.
New Orleans +2.5 over DETROIT
The Saints have to turn it around and soon. Although the Lions defence is one of the league’s best, I have faith in Sean Payton and Drew Brees to break it down. Although if Megatron plays, I’m going with Detroit.
Kansas City +4 over SAN DIEGO
The Chiefs are coming off a bye and Andy Reid has made a career by winning with two weeks of preparation.
New York Giants +7 over DALLAS
The Giants will look to bounce back and always play well when visiting the rival Cowboys.
Arizona -3 over OAKLAND
The Raiders did look improved against the Chargers last week, but this Cardinals team is 4-1 and just got Carson Palmer back.
DENVER -7 over San Francisco
The Niners are too banged up on defence to contain Peyton Manning on his march into the record books.
PITTSBURGH -3 over Houston
The Steelers are a very average team all around, but the Texans are essentially a one-man team on defence and won’t be able to contain Antonio Brown.
Last week: 9-5-1
This season: 48-42-1