This week we got a reminder of just how bad at times football can be on a short rest.
Even with talented teams like the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, what we got was a lot of mistake-filled crap.
While many were quick to proclaim Peyton Manning’s career over after a poor first quarter, he looked fine afterwards. Sure, he’s not the same amazing QB that we’ve grown accustomed to over the past decade-plus, but can that really be expected from a 38-year-old that has had major neck surgery?
The Chiefs have some real problems on offence. It looks like Jamaal Charles and not much more – and even he let the team down with two fumbles, including the game-decider.
Even after bringing in Jeremy Maclin, Alex Smith still looks hesitant to do anything more than throw intermediate routes at best. Is that a formula that can win in the NFL? Probably not.
The endgame played out as it should’ve: The Chiefs tried to play for overtime and lost because of it. Because Kansas City was unwilling to even try to move the ball into field-goal range, it deserved the loss. If you play not to lose instead of playing to win, you often doom yourself to the L column.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPS.
Denver +3 over KANSAS CITY
A rough game that only showed how bad Thursday Night Football can be.
CAROLINA -3 over Houston
This one should be pretty low-scoring, unless the defences get involved. In a fairly even matchup otherwise, I’d rather have Cam Newton than Ryan Mallett.
CINCINNATI -3.5 over San Diego
The Chargers are notorious for sucking when playing at 1 p.m. Their huge comeback last week was more about the Lions giving the game away.
MINNESOTA -3 over Detroit
If the Vikings really are a playoff team, which we thought all throughout the summer, they need to pick up a big divisional win here.
Atlanta +2.5 over NEW YORK GIANTS
This Falcons offence can really fly. The defence is OK too, despite Philly’s second-half rally. As for the Giants, home hasn’t been really sweet for them in recent years.
WASHINGTON +3.5 over St. Louis
I know that Kirk Cousins and Co. aren’t a great squad, but they did hang around against Miami and St. Louis is due for a letdown after last week’s huge OT win.
Baltimore -6 over OAKLAND
That defensive performance against the Broncos last week suddenly isn’t looking as great. It doesn’t really matter though, as Derek Carr playing hurt isn’t exactly threatening.
Seattle +3.5 over GREEN BAY
It was a bit tighter than it should’ve been for the Pack in Chicago and the Seahawks know that they need a win.
New England -1 over BUFFALO
Death. Taxes. The Pats beating the Bills. Even this year’s impressive-looking version of the Bills should struggle against Belichick and Brady.
Arizona -1.5 over CHICAGO
Carson Palmer played very well in his return from a torn ACL and Chicago has allowed the most passing TDs in the league since the beginning of last season.
Tennessee -1 over CLEVELAND
The football Gods have blessed us with Johnny Football vs. Marcus Mariota as Josh McCown is out with a concussion. While we’re skeptical to take a two-win team from last year as a road favourite, can you trust Manziel to lead the Browns to a win?
NEW ORLEANS -10 over Tampa Bay
Jameis Winston looked rattled against the Titans, do you think he’ll fare better in the SuperDome? Even worse, that Bucs defence looks atrocious.
San Francisco +5.5 over PITTSBURGH
Could the completely revamped 49ers actually be good? Well they looked good enough on Monday night to get me to at least take the points here.
JACKSONVILLE +6 over Miami
I like the Dolphins, I really do, but I think the Jags can at least keep this game within a touchdown.
PHILADELPHIA -5 over Dallas
Without Dez Bryant, the Cowboys offence could be in deep trouble. Dallas didn’t impress much anywhere during last week’s win while Philly really showed up for the second half in Atlanta.
New York Jets +7 over INDIANAPOLIS
The Colts have some pretty evident problems, as witnessed last week against Buffalo. The Jets defence is just as good as Buffalos and should create even more headaches for Andrew Luck.
This week: 1-0
Last week: 8-7-1
This season: 9-7-1