The first half of this season has had more twists than the Southern State Parkway. Here's hoping the second half is easier to navigate. It's been an unpredictable, underdog-driven season, but favorites were in the driver's seat for a second straight week. They went 8-4-1 against the spread (ATS), and 12-1 straight up (SU) in Week 8. Underdogs still have a 63-50-4 ATS lead for the season.
The theme for this week is desperation, as a number of teams need a win in the worst way. They may not get that "W," but they could get the "C," as in cover.
My most confident picks ATS this week: Packers, Rams, Jaguars and Broncos. A couple tricky games to avoid: Falcons-Panthers and Ravens-Titans.
