Finally, a comfortable victory. The Miami Dolphins stayed with the Dallas Cowboys for 30 minutes. The second half was when Dallas opened it up and left the Dolphins in their dust. The anti-Miami pick is becoming a favorite of many in these pools. If the Dolphins did find a way to win, they could wipe out a majority of those surviving. They have the Chargers at home this week. And then you are on your own: The Dolphins have a bye in Week 5.
Don’t even think about it
The Eagles are 1-2 and head to Green Bay for a Thursday nighter against the 3-0 Packers. You want to play this game? You seriously would love to risk being KO’d on either side. Matt LaFleur has a ways to go to match Andy Reid’s start in Kansas City in 2013. Reid left the Eagles and won his first 9 games as coach of the Chiefs. Another team that is 1-2 heads on the road for a tough matchup as the Browns visit the Ravens in an AFC North battle. Another week to hear of QB challenge as Baker Mayfield faces Lamar Jackson. No thank you on either side. Minnesota visits Chicago. Seriously going to stake your survival on a war between fierce NFC North rivals? The Patriots and Bills are both 3-0. Enjoy watching this AFC East struggle rather than struggling with whether to take the home or away team. Titan-Falcons is too much of a toss-up to take seriously in a knockout pool this early in the season.
Let the bettor beware
The Jaguars will have had 10 days off before they face the 0-3 Broncos. Sacksonville was back in form with 9 sacks against Tennessee. That makes one think Doug Marrone has his house somewhat in order. However, Jalen Ramsey still wants out and the Broncos have not been awful in their losses. They somehow don’t have a pick or sack in their first three games. Time to break a couple schneids? The biggest point difference in the last 6 meetings between the Seahawks and Cardinals have been decided by 6 points or less. That’s way too tight of a series to risk making a knockout pick. Yes, the Chiefs are 3-0 and Patrick Mahomes is a TD throwing machine. Stunningly, the Lions are 2-0-1 despite only having a 6-point advantage over their first 3 opponents. There is no reason to have confidence Matt Patricia has the ship straight in Motown. However, if Detroit somehow keeps it close the end could leave you sweating and fretting. Better options exist.
Tempting fate
The Cowboys are hitting on all cylinders and visit New Orleans. The teams met last year at AT&T and a 6-5 Dallas team thwarted Drew Brees and the Saints. There is no Brees this go-round and the Saints are coming off a tough road trip and win at Seattle. This one could go either way. It is hard to believe the Steelers would fall to 0-4 with a visit from the Cincinnati Bengals. Talk about a Monday nighter that feels more like an early Sunday regional game. Pittsburgh has won 8 in a row and 11 of 12 over Cincy. That wasn’t the same team that is facing the Bengals. Proceed with caution. Daniel Jones was great — exempting the 2 fumbles — in leading the Giants over the Bucs in his first start. The Redskins have been awful but the Giants were 30 minutes away from also being 0-3. … The Texans look oh so tempting with the Panthers and Kyle Allen coming to Houston. The Texans are 2-1 and have a 6-point advantage over their foes in 3 games. Another one that is too close to risk. The Raiders have that victory over winless Denver and nothing else. The Colts are 2-1 and have been outscored by a point. Indy is so tempting but …
Go for it
The Los Angeles teams are the ones to scope against Sunshine State squads. The Rams play host to the Buccaneers, who are 1-2. The Chargers are a disappointing 1-2 against the dismal, abysmal Miami Dolphins. The question becomes: Do you want use the Rams now and lose them for the rest of the season or do you want to play the Chargers despite their sluggish start against Miami. The Chargers are sub-.500 and playing one of the worst teams in football in a 10 a.m. start for their body clocks. That said, the Dolphins barely have a pulse. If you like to get a thrill, go with the Rams. If you believe in the anti-Dolphins run, choose the Bolts for a jolt.
