PFT’s Week 11 picks: Rams Lose

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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/11/16/pfts-week-11-picks-8/

PFT’s Week 11 picks
Posted by Mike Florio on November 16, 2017

Rams at Vikings

MDS’s take: Jared Goff takes on Case Keenum in a matchup of two quarterbacks who look great this year after looking terrible as teammates with the Rams last year. This game feels like a coin flip to me, but I’ll take the home team.

MDS’s pick: Vikings 23, Rams 20.

Florio’s take: Game of the week. A rematch of some classic playoff contests, between a pair of teams that may be destined to meet again in the elimination round. Minnesota’s defense is the difference-maker, especially at home.

Florio’s pick: Vikings 17, Rams 13.
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Titans at Steelers

MDS’s take: The Steelers have a tendency to play down to the level of their opponents in games against bad teams like the Colts (whom the Steelers barely beat) and the Bears (who beat the Steelers). But against a pretty good team like the Titans, the Steelers will come to play.

MDS’s pick: Steelers 30, Titans 20.

Florio’s take: It’s often a crapshoot when it comes to the Steelers, but they tend to be focused and prepared when playing in prime time, where they’re 31-16 under Mike Tomlin. The twist in this case comes from Titans assistant Dick LeBeau knowing the team’s offense and personnel incredibly well. Under the lights at Heinz Field, that probably won’t be enough to make the difference — as long as the Steelers truly show up.

Florio’s pick: Steelers 27, Titans 23.
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Lions at Bears

MDS’s take: This won’t be an easy game for the Lions, who may struggle to put many points on the board on a cold day in Chicago. But the Lions’ defense should hold Mitchell Trubisky in check well enough to win a close game.

MDS’s pick: Lions 14, Bears 10.

Florio’s take: The Bears are dangerous, especially at home. But the Lions are finding their stride by racking up wins and not taking anyone for granted. They’ll check another box as they move toward a Thanksgiving showdown with the Vikings.

Florio’s pick: Lions 24, Bears 13.
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Jaguars at Browns

MDS’s take: DeShone Kizer had his best game last week in Detroit, but this week against an excellent Jaguars pass defense, he’s going to have a tough time. The Jaguars should win handily.

MDS’s pick: Jaguars 21, Browns 6.

Florio’s take: A pair of franchises mired in years of difficulty are moving in very different directions. And the Jaguars will show Browns fans what the Browns could be if they ever find a way to make good decisions about young players over a period of several years.

Florio’s pick: Jaguars 20, Browns 9.
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Ravens at Packers

MDS’s take: Brett Hundley showed some signs of improvement last week against the Bears, but the Packers are still going to have a tough time putting many points on the board on Sunday, and the Ravens should win a low-scoring game.

MDS’s pick: Ravens 17, Packers 13.

Florio’s take: The Ravens have had two weeks to get ready for a showdown in a place where the Packers suddenly are having a hard time winning games, primarily because they don’t have Aaron Rodgers. Baltimore is capable of a periodically impressive performance, and if one doesn’t happen on Sunday, their chances of getting to the playoffs could sink close to zero.

Florio’s pick: Ravens 24, Packers 20.
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Cardinals at Texans

MDS’s take: In a battle of two teams with backup quarterbacks, I see the Cardinals’ defense forcing Tom Savage into a few turnovers to win an ugly game.

MDS’s pick: Cardinals 16, Texans 13.

Florio’s take: Drew Stanton or Blaine Gabbert will be facing Tom Savage, while Colin Kaepernick continues to wait for a call that may never come. The difference maker will be Adrian Peterson, who will have an easier time finding running lanes than when he faced the Seahawks.

Florio’s pick: Cardinals 23, Texans 17.
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Buccaneers at Dolphins

MDS’s take: This is going to be an ugly game between two ugly offenses. I’ll take Jay Cutler to just slightly outplay Ryan Fitzpatrick.

MDS’s pick: Dolphins 14, Buccaneers 10.

Florio’s take: The Week One game that was delayed due to a hurricane comes at a time when both teams seems to be mired in quicksand. After three straight losses, the Dolphins get a chance to start to turn things around.

Florio’s pick: Dolphins 27, Buccaneers 17.
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Chiefs at Giants

MDS’s take: This is the easiest game on the board to pick. The Giants have quit on Ben McAdoo, and the Chiefs will roll.

MDS’s pick: Chiefs 35, Giants 10.

Florio’s take: Andy Reid rarely loses after the bye, in any year. The Giants in 2017 rarely win.

Florio’s pick: Chiefs 37, Giants 17.
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Redskins at Saints

MDS’s take: The Saints are playing as well as anyone in the NFL right now, and they’ll keep their march to the playoffs going.

MDS’s pick: Saints 30, Redskins 17.

Florio’s take: The Redskins have shown that it can win a big game on the road, and this is a big game on the road. But it may be bigger than what the Redskins can handle, given the dramatic improvement of the Saints, on both sides of the ball.

Florio’s pick: Saints 27, Redskins 23.
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Bills at Chargers

MDS’s take: Nathan Peterman gets his first career start, while the Chargers don’t know who their quarterback will be, as Philip Rivers is in the concussion protocol. That makes this a tough game to pick but I’ll go with the Chargers.

MDS’s pick: Chargers 20, Bills 17.

Florio’s take: Nathan Peterman could eventually become a very good quarterback for the Bills. For now, a baptism by lightning bolt may be too much to handle.

Florio’s pick: Chargers 28, Bills 17.
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Bengals at Broncos

MDS’s take: The Broncos have gone into the tank in recent weeks, but the Bengals’ offense probably won’t put many points on the board in Denver. I’ll pick the home team in a close and low-scoring game.

MDS’s pick: Broncos 14, Bengals 13.

Florio’s take: Two years ago, a late-season showdown between these two teams had a postseason bye on the line. This season, both teams have had their playoff hopes go farewell long ago.

Florio’s pick: Broncos 17, Bengals 12.
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Patriots vs. Raiders

MDS’s take: The altitude of Mexico City will make this game an interesting one in the kicking game, and a 70-yard field goal isn’t out of the question. Look for Tom Brady to complete some deep passes against the Raiders’ secondary and win a high-scoring game.

MDS’s pick: Patriots 35, Raiders 31.

Florio’s take: Whether Massachusetts, California, or Mexico, the Raiders simply aren’t ready to keep pace with the Patriots.

Florio’s pick: Patriots 34, Raiders 20.
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Eagles at Cowboys

MDS’s take: The Cowboys are reeling, and the Eagles coming to town isn’t going to make life any easier.

MDS’s pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 17.

Florio’s take: It’s desperation time for Dallas, and sometimes desperation is the difference. The Cowboys find a higher gear and secure a hard-fought win, delaying (but not preventing) the inevitable clinching of the division by the Eagles.

Florio’s pick: Cowboys 27, Eagles 24.
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Falcons at Seahawks

MDS’s take: The Falcons played one of their best games of the season on Sunday and the Seahawks are struggling with injuries, but I still like Seattle to take this one.

MDS’s pick: Seahawks 20, Falcons 17.

Florio’s take: Russell Wilson’s one-man band continues to find a way to make something close enough to actual music in Seattle.

Florio’s pick: Seahawks 20, Falcons 13.
 

Rmfnlt

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Not surprised... suspect many in the media will pick MINN.

Seems the Rams are constantly having to justify their success... this week is just another opportunity to do just that.

What's the Vegas line on this game, anyway?
 

nighttrain

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Not surprised... suspect many in the media will pick MINN.

Seems the Rams are constantly having to justify their success... this week is just another opportunity to do just that.

What's the Vegas line on this game, anyway?
@Dave51 said the Rams were 2 1/2 point dogs in Vegas
train
 

Psycho_X

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@Dave51 said the Rams were 2 1/2 point dogs in Vegas
train

So literally an odds coin flip with home team advantage. I can't say that is bad logic. Our record and way we beat teams on the road this year has me optimistic though.
 

Ram65

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Rams and Vikings look evenly matched. Home field advantage could be the difference in this one. The Rams offensive line has to hold off the defensive line of the Vikings to give them a good shot at winning.
 

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https://www.forbes.com/sites/timwoo...s-and-against-the-spread-wins/2/#34144dec5a6b
Rams vs. Vikings: Rams +2.5

Minnesota could be playing for a first-round playoff bye here, but I am banking on the L.A. boys to get the job done as small road dogs in Week 11. The Rams just smoked the Texans 33-7, and despite the fact that Case Keenum also put up 38 points against the Redskins, the Vikings’ D gave up 30 points in the victory.

If you found a sportsbook to take a Jared Goff for MVP, you were doing some deep digging. BET 365 had him at 200-to-1 as of Sept. 29 and Bovada just began listing him recently, and over the course of the last two weeks, he has jumped from a 33-to-1 to a 9-to-1 bet. Truth is, under the direction of Coach of the Year fave Sean McVay, Goff is a legit threat and should be able to torch this Vikings defense if the Rams are truly the contenders we are believing them to be.

Back the Rams for the cover.

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https://nesn.com/2017/11/nfl-week-11-picks-betting-lines-analysis-predictions-for-every-game/
Los Angeles Rams at (-2.5) Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m.

Mike: Vikings. The Vikings are good at home, especially in the first half, allowing 5.6 first-half points per game at home, which could be key against the NFL’s best first-half team. We haven’t really seen the Rams play from behind this season, so if Minnesota jumps out to an early lead, L.A. will be in an uncomfortable position.

Andre: Rams. Statistically, the Rams have the advantage at quarterback (Jared Goff has more touchdowns, fewer picks and more yards than Case Keenum), running back (in terms of yards per carry), pass rush (Rams are third in sack rate while Vikings are 14th), turnover differential (Rams rank third, Vikings rank 14th) and special teams (Rams lead the league in average drive start).

Ricky: Vikings. Minnesota’s run defense (second in NFL with 3.4 yards allowed per carry) is good enough to contain Todd Gurley, in which case the Rams will face some tough third-and-long situations. Home field plays a big factor here, too, in a matchup of two very similar teams.

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2741744-chris-simms-week-11-nfl-picks
The matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Minnesota Vikings is definitely the game of the week. The real showdown, of course, will be between the explosive Rams offense and the smothering Vikings defense.

Now, one thing that jumps out at me in that showdown is this: As explosive as the Rams offense is, it really hasn't played many great defenses yet. The good ones it has played—like the Jaguars and Seahawks—have stopped Jared Goff and Co.

The L.A. defense, while capable of forcing turnovers and making plays, isn't this dominant defense that shuts down opposing offenses. It certainly isn't on the level of Minnesota's defense. That could be the difference in this game because the Vikings offense has been quite good this year.

By the way, all of this talk of benching Case Keenum for Teddy Bridgewater has to stop. Keenum is playing better than Bridgewater ever has, and it's been nearly two years since Bridgewater was in a game. I don't know what people expect the Vikings to accomplish with a quarterback switch, but there's no need for one.

Minnesota is at home, it has weapons on offense, and I still need to see Goff play a good defense and throw into tight windows before I'll fully believe in the Rams.

Prediction:Vikings 30, Rams 24

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https://nflspinzone.com/2017/11/14/nfl-picks-predictions-2017-week-11/8/
Los Angeles Rams (7-2) at Minnesota Vikings (7-2)
Twice this season, the Minnesota Vikings have faced off against Top-5 passing offenses. In both games, they walked away victorious. While the Los Angeles Rams offense is more than just Jared Goff, the pass is how they’re going to win in Week 11.

The Vikings currently boast the No. 3 run defense, and figure to put it to good use slowing down Todd Gurley. That will force the Rams to rely on their sophomore gunslinger to put points on the board. Although Minnesota hasn’t done a terrific job of keeping the passing yards to a minimum in 2017, they’ve excelled at the “bend but don’t break” approach.

Now we can’t forget about the Vikings offense, which has been a pleasant surprise this year. Case Keenum is getting the job done, although an improved offensive line deserves much of the credit. The Rams boast a solid defense, but it’s far from unbeatable. In the battle of the better defense, Minnesota wins that matchup.

This should be one of the best games of the season. These two teams will be pulling out all of the stops in hopes of getting a leg up in the race for a first-round bye. However, when the dust settles, it’ll be the Vikings who emerge victorious in this NFC showdown.

Prediction: Vikings win 36-33

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https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/week-11-nfl-picks-predictions-205334458.html
2 Los Angeles Rams (7-2) at Minnesota Vikings (7-2), Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox
7a50713eda9a7d9a0880a8ec3af868cd


Who saw this coming before the season, the Rams doing a 180 from the end of the Jeff Fisher regime, the Vikings cruising without their starting quarterback? What the Vikings should worry about, though, is how last week Case Keenum went from unstoppable to a nightmare and back over the course of that game in Washington. The Rams, who had four takeaways and three sacks in Houston last week, can take advantage.

Prediction: Rams, 34-27

=========================================================================================
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...eahawks-patriots-roll-raiders-in-mexico-city/
L.A. Rams (7-2) at Minnesota (7-2)
1 p.m. ET (Fox)
I
f you would've told me before the season that the Rams-Vikings game in Week 11 would involve two 7-2 teams, I would have asked you what drugs were legalized in your state recently and then asked you how often you were doing them.

The Vikings are 7-2 even though Case Keenum is their quarterback and the Rams are 7-2 even though their coach is a Millennial. It defies all reasoning. This entire season has turned into the NFL's version of the Upside Down. By the way, my fiancee just made me binge watch Season 2 of "Stranger Things" and I had planned to drop about 40 more references this week, but I'm not going to use them because I don't want anyone to send me hate mail for spoiling the season. However, I will say that Case Keenum is the Bob of the Vikings offense.

The odd thing about this game is that Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has basically turned it into a game of "Clue" by making the identity of his starting quarterback a total mystery.
Tom Pelissero

✔@TomPelissero


Zimmer says he knows who the starting QB will be. Won’t say publicly before he speaks to everyone else.

What Zimmer doesn't know is that I'm actually good at "Clue" and I think it's going to be Case Keenum in the kitchen with the revolver this week. It's in the kitchen because I think the Rams defense is going to eat him alive on Sunday and it's with the revolver because there's a 90 percent chance Keenum is going to shoot the Vikings offense in the foot with at least one ugly turnover.

If the Rams do pull off the win here, it will bring Sean McVay one step closer to pulling off the greatest coaching feat of all time: Winning coach of the year, Millennial of the year and Sean of the year -- over McDermott and Payton -- all in the same season. That would give him a clean sweep of all the NFL's most important awards, plus the ones I made up. You know what, I bet McVay's also good at "Clue."

The pick: Rams 30-24 over Vikings

=========================================================================================

 
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Akrasian

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I'm not surprised most are taking the Vikings. Both teams are 7-2, the Vikings are a very good team, AND they're playing at home.

Thing is, they're wrong. I expect the Rams to win handily. The Rams have been improving all season, with players learning new systems on both offense and defense (and the coaches learning the players). Goff is basically a rookie, and is improving pretty much weekly. The Rams know Case - and while they like him, that won't prevent the defense from unloading on him.

The Rams playing in week 11 would be 9-0 if they had been this good to start the season.
 

RhodyRams

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Probably around 60% of "experts" picking Minnesota
 

Prime Time

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Selassie I

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It's spelled Viqueens.

Can we all make a mental note of that please! :rant:
 

Legatron4

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The Rams will not lose a shootout. If the Vikings win, it will be something like 20-17. When the offense is clicking, the defense comes out guns blazin. So if we end up scoring 35 points, there’s a good chance it’s a blowout on our end.
 

Merlin

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The Rams will not lose a shootout. If the Vikings win, it will be something like 20-17. When the offense is clicking, the defense comes out guns blazin. So if we end up scoring 35 points, there’s a good chance it’s a blowout on our end.

Yeah I agree with that.

As good and balanced as our team is, I do admit our offense has yet to show they can dominate a game vs a high end defense. Even the Jax game they were befuddled until some special teams big plays. But that's the NFL, where the schedule being overcome by growth by the players on the unit determine who goes all the way.

I have a lot of faith in this offense. They've been playing much better football each game so are they ready to go into a hostile environment against a legit D and smoke them?

As I mentioned before I suspect Minny's defense will fluster them a bit early. But then they'll find out this Rams team doesn't quit. And if somehow the Rams defense starts hot in this game by flipping the field for a few extra possessions, the offense could get rolling early and Minny does not want all that.

But overall I'm not going to get all crazy about this one game. We have four games on the remaining sched vs playoff teams. We don't need to win them all, just two of the four. So I hope we get the first of two here in this game but if not it's all good because I know this roster is going to learn from it and keep growing. The season is NOT decided this Sunday.
 

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Win or lose, I just hope everyone comes out healthy. It's going to be a nasty game. We'll need our stars come January. :cool:
 

fearsomefour

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Rams average the most "big" (over 20 yards) per game....just over 8. The Vikings all the fewest big plays per game, just over 3.
A fierce pass rush and stout D line forces teams into short quick passes, they tackle and contain. The biggest concern is the OL ....C, RG, RT.
I would be running Austin in motion and into deep routes, streaks on almost every pass play. Hold a S and take two defenders out of the play. If the start to ignore Austin with a keeping a S then throw to him. Don't even have to complete it to help hold the S.
Attack the seems with the TE and RBs....tell Austin to bring his track shoes cause he will get in 5 miles on Sunday.
 

Legatron4

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Yeah I agree with that.

As good and balanced as our team is, I do admit our offense has yet to show they can dominate a game vs a high end defense. Even the Jax game they were befuddled until some special teams big plays. But that's the NFL, where the schedule being overcome by growth by the players on the unit determine who goes all the way.

I have a lot of faith in this offense. They've been playing much better football each game so are they ready to go into a hostile environment against a legit D and smoke them?

As I mentioned before I suspect Minny's defense will fluster them a bit early. But then they'll find out this Rams team doesn't quit. And if somehow the Rams defense starts hot in this game by flipping the field for a few extra possessions, the offense could get rolling early and Minny does not want all that.

But overall I'm not going to get all crazy about this one game. We have four games on the remaining sched vs playoff teams. We don't need to win them all, just two of the four. So I hope we get the first of two here in this game but if not it's all good because I know this roster is going to learn from it and keep growing. The season is NOT decided this Sunday.
I would feel the same way if we weren’t facing Case Keenum. I don’t know what it is, but I can’t get myself to believing he’s all of a sudden a good QB. He will falter on Sunday. And our offense will show the world we can score on anyone. After this game is when I don’t mind if we start losing a couple games. Just beat the freaking Vikings.
 

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http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/11/16/pfts-week-11-picks-8/

PFT’s Week 11 picks
Posted by Mike Florio on November 16, 2017

Rams at Vikings

MDS’s take: Jared Goff takes on Case Keenum in a matchup of two quarterbacks who look great this year after looking terrible as teammates with the Rams last year. This game feels like a coin flip to me, but I’ll take the home team.

MDS’s pick: Vikings 23, Rams 20.

Florio’s take: Game of the week. A rematch of some classic playoff contests, between a pair of teams that may be destined to meet again in the elimination round. Minnesota’s defense is the difference-maker, especially at home.

Florio’s pick: Vikings 17, Rams 13.
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Titans at Steelers

MDS’s take: The Steelers have a tendency to play down to the level of their opponents in games against bad teams like the Colts (whom the Steelers barely beat) and the Bears (who beat the Steelers). But against a pretty good team like the Titans, the Steelers will come to play.

MDS’s pick: Steelers 30, Titans 20.

Florio’s take: It’s often a crapshoot when it comes to the Steelers, but they tend to be focused and prepared when playing in prime time, where they’re 31-16 under Mike Tomlin. The twist in this case comes from Titans assistant Dick LeBeau knowing the team’s offense and personnel incredibly well. Under the lights at Heinz Field, that probably won’t be enough to make the difference — as long as the Steelers truly show up.

Florio’s pick: Steelers 27, Titans 23.
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Lions at Bears

MDS’s take: This won’t be an easy game for the Lions, who may struggle to put many points on the board on a cold day in Chicago. But the Lions’ defense should hold Mitchell Trubisky in check well enough to win a close game.

MDS’s pick: Lions 14, Bears 10.

Florio’s take: The Bears are dangerous, especially at home. But the Lions are finding their stride by racking up wins and not taking anyone for granted. They’ll check another box as they move toward a Thanksgiving showdown with the Vikings.

Florio’s pick: Lions 24, Bears 13.
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Jaguars at Browns

MDS’s take: DeShone Kizer had his best game last week in Detroit, but this week against an excellent Jaguars pass defense, he’s going to have a tough time. The Jaguars should win handily.

MDS’s pick: Jaguars 21, Browns 6.

Florio’s take: A pair of franchises mired in years of difficulty are moving in very different directions. And the Jaguars will show Browns fans what the Browns could be if they ever find a way to make good decisions about young players over a period of several years.

Florio’s pick: Jaguars 20, Browns 9.
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Ravens at Packers

MDS’s take: Brett Hundley showed some signs of improvement last week against the Bears, but the Packers are still going to have a tough time putting many points on the board on Sunday, and the Ravens should win a low-scoring game.

MDS’s pick: Ravens 17, Packers 13.

Florio’s take: The Ravens have had two weeks to get ready for a showdown in a place where the Packers suddenly are having a hard time winning games, primarily because they don’t have Aaron Rodgers. Baltimore is capable of a periodically impressive performance, and if one doesn’t happen on Sunday, their chances of getting to the playoffs could sink close to zero.

Florio’s pick: Ravens 24, Packers 20.
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Cardinals at Texans

MDS’s take: In a battle of two teams with backup quarterbacks, I see the Cardinals’ defense forcing Tom Savage into a few turnovers to win an ugly game.

MDS’s pick: Cardinals 16, Texans 13.

Florio’s take: Drew Stanton or Blaine Gabbert will be facing Tom Savage, while Colin Kaepernick continues to wait for a call that may never come. The difference maker will be Adrian Peterson, who will have an easier time finding running lanes than when he faced the Seahawks.

Florio’s pick: Cardinals 23, Texans 17.
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Buccaneers at Dolphins

MDS’s take: This is going to be an ugly game between two ugly offenses. I’ll take Jay Cutler to just slightly outplay Ryan Fitzpatrick.

MDS’s pick: Dolphins 14, Buccaneers 10.

Florio’s take: The Week One game that was delayed due to a hurricane comes at a time when both teams seems to be mired in quicksand. After three straight losses, the Dolphins get a chance to start to turn things around.

Florio’s pick: Dolphins 27, Buccaneers 17.
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Chiefs at Giants

MDS’s take: This is the easiest game on the board to pick. The Giants have quit on Ben McAdoo, and the Chiefs will roll.

MDS’s pick: Chiefs 35, Giants 10.

Florio’s take: Andy Reid rarely loses after the bye, in any year. The Giants in 2017 rarely win.

Florio’s pick: Chiefs 37, Giants 17.
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Redskins at Saints

MDS’s take: The Saints are playing as well as anyone in the NFL right now, and they’ll keep their march to the playoffs going.

MDS’s pick: Saints 30, Redskins 17.

Florio’s take: The Redskins have shown that it can win a big game on the road, and this is a big game on the road. But it may be bigger than what the Redskins can handle, given the dramatic improvement of the Saints, on both sides of the ball.

Florio’s pick: Saints 27, Redskins 23.
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Bills at Chargers

MDS’s take: Nathan Peterman gets his first career start, while the Chargers don’t know who their quarterback will be, as Philip Rivers is in the concussion protocol. That makes this a tough game to pick but I’ll go with the Chargers.

MDS’s pick: Chargers 20, Bills 17.

Florio’s take: Nathan Peterman could eventually become a very good quarterback for the Bills. For now, a baptism by lightning bolt may be too much to handle.

Florio’s pick: Chargers 28, Bills 17.
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Bengals at Broncos

MDS’s take: The Broncos have gone into the tank in recent weeks, but the Bengals’ offense probably won’t put many points on the board in Denver. I’ll pick the home team in a close and low-scoring game.

MDS’s pick: Broncos 14, Bengals 13.

Florio’s take: Two years ago, a late-season showdown between these two teams had a postseason bye on the line. This season, both teams have had their playoff hopes go farewell long ago.

Florio’s pick: Broncos 17, Bengals 12.
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Patriots vs. Raiders

MDS’s take: The altitude of Mexico City will make this game an interesting one in the kicking game, and a 70-yard field goal isn’t out of the question. Look for Tom Brady to complete some deep passes against the Raiders’ secondary and win a high-scoring game.

MDS’s pick: Patriots 35, Raiders 31.

Florio’s take: Whether Massachusetts, California, or Mexico, the Raiders simply aren’t ready to keep pace with the Patriots.

Florio’s pick: Patriots 34, Raiders 20.
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Eagles at Cowboys

MDS’s take: The Cowboys are reeling, and the Eagles coming to town isn’t going to make life any easier.

MDS’s pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 17.

Florio’s take: It’s desperation time for Dallas, and sometimes desperation is the difference. The Cowboys find a higher gear and secure a hard-fought win, delaying (but not preventing) the inevitable clinching of the division by the Eagles.

Florio’s pick: Cowboys 27, Eagles 24.
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Falcons at Seahawks

MDS’s take: The Falcons played one of their best games of the season on Sunday and the Seahawks are struggling with injuries, but I still like Seattle to take this one.

MDS’s pick: Seahawks 20, Falcons 17.

Florio’s take: Russell Wilson’s one-man band continues to find a way to make something close enough to actual music in Seattle.

Florio’s pick: Seahawks 20, Falcons 13.

As is always and predictably the case, Peter King licks Brady's balls and Foolio does likewise with Kraperdick..Evey week he manages to reference "Kraperdick waiting for the call that may not ever come"...
 

Merlin

Enjoying the ride
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I would feel the same way if we weren’t facing Case Keenum. I don’t know what it is, but I can’t get myself to believing he’s all of a sudden a good QB. He will falter on Sunday. And our offense will show the world we can score on anyone. After this game is when I don’t mind if we start losing a couple games. Just beat the freaking Vikings.

Yeah of course that element is important, Keenum vs our defense. What concerns me there is the quality of their OL and pass catchers moreso than Case. And honestly... as happy as I am with our defense I'm still concerned with their play vs the rush and think it's really critical in this game they stuff the Vikes' run game to prevent Case from getting favorable third down/distance situations.

It's a fascinating matchup for us though, no doubt. I'm hoping the offense just flat dominates them, but that might be wishing for too much. So if it's the defense that gets er done, I'm good with that. Either way really excited to see a meaningful game in late November, I mean how long has it been 2001? Just craziness and damn it feels good.