Much like the New Orleans Saints, I didn’t have the start to Week 13 that I wanted. And, frankly, just like the Saints, I can blame the Saints — for being very un-Saints like. As usual for Thursday Night Football games, I tossed out my pick on Facebook and Twitter. In my gut, I really kind of felt like the Dallas Cowboys would get them. My brain overruled it and now I’m stuck here with this stupid brain and an 0-1 start to the week. With the byes over, I have a full slate of games to get back in business. Here are the rest of your Friday Afternoon Quarterback NFL selections.
I like the Saints tonight and the spread. Saints 27, Cowboys 20. #NOvsDAL
— Adam Greene (@TheFirstMan) November 29, 2018
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (+4, O/U: 46.5)
Here it is, the quarterback duel we’ve all been waiting for — Cody Kessler vs. Andrew Luck. The only way this quarterback matchup could be more lopsided is if the Jags stayed with Blake Bortles. Colts 24, Jaguars 9
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3, O/U: 54)
Nothing can end a losing streak faster than a matchup with Dirk Koetter and Jameis Winston. Panthers 27, Buccaneers 24
Related: NFL Betting Guide | Week 13 Odds
Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans (-5.5, O/U: 47)
If Week 13 is anything like Week 12, the Browns will be the team that stops the Texans eight-game win streak. I wouldn’t be shocked, but I don’t have the guts to pick it. Texans 31, Browns 20
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (-3.5, O/U: 40.5)
Ryan Tannehill returned last week for the Dolphins and nearly pulled off the upset of the Colts on the road. Meanwhile, Josh Allen did that thing he does where he doesn’t look like a bust for a week, before turning right back into one the following Sunday. Dolphins 30, Bills 13
Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons (-1.5, O/U: 48)
If Dan Quinn loses to a team running this NCAA Division II offense, he should be fired after the final whistle. Of course, I’ve said Quinn should be fired after the final whistle for the last three weeks. Falcons 23, Ravens 17
Chicago Bears at New York Giants (+4, O/U: 44.5)
It looks like Chase Daniel is getting his fourth NFL start this week against a Giants team way better than its record. Eli Manning, let’s hope Tom Coughlin and Jason Licht are watching. Giants 26, Bears 24
Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (+5, O/U: 44.5)
Here’s a fun fact for you. The Bengals haven’t won a single game since they let Hue Jackson back into the building. Last week it was floated out that Mike Brown might hire Jackson as Cincy’s next head coach when Marvin Lewis decides to step away for good. Neither of those statements are jokes, but the Bengals organization sure is. Broncos 20, Bengals 13
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions (+9.5, O/U: 54.5)
There you go, Rams. You’re back in control for NFC homefield. Now don’t let Matt Patricia and the Lions mess it up for you and, and by you, I mean me. Rams 34, Lions 20
Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers (-13.5, O/U: 44)
There have been horrific coaching jobs in the league in recent years, but Steve Wilks’ opening season with Arizona is one of the all-time worst. It’s not often that Mike McCarthy is the most competent coach on the field. In fact, it’s akin to a Haley’s Comet sighting. Packers 28, Cardinals 10
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders (+14.5, O/U: 55)
Jon Gruden and Andy Reid used to be on the same coaching staff back in Green Bay 20 years ago. As of right now, they shouldn’t even be on the same field. Chiefs 42, Raiders 13
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans (-8, O/U: 40.5)
This is a tough one. Josh McCown is likely still starting for the Jets, but the Titans are still coached by Mike Vrabel. It’s a tough call and those eight points are terrifying. Titans 20, Jets 13
Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots (-5, O/U: 49)
If this game was in Minnesota, I’d go with the Vikings, but Bill Belichick’s ironclad deal with the devil is always at its strongest in Foxborough. Patriots 27, Vikings 26
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (-10, O/U: 46)
The Nick Mullens bandwagon emptied faster than a free showing of the new Robin Hood. Seahawks 34, 49ers 10
Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5, O/U: 51.5)
For a team with a roster as old as the Steelers’, they really need to be fighting for that first round playoff bye. The Chargers are good, but this is a cold night game for a SoCal team more used to dodging frisbees than snowballs. Steelers 31, Chargers 27
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-6, O/U: 45.5)
It’s time to put the Redskins, and Jay Gruden’s head coaching career, out of its misery. Eagles 31, Redskins 19
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 10-5
Against the spread: 6-9
Season
Straight up: 102-72-2
Against the spread: 86-90
