Seahawks Will Beat Eagles, Raiders Will Top Texans

Fikkle Fame’s NFL Predictions for November 17-21, 2016

It seems like no one wants to take control of the NFC Central Division. After opening the season 5-0, the Minnesota Vikings have lost their last four games. The Green Bay Packers have lost three in a row and are 4-5. The Chicago Bears were blown out by Tampa Bay 36-10 last Sunday and are 2-7 this season. The Detroit Lions, who were on their bye week last week, are actually the only ones showing signs of life. The Lions have won four of their last five after a 1-4 start and are tied for 1st with the Vikings at 5-4. This could be one of those years where a 9-7 record wins the divison.

Game of Thursday November 17th

New Orleans (4-5) at Carolina (3-6). Panthers favored by 3. A prime time matchup of two good quarterbacks in Drew Brees and Cam Newton. After winning two straight, the Panthers suffered a setback last week, losing to a very good Kansas City Chiefs team 20-13. Nonetheless, they appear to be getting back on track, though their chances of a playoff berth remain slim. If the Panthers once daunting defense comes through and stops the prolific Saints offense, Carolina should win. Panthers 31 Saints 28.

Games of Sunday November 20th

Tennessee (5-5) at Indianapolis (4-5). Colts favored by 3. Indy beat the Titans in Nashville last month, but after Tennessee’s strong performance against Green Bay last week, we think they can pull off the upset on the road. Besides, in their last seven games the Colts have alternated wins and losses, and this week they are due for a loss. Titans 31 Colts 30.

Baltimore (5-4) at Dallas (8-1). Cowboys favored by 7. A matchup of two division leaders, the Cowboys are playing the best football in the NFL right now, and Dak Prescott will remain at quarterback with Tony Romo backing him up. Why tamper with success? Cowboys 24 Ravens 13.

Chicago (2-7) at New York Giants (6-3).  Giants favored by 7. As if there wasn’t enough gloom amongst Bears fans, now wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, one of the team’s best players, is out with a four game suspension for PED use. The Giants will win their fifth straight. Giants 31 Bears 16.

Jacksonville (2-7) at Detroit (5-4). Lions favored by 7. The Lions are very good at home and should easily handle the Jaguars. Lions 27 Jaguars 14.

Arizona (4-4-1) at Minnesota (5-4). Pick ‘em. The Vikings have lost four straight, three of which were on the road, and are much better at home. They also released kicker Blair Walsh, who missed a total of eight scoring kicks (combined field goals and extra points) in nine games this season. Minnesota will win by a field goal. Vikings 23 Cardinals 20.

Pittsburgh (4-5) at Cleveland (0-10). Steelers favored by 9. Pittsburgh has lost four in a row and at least on the surface, this game is coming at the right time. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 19-2 against the Browns in his career. We think Pittsburgh will get back on the winning track and will be tied with the Ravens for first place in the AFC North if Baltimore loses at Dallas. Steelers 34 Browns 10.

Buffalo (4-5) at Cincinnati (3-5-1). Bengals favored by 4. This is a tough one to pick. We expected the Bengals to be better than they’ve been so far, while Buffalo is about where they always are. The Bills have a three game losing streak, but they can beat anyone when they are on top of their game, which hasn’t been often enough to make a playoff run in recent years. Bills 24 Bengals 21.

Tampa Bay (4-5) at Kansas City (7-2). Chiefs favored by 7 ½. The Buccaneers are competitive this season by the Chiefs are an excellent team that has won five in a row. They’ll win # 6 at Arrowhead Stadium. Chiefs 31 Bucanneers 19.

Miami (5-4) at Los Angeles (4-5). Dolphins favored by 1 ½. The Rams will finally give QB Jared Goff, the #1 overall pick in the draft, a start. Miami will still win. Dolphins 20 Rams 17.

New England (7-2) at San Francisco (1-8). Patriots favored by 14. After losing to the Seahawks last week,  the Patriots will easily crush the hapless 49ers as the large (by NFL standards ) point spread indicates. Patriots 41 49ers 17.

Philadelphia (5-4) at Seattle (6-2-1). Seahawks favored by 6. Both teams are coming off wins against good competition. The Eagles beat the Falcons at home, while the Seahawks won at New England. Seattle is very good at home, and gets the nod here. Seahawks 24 Eagles 17.

Green Bay (4-5) at Washington (5-3-1). Redskins favored by 2 ½. Whatever the Packers have been doing the last few years is no longer working. Some are blaming QB Aaron Rodgers. Well, Aaron Rodgers did not give up 47 points and 467 yards of offense to the Titans in last week’s 47-25 loss at Tennessee. Redskins 34 Packers 31.

Game of Monday November 21st.

Houston (6-3) at Oakland (7-2). Raiders favored by 6. Good matchup here between the AFC South leading Texans and the Raiders, the co leaders of the AFC West. Raiders will keep pace with the Chiefs. Raiders 27 Texans 17.

Bye week: Atlanta, Denver, New York Jets, San Diego