What Bill Belichick has done to start this season 3-0 is nothing short of amazing.
In Week 1, he beat a Super Bowl contender on the road, without his starting QB, superstar tight end and starting left tackle.
In Week 2, he manhandled a division rival while losing his QB in the first half.
Now in Week 3, he prepared a rookie QB to make his first career start with just three days of practice time with the first-stringers and defeated a team that will likely win its division.
Belichick already has one hell of a legacy, but he is proving to everyone yet again that he’s not just one of the best, but THE BEST coach in NFL history. Sorry, Vince Lombardi, you’ve lost that title to the man in the sleeveless hoodie.
The lines are from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
Houston (even) over NEW ENGLAND
Jacoby Brissett didn’t have to do much, throwing for just 103 yards, because the Texans basically gave this one away. The Pats won this on defence and special teams – Belichick’s forte.
CINCINNATI -3 over Denver
The Broncos look like a real contender again, but the Bengals are a strong team and home-field advantage is always good to have in big games.
Oakland +1.5 over TENNESSEE
The Titans might have gotten a little lucky that the Lions couldn’t capitalize on a couple of drives last week. The Raiders, who have the league’s top offence and worst defence, have to see their numbers even out a bit, but it’s more likely the D starts pulling its weight a bit more than the offence drops off.
Arizona -4 over BUFFALO
The Bills are a team in turmoil that lacks an identity other than “trainwreck.†The Cards shouldn’t have a problem travelling east and playing early when their opponent is a pushover.
JACKSONVILLE +1 over Baltimore
While the Jags have disappointed after an off-season’s worth of hype, we have to give this supposedly talented squad at least one more shot.
Cleveland +9.5 over MIAMI
Don’t get me wrong, the Dolphins are my suicide pool pick this week and will win, but the Browns can likely keep it close against a very average Miami squad.
Washington +4.5 over NEW YORK GIANTS
There are a ton of red flags being thrown up in Washington, but in a division rivalry game it’s tough to give more than three points. Also, get ready for another week of “Why didn’t Josh Norman cover an elite receiver†if he ducks Odell Beckham on even one play.
Detroit +7.5 over GREEN BAY
The Lions always lose in Green Bay. That’s a fact. But Detroit has been looking good while the Aaron Rodgers is in a concerning, prolonged slump. Should be enough for a Lions cover.
Minnesota +7 over CAROLINA
The Vikings defence is for real. It actually might not matter that much that Adrian Peterson is out in this one, as with a line this big Minnesota’s D should keep it close at least. And it’s not like AP was doing that well this season, anyway.
San Francisco +9.5 over SEATTLE
The Seahawks never start the season out well, it seems.
TAMPA BAY -5.5 over Los Angeles
Let’s not read too much into the Rams’ game against the Seahawks – they always play Seattle really tough. But travelling cross-country to face a team eager to shake off a big loss is too much for L.A.
Pittsburgh -3.5 over PHILADELPHIA
Carson Wentz has been fantastic, but this entire Steelers team has been, too. The Eagles have played two of the league’s worst teams to get to 2-0 and are about to get a rude awakening by facing a contender.
KANSAS CITY -3 over New York Jets
The Jets have had a couple of extra days after their win in Buffalo, but the Chiefs are a great home team and should come out of this one with a win.
San Diego +2.5 over INDIANAPOLIS
Let’s face it: The Colts might not be good. Their defence is awful, their line can’t block and the whole offence is on Andrew Luck’s shoulders. This is a late kickoff, too, so you don’t need to worry about the Chargers’ potential jetlag.
Chicago +7 over DALLAS
Jay Cutler may be out and the Bears may have looked pretty terrible so far, but this is way too many points for the Cowboys to be spotting.
NEW ORLEANS -3 over Atlanta
A good ol’ rivalry game between two offences with a lot of potential. We’re a bit higher on the Saints, surprisingly, as the Falcons defence may actually be one of the league’s worst.
Last week: 8-7
Season: 20-11