PIGSKIN PICKS

We found out last week that some teams are not contenders but pretenders in the NFL. You can add the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears and likely the Dallas Cowboys to the disappointing list. Let’s take a closer look at this weekend’s games.

New Orleans Saints (4-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) – Saints back-up QB Teddy Bridgewater has been sharp of late, four TDs last week, and he’s on the road against a good Jacksonville team. I’m staying with the Saints by a field goal.

Seattle Seahawks (4-1) at Cleveland Browns (2-3) – The Browns were manhandled in a sad 31-3 Monday night loss to San Francisco. The Seahawks aren’t that great, but with star QB Russell Wilson they’ll be a road upset special.

San Francisco 49ers (4-0) at L.A. Rams (3-2) – The 49ers rushed for 250 yards against Cleveland and versus a so-so Rams’ run defence, it could be more of the same. San Fran QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been getting better and better. This is another road team winner.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-5) at Baltimore Ravens (3-2) – These are two not very strong clubs, so the edge goes to the home team, which is on top of a terrible division. Besides, I wouldn’t bet the Bengals with Confederate money.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at Minnesota Vikings (3-2) – Two legitimate Super Bowltype contenders and the Eagles are three-point road underdogs. I like Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, who will play a ball-possession-type game and will do enough to win a nail-biter.