Pats going under the radar
The Sunday Night showdown between Tom Brady and the Patriots certainly lived up to the hype with the game coming down to the final minute. It was a profitable contest for those who bow down at the altar of In Bill We Trust.
NFL BET BOX
The contest also continued a run of the Patriots going under the total for the fourth time in as many games. And except for the Saints game, they haven’t even come particularly close.
But how low are you willing to go? So far, the books have the Patriots/Texans total at 39.5 (39s and 40s are out there) after opening at 41.5.
With the offensive line getting thrown through the COVID wringer — David Andrews was the only starter from that unit on the field when the team returned to practice Wednesday — the Pats figure to be putting the game on Mac Jones’ shoulder once again.
Jones played well Sunday, but also made a few glaring miscues that the Bucs did not capitalize on, most notably Devin White dropping a pass in the red zone in the fourth quarter that ultimately ended with the Pats taking a 17-16 lead on a Nick Folk field goal.
It’s hard to see the Texans putting too many points on the board. Houston has 302 yards and nine points in two games with Davis Mills filling in at quarterback.
Low just may be the way to go once again.
Patriots (-8.5) at Houston — At 1-3 the Patriots have their backs up against the wall with a shell of an offensive line to help push them away from it. It’s a good thing they are playing hapless Houston this week. Patriots, 24-10. L.A. Rams (-2.5) at Seattle —
Quite the letdown from the Rams on Sunday, but they’ve been the better team over the first month. Rams, 27-24.
N.Y. Jets at Atlanta (-3) — Signs of life from Gang Green. Defense keeping the Titans to three field goals in the first half gave the Jets a chance later in the game. Falcons, 24-23.
Miami at Tampa Bay (-10) — The Tom Brady revenge tour has Jacoby Brissett in its sights. Buccaneers, 31-14.
Philadelphia at Carolina (-3.5) — The Eagles are just happy they don’t have to go up against Tyreek Hill (11 catches on 12 targets for 186 yards and 3 TDs) this week. Eagles, 31-28.
New Orleans (-2.5) at Washington — Has the makings of whoever has the ball last is going to be in position to win the game. Saints, 34-28.
Tennessee (-4.5) at Jacksonville — What will we remember from the Jags’ best effort of the season? Urban Meyer staying behind to hang out with OSU co-eds. O-H! Titans, 28-17.
Detroit at Minnesota (-8.5) — The Vikings are 1-3 and know they need to have this one and the Lions are doing everything in their power to remain winless. It’s very hard to have three drives inside the opponent’s 10yard line and come away with zero points. Vikings, 3421.
Denver at Pittsburgh (-1.5) — The only way I’d consider playing this game is with the under (39.5), and give an edge to the Steelers assuming Teddy Bridgewater does not play because of a concussion. Steelers, 17-13.
Green Bay (-3) at Cincinnati — The Week 1 disaster seems like a distant memory for the Packers. Packers, 3024.
Chicago at Las Vegas (-5.5) — Bounce-back performance coming up for the Raiders. The Bears win Sunday was more about the Lions self-destructing than anything else. Raiders, 28-17.
Cleveland at L.A. Chargers (-1.5) — Opened at a pick, swung to the Browns, swung back to the Chargers following Monday’s impressive showing. Browns, 27-24.
N.Y. Giants at Dallas (-7) — How about them Cowboys?! It’s early, but they look like a legitimate contender at the moment. Cowboys, 31-17.
San Francisco at Arizona (-5.5) — Questions at QB for the 49ers while the Cardinals are flying high as the last unbeaten team in the league. Cardinals, 31-20.
Buffalo at Kansas City (-3) — The Bills defense manages to do just enough to slow Patrick Mahomes down at times, while the Chiefs defense gets overrun by Josh Allen. Bills, 34-28.
Indianapolis at Baltimore (-7) — The Ravens should not require late-game shenanigans this week to extend their streak of rushing for at least 100 yards as the Colts average 114 rushing yards allowed a game — and that’s with holding the Dolphins to 35 yards on Sunday. Ravens, 27-17.
It appears a new lamb has arrived on the survivor pool scene, the Houston Texans. With Davis Mills in the QB1 role, the Texans have scored nine points in two games. While the Patriots will be a popular pick, I’m taking Minnesota hosting toothless Detroit in a survivor pick. (Rams, Bucs, Broncos and Bills have been used so far.)
Important to note that the paths get a bit narrower following this week with bye weeks beginning in Week 6. LAST WEEK: 8-8-0 (.500)
SEASON: 28-36-0 (.438)