This week marks the midpoint of the 2017 NFL Season for many of 32 teams. There's a slug of teams on bye (6) this week and we have another too damn early London game. This time that game involves my team, the Minnesota Vikings. Poor me. 6:30 in the AM for me. I realize that there are NFL fans all over the world that routinely deal with inconvenient game times but 6:30 on the west coast is an absolutely ridiculous time to start a game. Enough of that, here's some guesses on this week's slate of games.
Byes: Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
Minnesota Vikings "@" Cleveland Browns
Pick: Vikings
The Vikings consulted with sleep experts to prepare for this week's adventure. I wish that I had taken part in those consultations. The Vikings had better not look past this game. Last year's fall from a 5--0 start should be a reminder that no NFL game's a guaranteed win.
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
Pick: 49ers
I'll probably pick the 49ers until they get that first win of the season. No matter the opponent. But this one's a reach. Maybe that's why it'll happen.
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pick: Buccaneers
On paper this game should be a fun one. But. The Panthers have been inconsistent. The Buccaneers have played below expectations. Hopefully both teams will bring their best and we'll get a fun one.
Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints
Pick: Saints
The Saints are surging. The Bears are doing things a little differently. The Saints often throw the ball as many times on a single drive as the Bears have thrown it in the last two games.
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets
Pick: Falcons
The Falcons are too talented to be playing like they are. Perhaps this is the game that snaps them out of their funk.
Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
Pick: Patriots
The Patriots lost linebacker Dont'a Hightower for the season. That's a big blow as he sets the pace for the defense but this team just finds a way. The Chargers have won three straight. I want to pick a fourth but I can't pick against the Patriots at home in this game.
Oakland Raiders @ Buffalo Bills
Pick: Bills
Last week the Raiders finally looked like the Raiders that everyone expected. The Bills have been one of the best surprises of the season and they're tough at home. And I want to see the Raiders string some good games together before I start putting faith in them.
Indianapolis Colts @ Cincinnati Bengals
Pick: Bengals
I'll just go with the home team.
Houston Texans @ Seattle Seahawks
Pick: Seahawks
It should be fun to watch rookie quarterback DeShaun Watson tangle with the Seahawks defense.
Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins
Pick: Redskins
The Cowboys woke up last week. But that was against a winless 49ers team starting a rookie quarterback. Both teams are chasing the soaring Eagles and can't afford another loss.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Detroit Lions
Pick: Steelers
It feels like the Lions have been off for a month. It feels like the Steelers are heating up.
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
Pick: Chiefs
These teams have combined for four straight losses after strong starts. The Chiefs played better in their two losses, have a little more, and are at home.
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