A quarter of the way through the NFL season it’s been very difficult at times to predict. The top four teams in the league last season (Eagles, Patriots, Vikings, Steelers all 13-3) are a combined 6-8-2 at this point. Let’s see what’s in store for the first weekend in October.
Jacksonville Jaguars versus Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs come in as the top team in the AFC at 4-0, while the Jaguars battle Tennessee for honors in the AFC South, at 3-1. The Chiefs are a three-point favorite and have a +30 to +21 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are fairing well on the Team Strength Oscillator, “burning hot” for Kansas City and “burning hot down” for Jacksonville. In a battle of high powered offense versus stingy defense, give the edge to the home team. I take the Chiefs minus the three.
Atlanta Falcons versus Pittsburgh Steelers
Two contenders a year ago are looking anything but at this point in the season. Atlanta comes in at 1-3 and are +5 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Pittsburgh is 1-2-1 and is off to the worst start defensively in several categories in franchise history. They are +19 on the Power Ranking Indicator. Both teams are among the most unstable in the league according to the Team Volatility Oscillator,so betting on the favorite/underdog status is likely not wise in this one. It’s difficult to envision the Steelers losing at home to drop to 1-3-1, but there are so many issues in Pittsburgh, that I am leaning in that direction. In a slight upset, I think the Falcons win the game.
Minnesota Vikings versus Philadelphia Eagles
In a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game, both teams look anything but powerhouses at this point. The Vikings are 1-2-1 and +15 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average” status. The defending Super Bowl champions Eagles are 2-2 and +26 and “average” status. Philadelphia is a three point favorite and home, and there’s no question they’ve been much better at home, particularly defensively. The Eagles have won the last two meetings between the teams and I think they will win again. If this game was in Minnesota, I’d go with the Vikings, but Philadelphia has found ways to win at home. Go with the Eagles minus three.
Denver Broncos versus New York Jets
Denver heads to New York with a chance to move above .500 for the season. The Jets look to avoid a 1-4 start and deep hole in the AFC East. The Jets are a 2.5-point favorite but are just +3 on the Power Ranking Indicator and “dead” on the Team Strength Oscillator. Denver is +21 and “average” on the same oscillators. Denver shutout the Jets, 23-0 last season. Although the Jets are at home, I don’t see much chance for them to win this. Going with the underdog pick, the Broncos win outright.
Green Bay Packers versus Detroit Lions
In this divisional match up, the Packers look to keep pace with the surprising Bears, while the Lions look to avoid a huge 1-4 hole. The Packers are 1.5-point road favorites but have had issues with the Lions, losing both meetings last season. Green Bay has a +15 to +6 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator and “average down” versus “ice cold up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Lions are the most unstable team in the league at this point, which is another reason to lean towards the Packers. Green Bay will win this one, covering the spread easily.
Tennessee Titans versus Buffalo Bills
The Titans continue to play well, winning in overtime against the Eagles to improve to 3-1. Buffalo has a strong win over the Vikings, but that is their only win over the first four games. Tennessee enters a 3.5-point road favorite and hold a +25 to +8 advantage on the Power Ranking Indicator, while both teams are in the “average” range on the Team Strength Oscillator. This is the first meeting between the teams since 2015. Tennessee is on a roll and the Bills wont stop them this week. Take the Titans minus 3.5.
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