Much like Del, Doc Brown had a tough time with this week’s picks. You have two rookies getting starts this week — Teddy Bilgewater Bridgewater and Blake Bortles — and a new QB likely to start for Tennessee. That makes it three tough calls out of 13 games.
Many other games are tough calls as well now that the sportsbooks have a better handle on things and can produce closer point spreads. Still, Doc has waded through it all and has made his picks below.
(ATS = Against the Spread, SU = Straight Up)
The only game the Doc felt like locking was the Houston Texans covering the 3-point spread against Buffalo. The Bills fell back to earth last week with a home loss to the Chargers. They have some good skill players and good offensive and defensive lines, but the Texans also have a strong defensive line. Ryan Fitzpatrick is motivated to beat his former team and will be able to do so by a larger margin than 3 points.
A few other comments: The Doc is going with both rookie QBs. Bortles looks like he can move the Jags offense somewhat — likely enough to get them 14 points — which should be enough with the spread. Bilgewater should give the Vikings enough of a chance against the Falcons to stay close. He should be better than Matt Cassel was the last few weeks.
Ultimately, the Doc is thinking there will be several close games, which is why he has so many underdogs. Blowouts will kill his picks.
