NFL FOOTBALL PICKS ATS - FREE WEEKLY EXPERT PREDICTIONS

We still gotta give Rodgers and Green Bay the edge in the quarterback match-up, but San Francisco owns the much better defense. The 49ers stop unit ranks No. 2 in the League, holding foes to just 253 yards per game, while the Packers D ranks 28^th, giving up 385 YPG. That's 30 YPG worse than last year, and Green Bay's defense stunk last year! We're siding with San Francisco here. 

Even if you don't take recent history too much to heart, Indy in this spot getting points might be the superior overall betting value. I think Houston's defense having depreciated will cost them here, as will the state of their substandard O-line. Whether it's the understated balance Indy has on defense or how well their aerial attack thrives against the Houston secondary, there are specific matchup quirks within this pairing that point to Indy getting points being a sound move. I'll take the Colts.

Granted, the Chargers seem to be at their most dangerous when you're expecting them to fall on their faces. With this being in the high-altitude setting of Mexico City, it just adds another layer of funkiness to the equation. And there could be some big offensive production against a Chiefs' defense that has shown itself not to be ready for primetime. I suspect, however, that we will see a Chiefs' offense starting to resemble the terror of not too long ago—to enough of an extent where the Chiefs get out of Estadio Azteca with the win and cover.

This game stands a good chance of becoming a grinder. New England's offense is really only average at the moment, while Philly's offense is missing some key people. Meanwhile, these are two top-eight defenses. So 3.5 points could come in really handy. We're taking those points with the Eagles.

The part of this matchup that stands out most could be the Steelers’ defense. They have played a huge role in getting this thing turned around, which seemed so unlikely several weeks back. After scrapping and toiling so hard to right the ship, now is a weird time to relinquish their grip. The Steelers’ offensive output is a concern here, but I see some big plays manifesting on the other side of the ball, as the Steelers emerge from FirstEnergy Stadium with the big cover.

This isn't about the 49ers not being tested or being overrated. It's not about the Seahawks having a tougher road to this spot or that they've overcome more. There might be some matchup components on both sides of the ball that could shake out well for Seattle. I see this as being a competitive game where picking a winner isn't very easy. In cases like that, I'm inclined to take the points. I'll take the Seahawks.

These two teams are very evenly matched, and this game could easily come down to a late field goal, one way or the other. And in cases like this, we like the dog and the extra field goal. Also, we expect a bounce-back performance after the loss last week by Minnesota, while Dallas is playing on a short week, after winning Monday night. We're taking the Vikings and the points here.

I think this one comes down to dependability and expectations. Betting on the Chargers the last two weeks is the best time to play them—when expectations are low, and they are in a position to overperform, preferably against favored opposition. Some of that might apply here, but the Raiders are at home and typically get more out of what they have. I see this as being a spot for a potential Chargers’ letdown. I’m taking the Silver and Black.

The prospects of facing a rested Dallas team that appeared to shake off its funk with a 27-point win over Philly might elicit some fear from a potential Giants backer. And it should. I think that while the Giants fall short of a winning team at this point, things have maybe started to turn in the right direction for them. And until we see different, they will be a team that can spring a surprise here and there, while being resilient enough in spots like this to cover some spreads. With the Giants' defense making more plays, being at home, and playing a little more-stout overall, I see their offense doing enough to keep pace with the Cowboys on MNF.

Philadelphia seems rejuvenated after last week's win in Buffalo, while Chicago must be down after last week's excruciating loss. But the NFL can be a strange place and attempts to psychoanalyze teams often prove futile. Ultimately we view these two teams as very equal, neither great nor bad, and very susceptible to the weekly ups-and-downs most NFL teams experience. That's why we're betting the Bears here, plus the points.

I don’t question that Miami is showing more life or that this isn’t a spot where they can thrive against a Steelers’ team that is compromised. Plus, this Steelers team, as large favorites, leaves something to be desired. There just seem to be some matchup areas where it’s going to be hard for Miami to negotiate. Against a Steelers’ defense that has gotten its act together the last few weeks, I see their stiffness and big-play ability being enough to turn this one in their favor. I see the Steelers seizing on some mistakes and getting out of this one with the win and the cover.