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Washington Commanders (4-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-2)

CBS

Bear Sports Game of the Week

Bear Sports News Pick: Commanders +7

Jayden Daniels has been playing exceptionally well this season in his rookie campaign, with 8 total touchdowns with 4 passing and 4 rushing. Daniels so far has rushed for 300 yards exactly and thrown for 1135 yards with 2 interceptions. Daniels will more then likely get the opportunity for more rushes as Brian Robinson Jr is OUT with a knee injury for the Week 6 matchup against the Ravens. Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols will get the back load for Robinson. Terry Mclaurin will look to stay open for Daniels as he has been his go-to man so far this season with Terry leading the Commanders with 23 receptions, 305 yds and 2 TD’s. The Commanders have been striving on their exceptional rushing so far this season but the Ravens rank 1st in the league for rushing yards allowed per game, so that will force Daniels to throw more then he has so far in a game in his young NFL career. Daniels has been exceptionally accurate in the air though, averaging a 77.1% completion rating which is number 1 in the league currently (Min 2 passes thrown). Vegas has the Commanders at a +7 and i think that’s just free money especially for a team like the Commanders and a QB as accurate as Daniels. Look for Daniels to excel in his first major test in the NFL.

Now the Ravens on paper look insanely scary and for right reason. Derrick Henry is currently averaging 124 rushing yards per game with 7 TD’s on the season which leads the NFL and 574 rushing yards on the season which is second in the league. Lamar Jackson had a huge Week 5 game with 4 passing touchdowns, no interceptions and 348 passing yards. Jackson and the Ravens will look to ride the fire from the win last weekend over the Bengals into this weekend at home. Zay Flowers is also going to be highly motivated to find the endzone today as he couldn’t find the endzone last weekend after his 120 yard performance. Mark Andrews who had two straight weeks with no receptions, finally was able to connect on 4 targets for 55 yards but is still looking for the touchdown. This game is going to be one to watch, now if only CBS budged and allowed for this game to be on primetime Sunday Night.

Arizona Cardinals (2-3) @ Green Bay Packers (3-2)

Bear Sports News Pick: Cardinals +5.5

FOX

The Arizona Cardinals are coming off a impressive win over the Niners last weekend in a 24-23 victory with Kyler Murray leading the charge with 195 passing yards, 2 total touchdowns, 1 in the air and 1 on the ground with 89 rushing yards and a single interception. Murray has been playing like him old self. James Conner has also been playing stellar football with 379 rushing yards on the season already with 3 touchdowns. Conner and Murray have helped lead the Cardinals into a Top 5 rushing unit in the NFL. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr has 17 receptions this season which ranks third on the Cardinals but he leads all receivers in yards already with 279. Trey Mcbride the Tight-End for the Cardinals does lead the Cardinals in receptions though being the guy that Murray can turn to in a quick situation and gain that first down or necessary yardage needed. The Cardinals are coming off the momentum of a win in San Francisco which is why i think they can cover the spread here today.

Jordan Love since his return back from injury, hasn’t necessarily been playing bad but he has thrown 4 interceptions already in 2 games back from injury. Which against a team like the Cardinals who average 1.4 takeaways per game, Jordan Love will need to stay as accurate as possible with his receivers and don’t throw a interception, now i know that’s easier said then done but this game can easily get out of hand if Love can’t get a handle on those interceptions. Now Jayden Reed can help today with his insane capability of being a receiving back, that can essentially line up in the RB position if needed, and go run a route. He has 524 total yards already this season with 3 TD’s and 21 receptions, so his versatility as a running back will be extremely helpful today as rain is forecasted today in Green Bay. Josh Jacobs will also get the ball a very good amount today with the weather in play, Jacobs has over 450 yards on the season with only a single touchdown, look for him to have a big day today.

Houston Texans (4-1) @ New England Patriots (1-4)

Bear Sports News Pick: Texans ML or Under 41.5

CBS

The game marks a significant debut for Drake Maye, the Patriots’ first-round draft pick, who steps in as the starting quarterback. Maye faces a formidable challenge against a Texans defense known for its aggressive quarterback pressures. His performance against this backdrop will be crucial, especially given the Patriots’ recent offensive struggles.

With C.J. Stroud at the helm, the Texans have shown capability in moving the ball, particularly through the air. However, their ground game has been less impressive, ranking towards the lower end of the league. This might push them towards a more pass-heavy approach, especially if they can exploit the Patriots’ league-worst passing defense.

Both teams have defensive strategies to watch. The Texans’ defense, particularly their ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, could set the tone early. Conversely, the Patriots will look to their defensive line to contain Stroud and possibly force turnovers, an area where they’ve historically been effective.

For the Texans, a win here could set them on track for their best start in franchise history, adding pressure but also motivation. For the Patriots, this game is about breaking their losing streak and seeing if Maye can be the spark they need offensively.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) @ New Orleans Saints (2-3)

Bear Sports News Pick: Bucs Alt Spread +2.5

FOX

This matchup is not just another game; it’s a crucial NFC South divisional clash. Both teams are looking to solidify their standing in the division, with the Buccaneers aiming to maintain or build on their lead, while the Saints are looking to challenge for the top spot or at least keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Buccaneers, with Baker Mayfield at the helm, have shown an ability to move the ball through the air, but their ground game has been less consistent. This could play into the hands of the Saints’ defense, which, despite its overall ranking, has moments of brilliance, particularly against the run. Conversely, if Mayfield can find his rhythm with receivers like Mike Evans or Chris Godwin, it could spell trouble for New Orleans.

The Saints’ defense, especially if they can pressure Mayfield, might force him into mistakes. However, the Buccaneers’ defense has been known for creating turnovers, which could disrupt the Saints’ offense, led by a quarterback who might be under scrutiny or in a proving phase.

• Baker Mayfield needs to avoid turnovers and leverage his mobility, which has been a factor in the Buccaneers’ offensive strategy. His performance today could be pivotal if he can lead drives downfield.
• Alvin Kamara for the Saints remains a dual-threat out of the backfield, capable of changing the game’s momentum with his receiving or rushing abilities. The Bucs will need to contain him to keep the game manageable.

This game could very well be decided by a few key plays or moments. The Buccaneers might have a slight edge with their offensive capabilities if they can get ahead early, but the Saints, with their home advantage and a defense that’s been known to step up in big games, are far from outmatched. Watch out for how both teams manage the game’s tempo, handle pressure, and capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes.

Cleveland Browns (1-4) @ Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

Bear Sports News Pick: Eagles -8.5

FOX

Coming off a bye week, the Eagles have the advantage of being relatively healthy, with key players like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Lane Johnson back in action. This could spell trouble for the Browns’ defense, especially given the Eagles’ potential for explosive plays on offense. The expectation is high for Philadelphia to leverage their offensive depth against a Browns team that’s struggled on both sides of the ball.

Cleveland enters the game with a 1-4 record, facing significant challenges, particularly with quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has been under pressure all season, evidenced by leading the league in sacks taken. The Browns’ offense has been inconsistent, often failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities, which could be a critical factor against an Eagles defense looking to prove themselves.

The game could hinge on defensive performances. The Eagles’ defense needs to capitalize on the Browns’ offensive line troubles, aiming to disrupt Watson and perhaps become the first team to really dominate in terms of sacks this season against Cleveland. Conversely, if the Browns can limit the damage from Philadelphia’s passing game, they might keep the game competitive.

Now this matchup, I’ve had circled on my calendar for quite some time now for two major reasons and we will break those down below.

• Myles Garrett vs. Lane Johnson: This individual matchup could define how much pressure the Browns can apply to Jalen Hurts. If Johnson can keep Garrett at bay, it significantly improves the Eagles’ chances.
• Amari Cooper vs. Darius Slay: If Cooper can outperform Slay or any cornerback covering him, it might open up the Browns’ offense. His performance could be pivotal for any offensive success Cleveland hopes for.

While many are predicting a comfortable win for the Eagles, the game’s outcome could still surprise. If the Browns manage to protect Watson better than expected and their defense forces turnovers, they could make it a closer contest. However, given the current form and the narrative around both teams, the Eagles are favored to win, potentially covering a significant spread if they execute as hoped coming off the bye week.

Indianapolis Colts (2-3) @ Tennessee Titans (1-3)

Bear Sports News Pick: Under 43

CBS

*preview was written before the news of Flacco starting*

The Titans have shown a robust defense, particularly against the pass, which could pose problems for Richardson if he plays, known for his mobility more than his passing accuracy this season. Conversely, the Colts’ defense has been less than stellar against the run, which might play into the hands of the Titans if they can establish a ground game, potentially with their new running back dynamics.

Both teams have had to manage without key players due to injuries, but the return of players like Jeffery Simmons for the Titans could significantly bolster their defensive front. For the Colts, any players returning from injury could either stabilize or disrupt their game plan, particularly if they’re on the offensive line or in key defensive positions.

This game isn’t just about records; it’s about divisional bragging rights. The AFC South is tight, and every game, especially within the division, carries extra weight. The Titans, looking to avoid an early season slump, will aim for a statement win at home, while the Colts, having had a recent win against the Titans, will want to capitalize on their opponent’s vulnerabilities.