Thursday Night Football is usually the ire of football fans, but this week is much different.
The Philadelphia Eagles travel to Carolina to take on the Cam Newton and the Panthers. Both teams sport a 4-1 record and both have come off impressive victories the week before. On a short week, who will win in this NFC matchup? Also, see why our panel believes the Steelers will go into Arrowhead Stadium and beat the undefeated Chiefs.
Jason Romano: Eagles 30 – Panthers 27 – Philadelphia is for real and will showcase their ascent to the top of the NFC in primetime on Thursday Night. I like Zach Ertz to play a big role in the Eagles win.
UPSET: Steelers 24 – Chiefs 21 – The Steelers played awful in a home loss to the Jaguars and looked like a defeated team. But, Mike Tomlin won’t let his guys get blown out two weeks in a row. The Chiefs on a short week, will struggle to get their offense going and I think Big Ben rebounds and plays well.
Justin Adams: Panthers 27 – Eagles 24 – Philadelphia has the sixth highest scoring offense in the league, but they will face a Carolina defense that’s only giving up 18 points per game. Give me a stingy Panthers defense to hold off the upstart Eagles under the primetime lights.
UPSET: Rams 17 – Jaguars 16 – In this battle between two teams with impressive defenses, give me the Rams who have the better quarterback in Jared Goff. Leonard Fournette will have a tough day on the ground with Aaron Donald leading the Rams defensive line.
Jon Ackerman: Panthers 31 – Eagles 28 – Cam Newton is coming off two consecutive 300-yard, three-touchdown games, and facing an Eagles defense ranking 28th in the NFL against the pass. He’ll beat the Eagles through the air.
UPSET: Steelers 27 – Chiefs 20 – The Steelers need a big win badly. They seem to respond when folks start counting them out. Now is that time.
Last week’s picks:
Jason: Lions 27 – Panthers 20
Justin: Lions 20 – Panthers 17
Jon: Lions 27 – Panthers 20
Actual Result: Carolina Panthers 27 – Detroit Lions 24
Season Record: (Upsets Record in Parentheses)
Jason: 3-2 (1-3)
Justin: 4-1 (2-2)
Jon: 3-2 (1-3)