(2 Picks)
FOLLOW THE UNIT INSTRUCTIONS.
1:00PM EST: Vikings -1 (3 Units)
The same thing has plagued the Chargers for years now and it's the defense. They gave up 36 points to the Dolphins in week 1 and then 27 points to the Titans week 2. They currently rank dead last in total defense. They're allowing 333 passing yards per game, last in the NFL. Joey Bosa's still dealing with an injury too and playing on a snap count.
The Vikings passing attack has been stellar. Kirk's completed 72.7% of his passes for 708 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Tua is the only QB to throw for more through the first two games and it's because he threw for 466 against these Chargers.
Kirk's also done that against Tampa Bay and Philly. Two respectable defenses. They could have beaten Philly in Philly last week too. Justin Jefferson fumbled through the end zone down 10-7 with 34 seconds left in the first half resulting in a touchback. Philly moved the ball up and kicked a 61 yard FG to take a 13-7 lead into halftime. Then the first drive out of half ends in a sack fumble the gives Philly an easy TD. Just like that it was 20-7. It was a competitive game that the Vikings were in control of before that touchback. Then it spiraled. They lost 34-28.
The Chargers offense is plenty talented but they'll be without Austin Ekeler today. It's a huge loss and completely changes what LA can do on that side of the ball. The Vikings defense hasn't been awful, they're certainly better than they were a season ago but that's not saying a whole lot. Playing at Home will help.
1:00PM EST: Commanders +5.5 (3 Units)
A lot of points for a good Commanders team at Home. Washington had a nice come from behind win in Denver last week, scoring 35 points in the process. Never easy going into Mile High. Their defense hasn't clicked on all cylinders just yet but they will. Washington was a top 10 defense last season and Jack Del Rio is still calling plays.
Their defensive line is loaded and Chase Young finally returned to action last week. He had 1.5 sacks in his much anticipated return. He's had health issues but when he's on the field he's one of the most disruptive players in the NFL. Jonathan Allen is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, next to him is Daron Payne who had a monster season with 11.5 sacks last year. Then there's Montez Sweat at the other edge spot who already has 3 sacks this year. Their starting 4 are all first round picks.
They're going to have to get pressure on Josh Allen. He has a long history or making mistakes when you put the heat on him. Saw it on Primetime against the Jets earlier this season. The Bills are a much better Home team too. Josh Allen's 28-11 at home in his career but 24-15 on the road.
Washington's offense is coming along nicely with the longtime Chiefs OC calling plays. Eric Bienemy has Sam Howell playing well. There's a ton of talent on the Commanders offense for him to work with. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson at RB. Terry McLaurin is an elite WR1 but they also have Jahan Dotson and the swiss army knife in Curtis Samuel. Trust Bienemy to find ways to score on a good Bills defense.
