Pro Picks: Lions over Packers in a shootout
Trending
Kenneth Walker III is going back to Seattle with the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs to face the team he helped lead to the Super Bowl last season.
Walker, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs visit the Seahawks (3-3) on Sunday night.
Walker leads the NFL in rushing with 665 yards despite already taking a bye week while Seattle has missed the Super Bowl MVP. The Seahawks are 18th in rushing and have averaged 3.9 yards per attempt.
Sam Darnold has seven interceptions in slightly more than four games and the Seahawks haven’t made up for Walker’s absence. But they have Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads the NFL with 717 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Walker has provided the Chiefs a balanced attack. They haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Mahomes became the starter in 2018. Walker is on pace for 2,261 yards, which would set a single-season record.
Despite their struggles, the Seahawks are 2 ½-point favorites. Pro Picks likes the home team.
SEAHAWKS: 23-20
PITTSBURGH (4-2) vs. NEW ORLEANS (2-4), in Paris
Line: Steelers minus 3
Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers back from a 13-point deficit in Tampa Bay, relying on DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard. The Saints got their run game going in a win over the Giants. Both teams are spending the week in Paris before playing the NFL’s first regular-season game there.
STEELERS: 23-18
GREEN BAY (4-2) at DETROIT (3-2)
Line: Lions minus 3
The Packers have won three in a row, the defense has been outstanding and Josh Jacobs is coming back to boost the offense with Micah Parsons working toward his return. The Lions have the league’s worst defense that’s sometimes offset by a prolific offense. This one should be a shootout.
LIONS: 30-26
CINCINNATI (3-2) at BALTIMORE (4-2)
Line: Ravens minus 2 ½
Joe Burrow and the Bengals are coming off a bye. The Ravens still might not have Lamar Jackson so Tyler Huntley would start his third straight game.
BENGALS: 22-17
CLEVELAND (4-2) at TENNESSEE (1-5)
Line: Browns minus 1 ½
Deshaun Watson led another fourth-quarter game-winning drive for the Browns, but the offense has struggled despite the team’s winning record.
UPSET SPECIAL: TITANS: 20-17
INDIANAPOLIS (2-4) at MINNESOTA (5-0)
Line: Vikings minus 6 1/2
The Colts’ struggles cost general manager Chris Ballard his job. Coach Shane Steichen is clearly on the hottest of seats and the team has to find ways to win. The undefeated Vikings are coming off a bye. They’ve been winning on defense and special teams and need Kyler Murray to get the offense going.
VIKINGS: 23-18
MIAMI (0-5) at NEW YORK JETS (2-4)
Line: Jets minus 4 ½
The Jets haven’t won an AFC East game under coach Aaron Glenn, going 0-7. They have their best chance this week vs. Miami. JETS: 20-17
NEW YORK GIANTS (3-2-1) at HOUSTON (2-4)
Line: Texans minus 10 ½
J.J. McCarthy is replacing Jameis Winston, who had a winning record after taking over for Jaxson Dart.
TEXANS: 26-17
SAN FRANCISCO (6-0) at ATLANTA (2-4)
Line: 49ers minus 3 ½
Christian McCaffrey vs. Bijan Robinson in a matchup of All-Pro backs who are close friends and train together.
49ERS: 22-20
TAMPA BAY (1-5) at CAROLINA (3-2)
Line: Panthers minus 3 ½
Baker Mayfield is aiming to return for the Buccaneers, who have lost 12 of their past 15 games.
PANTHERS: 23-20
DENVER (4-2) at ARIZONA (2-4)
Line: Broncos minus 4 ½
Bo Nix is taking plenty of heat despite Denver’s winning record.
BRONCOS: 24-16
LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-4) at LAS VEGAS (3-3)
Line: Rams minus 4 ½
The Rams haven’t played close to Super Bowl favorites. And, injuries are piling up with Davante Adams now going down for several weeks.
BEST BET: RAMS: 31-20
DALLAS (2-4) at PHILADELPHIA (2-4)
Line: Cowboys minus 4 ½
The Cowboys have an opportunity in a wide-open NFC East, but have had issues on defense and now a dynamic offense has sputtered. The Eagles are reeling and won’t have Jalen Hurts likely for the rest of the season. Tanner McKee makes his second straight start for Philadelphia.
COWBOYS: 24-23
___
Last week: Straight up: 8-6. Against spread: 7-7.
Overall: Straight up: 55-37-1. Against spread: 45-45-2.
Best Bet: Straight up: 3-3. Against spread: 2-4.
Upset Special: Straight up: 2-4. Against spread: 2-4.
___
Editor’s note: Rob Maaddi predicted a 24-20 Chicago win over New England in Thursday’s game.