The 49ers and the Browns are the only two winless teams in the NFL, and it’s worth exploring when or if they’ll pick up a victory at some point this season. Here’s who’s left on San Francisco’s schedule the 49ers would have a decent chance to beat: The Giants this week, the Bears in Week 13 and the Texans in Week 14. And as for Cleveland, it’d have a chance to pick up victories vs. the Bengals in Week 12, the Packers in Week 14 and the Bears in Week 15.
Both teams likely will be underdogs for every game the rest of the season, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pick them for the upset at some point. As you probably know, only one team (the 2008 Lions) has ever finished a 16-game season without a win, and both of these squads have enough decent players to catch somebody by surprise and grab a win on the right day.
For the Browns, that triumph could come against Cincinnati, because it’s a rivalry game and because, by that point, the Bengals will probably be done for the season and waiting to get rid of coach Marvin Lewis. For the 49ers, that win could occur vs. the Giants on Sunday. In fact, I’m picking San Francisco to do so at home against a New York team that seems to be imploding. The timing for the 49ers could be perfect.
As usual, check out Pickwatch’s John Halpin’s full slate of Week 10 picks and the Upset Watch from Shaun Lowrie. Now, here are a few of mine (If I’m right, make sure to congratulate me @jkatzo on Twitter).
1)Bet your life savings on this game*
Browns at Lions
Cleveland is coming off a bye, and Detroit played at Green Bay on Monday night. So, the Browns have a few logistical advantages. But even though the Lions still have problems scoring when in the red zone, their offense with quarterback Matt Stafford can still move the ball, pretty much at will. Plus, Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer hasn’t proven that he can, well, win a game as a starter. I think this game stays relatively close, so I’ll take the Browns’ +12.5. But I love the Lions to win straight up.
Straight up: Lions
Against the Spread: Browns +12.5
2017 record for the “Bet your life savings” game: 7-2 S/U and 5-4 ATS
2)This game scares the hell out of me
Vikings at Redskins
I was surprised when the Redskins traveled to Seattle last week and walked away with a win vs. the Seahawks, keeping themselves alive for a potential drive for a Wild Card spot. Meanwhile, the Vikings have activated Teddy Bridgewater but reportedly will keep him behind Case Keenum on the quarterback depth chart. Which is fine, because the Vikings defense is what has helped lead this team to the top of the NFC North. But the game is in Washington, and I just have a sneaking suspicion the Redskins will surprise Minnesota. I just wouldn’t bet my life savings on it.
Straight up: Redskins
Against the Spread: Redskins +1
2017 record for the “Scares the hell out of me” game: 7-2 S/U and 7-2 ATS
3) Fun game of the week
Jets at Buccaneers
This probably won’t be the best game of the week in the league, but how can you not embrace what the Jets have accomplished this year? Picked by some pundits to go 0-16, New York is 4-5 and actually a 2.5-point road favorite. The Buccaneers have been a disappointment, and without Jameis Winston in the lineup the next couple of weeks, they’re surely not going to snap their five-game losing streak. Tampa Bay is going to lose to the Jets, but for New York fans, it’ll be fun (and probably surreal) to see the team get back to .500 more than halfway through the season.
Straight up: Jets
Against the Spread: Jets -2.5
2017 record for “Fun game of the week”: 7-2 S/U and 6-3 ATS
2017 record for every game picked in this column: 21-6 S/U and 18-9 ATS
S/U ATS
SEA over ARI ARI +6
CHI over GB GB +5.5
DET over CLE CLE +12.5
PIT over IND PIT -10
JAC over LAC JAC -3.5
NO over BUF NO -3
NYJ over TB NYJ -2.5
TEN over CIN TEN -4.5
WAS over MIN WAS +1
LAR over HOU HOU +12
ATL over DAL ATL -3
SF over NYG SF +2.5
NE over DEN DEN -7.5
CAR over MIA MIA +10
*Don’t really bet your life savings. Please.