When Carson Wentz was lost for the season with a torn ACL in Week 14, many Eagles fans were inconsolable. After all, Philadelphia’s backup was Nick Foles, and though he had a great season four years ago, Eagles supporters couldn’t see him leading their team to a Super Bowl. Wentz could, perhaps. Foles could not.
And then Foles completed 63.1 percent of his passes and four touchdowns to lead Philadelphia to a win against the Giants last Sunday. He’ll face the Raiders this week and the Cowboys in Week 17, and if he performs well—and, at this moment, I think the Eagles will win both contests—maybe Eagles fans will begin to have a little faith in him. Really, they’ve got no other choice.
This year, it’s Foltz or bust.
As usual, check out Pickwatch’s John Halpin’s full slate of Week 16 picks. 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*
Colts at Ravens
The Ravens are battling for an AFC Wild Card spot (right now, they’re the first team out of the playoffs), and they’ve won four out of their last five (their only defeat came in Pittsburgh by a point). Baltimore hasn’t beaten any great teams during its run, but luckily for the Ravens, they finish the season with the Colts and the Bengals. So, a playoff spot is looking solid right now.
Straight up: Ravens
Against the Spread: Ravens -13.5
2017 record for the “Bet your life savings” game: 11-4 S/U and 7-8 ATS
2)This game scares the hell out of me
Browns at Bears
The only reason I’m putting this game in this category is because I’m picking the Browns to win their first game of the season. I don’t really have a good reason for this. The Bears are a better team (but probably only slightly better), and they’re playing at home. But somehow I think Cleveland will find a way to not go 0-16. If you want to ignore this pick, though, I’m OK with that. The Browns winning doesn’t really make much sense, anyway.
Straight up: Browns
Against the Spread: Browns +6.5
2017 record for the “Scares the hell out of me” game: 8-7 S/U and 8-6-1 ATS
3) Fun game of the week
Falcons at Saints
These teams played only two weeks ago with the Falcons sneaking away with a three-point win. But now the game moves to New Orleans where the Saints haven’t lost since Week 2. I like the Saints to win here, but you can’t count out the Falcons, who still have a chance at the postseason. It’ll be close, and it should be a blast to watch.
Straight up: Saints
Against the Spread: Falcons +5.5
2017 record for “Fun game of the week”: 10-5 S/U and 8-6-1 ATS
2017 record for every game picked in this column: 29-16 S/U and 23-20-2 ATS
S/U ATS
BAL over IND BAL -13.5
MIN over GB GB +9.5
DET over CIN DET -4.5
KC over MIA MIA +10.5
NE over BUF BUF +12
CLE over CHI CLE +6.5
CAR over TB CAR -10
NO over ATL ATL +5.5
LAC over NYJ LAC -7
LAR over TEN TEN +6.5
WAS over DEN WAS -3
JAC over SF JAC -4
DAL over SEA SEA +5
NYG over ARI NYG +3.5
PIT over HOU PIT -9.5
PHI over OAK OAK +9
*Don’t really bet your life savings. Please.