Good teams win, great teams cover Part V

By Joe Smeltzer
Week five of picking is here. Let's get into it. 

Joe
College

Clemson: -17 over Florida State
The Tigers came in as three-touchdown favorites last week against NC State, and I thought Ryan Finley and the Wolfpack would cover. I was wrong. I won't get fooled again.

Syracuse: +2.0 over NC State
As I mentioned above, NC State betrayed me last week. Maybe that beatdown in Death Valley was a sign that the Wolfpack's hot start to the season was a product of a favorable schedule. I still think NC State is an 8-9 win team, but I have my doubts that the Wolf Pack will shake off last week in an environment like the Carrier Dome. Eric Dungy will give State's defense trouble, and I also wouldn't be surprised if the Orange made some plays on defense.

NC State's offense puts up points but is one dimensional, and I think Syracuse can take advantage of that and force Finley to make a mistake. If that happens, I like the Orange.

Missouri: -7.5 over Kentucky
Drew Locke is the real deal, and my gut tells me he's going to go off on the Wild Cats.

Iowa: +5.5 over Penn State
Penn State hasn't looked impressive all season, while Iowa has emerged as a contender to win the Big 10 West. Two weeks ago, the Hawkeyes mulled the same Indiana team that the Nittany Lions struggled with last week, and their defense could make like difficult for Trace McSorley.

Iowa's pass rush, led by Anthony Nelson and A.J. Espensa, is tough, and the secondary has intercepted nine passes on the season. The weather could play to Penn State's advantage since it's supposed to rain and the Nittany Lions, led by Miles Sanders, have a better running game than the Hawkeyes. If Penn State refuses to run the ball, which happened last week, then the recent offensive struggles might continue. If that happens, take Iowa.

NFL
Bears: -8 over Jets
Chicago is a solid football team and proved that last week even in a losing effort against New England. The Bears have playmakers on both sides of the ball, while New York is still a work in progress. I see a cozy two TD win for Chicago. Bear down.

Bengals: -3.5 over Bucs
Coming off two straight brutal losses, I expect a bounce back from Cincy. Going from playing two of the best teams in the AFC to a mediocre Tampa Bay squad will benefit the Bengals. A.J. Green will outplay Mike Evans, Andy Dalton will outplay Jameis Winston, and Cincy will get back to its winning ways, at least for temporarily.

Denver: +9.5 over KC
The Broncos' defense will ride the momentum from last Thursday night and keep this one close in Arrowhead.

Browns: +8.5 over Steelers
Cleveland tied Pittsburgh with Tyrod Taylor at QB, so yeah, the Browns can come within a touchdown of the Steelers with Baker Mayfield in charge. Believe that.

Rutz 
NFL
Jets: +8 over Chicago 
The Bears shouldn't be touchdown favorites over anybody,

Philly: -3 over Jacksonville 
The Jags are falling apart

Redskins: -1 over Giants 
Washington is in first place, so it seems like a one-point spread against the lowly Giants is a gift. However, I still see the Redskins screwing this up

Chiefs: -9 over Denver 
Until somebody stops Patrick Mahomes, I'll pick KC to cover against everybody.

College
Georgia: -7 over Florida 
The Bulldogs are rested and ready to rock

Vanderbilt: -1.5 over Arkansas
I know my alma mater is bad, but Arkansas is awful

Kentucky: +7.5 over Missouri
No respect for the Cats still

Tennessee: +7.5 over South Carolina 
I love that half point.

Brad
NFL
Browns (+8.5) over Steelers
I think the Steelers will win, but not by eight and a half. 

Colts (-3) over Raiders 
Oakland has no offense after losing Lynch and Cooper, and their defense is horrible. 

49ers (-1.5) over Arizona
The Cardinals suck and I see the Niners winning by double digits.  K

KC (-9.5) over Denver
Pat Mahomes goes off in Arrowhead in a divisional rivalry game.

College
Purdue (-1) over Michigan State
Just watch the Purdue-Ohio State game. 

UVA (-8.5) over UNC 
UNC stinks.

Iowa (+5.5) over Penn State
Penn St may win, but they definitely won't cover.

Duke (-2.5) over Pitt
Duke doesn't lose two games in a row.  Duke by eleven.



Ryan 
College
Arkansas: +1 vs Vandy
Vandy plays to the level of its opponents. Arkansas gets a home win and Mason is fired end of the year after winless SEC season. 

FSU: + 18 over Clemson
FSU has played better of late. Clemson is overrated. 

Kentucky: + 7.5 over Mizzou
Surprised by that spread.  Mizzou is better than their record but UK is a fast and athletic team.  Texas A&M: +1.5 over Mississippi State.

Tampa Bay +3.5 over Cincinnati
Time for the annual Bengals slide.

KC -9.5 over Broncos
Kansas City scores too many points. Denver offense is bad. 

Panthers +2.5 over Ravens
Give me the Panthers plus points at home. 

Saints - 1.5 over Vikings 
Vikings haven't looked as good as I expected, New Orleans has been cruising since squeaking one out against my Browns.