Love him or hate him, fresh Lev could lead Steelers to promised land.

Despite his attitude, Le'Veon Bell could be a huge complement to the emerging James Conner if he returns to the Steelers this season (Photo creds to Complex)

By Donny Chedrick
We're all tired of Le’Veon Bell.

It’s understandable. The guy has toyed with the Steelers since early in the off-season when he refused to sign his franchise tender for 2018. Steelers fans either want the Steelers to trade Bell or not play Bell even if he does come back to the team this year, but I'd advise trying to look at things from a different perspective. If Bell wants his money, he could do that while also helping the Steelers achieve their goal of a seventh Lombardi Trophy.

There are many “ifs” that go into this situation, but the expectation is that the star running back will return to the Steelers by Week 10 to satisfy his year of service in the NFL. If he doesn't do so, Bell could be hit with the dreaded franchise tag again next year. Bell is the last person that would want to deal with that, therefore, I don’t see it as a very likely possibility. To our knowledge, the Steelers haven't received a trade proposal that is intriguing enough for them or Bell, but that doesn't mean he isn’t a hot commodity amongst NFL teams.

Those teams are aware that the Steelers are growing tired of Bell and likely won't reach a deal with him at the end of the year. It's possible that a desperate franchise will give Bell his desired $17+ million in the off-season, but he still must prove something to NFL teams. So, part of that leads to the next “if.”

If Bell can play well with others upon his return, he will help himself the Steelers. In his absence, Pittsburgh's rushing attack has been led by fan-favorite and cancer survivor, James Conner. As much of an inspiration Conner has been off the field, he’s becoming a pretty good player on it as well. Through the first part of the season, Conner has been up to par with what Bell did in the first part of 2017-2018. In a tweet by Adam Spinks prior to this past Sunday's win over Cleveland-- in which Conner put up 212 yards of today offense--  a side-by-side comparison of Bell's 2017 and Conner's 2018 is shown, and the numbers are staggeringly close.

Bell has the advantage of rushing and receiving success by just a few percentage points, but Conner has a higher percentage of 10, 15 and 20+ yard rushes – coming in with 5% of his carries going for 20+ over the course of the first six weeks of 2018, opposed to a measly 1 percent of Bell’s carries going for 20+ yards last season in the same time span. Some other key ingredients to stew over are the short-yardage conversion (3rd or 4th down and 3 or less) numbers as well as the amount of times the two ran the football with over eight defenders in the box. Conner has a significant lead in both. 71 percent of the time through the first six weeks Conner converted on short-yardage situations compared to Bell converting those same situations 66 percent of the time.

Now, this isn’t saying that Conner is a better back than Bell, but it shows that Bell’s replacement can hold his own. Therefore, the most exciting part is if/when these two share a backfield. Getting Bell back will give the Steelers two potent runners with different styles that create a true one-two punch behind Ben Roethlisberger. If the two runners can play well together, big rushing numbers could come out of the Pittsburgh backfield.

Now, the final “if.”

If Conner's numbers begin to flatten and his play starts to deteriorate towards the end of the regular season, Bell can be there to light a spark and carry the Steelers offense. A case could be made in the past that Bell was the single-most important piece to the team’s success. Whether or not that is true, Bell could make people believe again if he were to step in and show his skills predominantly as a solo act yet again.

Something that every team looks for when the season nears the end is a set of fresh legs. Bell has that. Every team looks for a playmaker near seasons end. Bell is that. Most importantly, the Steelers want a championship, and Bell could help them achieve that.

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.

2018 World Series preview/prediction

Photo creds to footwear news

By Joe Smeltzer
For the first time in more than a century, the Boston Red Sox and LA Dodgers (formerly the Brooklyn Robins) will face off in the World Series. It's not always the case that the two World Series opponents are the best teams in their respective leagues, but I think that is true for 2018. Here is a preview of what Joseph Arthur Smeltzer believes will happen in each game. Let's get into it.

Game 1
Chris Sale (9-5, 2.73 ERA) vs. Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73 ERA)

Boston has one of baseball's best going for it in Game 1 (Photo creds to Sporting News)

This is as good a pitching matchup as you'll see in baseball. While both pitchers give their teams the best possible chance to win any night, Sale's experience and dominance at Fenway Park gives Boston the edge in Game 1. Sale is 4-2 with a 2.11 ERA at home, and he'll be backed by the best lineup in baseball. All four of LA's postseason losses have come against left-handers, and that's a trend that will continue tonight.  I see the Red Sox getting to Kershaw early and Sale's arm making that lead hold up.

Boston 4, LA 2

Game 2
David Price (16-7 3.58 ERA) vs. Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97 ERA)

The Price is right (photo creds to The Salem News). 

For much of his career, David Price has been criticized by many (myself included) for his postseason shortcomings. Price silenced his critics in the ALCS clinching win over Houston, pitching six shutout innings on three-days rest. I think that Price turned a corner at Minute Maid Park, and his form will carry over into the fall classic.

Ryu's numbers speak for themselves, and I expect him to keep the Red Sox at bay. One mistake, however, could decide this game, and either Ryu or somebody in the Dodgers bullpen will be the one to flinch.


Boston 2, LA 1

Game 3

Photo creds to The Stranger

Walker Beuhler (8-5, 2.62 ERA) vs. TBD (Likely either Rick Porcello or Nathan Eovaldi
The Dodgers will be refreshed going back home after an off day, and the have the right starting pitcher going for them. Buehler has been good, but not great in the postseason with a 3.86 era in two starts. He's due to pitch a gem, and at home down 0-2 is the perfect platform to do so. If Alex Cora decides to pitch the red-hot Eovaldi, Boston will keep this game close, but assuming he goes with the more experienced Porcello, LA's offense will break out.


Dodgers 5, Red Sox 1

Game 4
TBD vs. TBH (Eovaldi vs. Hill?)

The face of a champion (photo creds to ESPN)

I'd be surprised if anybody other than Rich Hill starts for LA. For Boston, whoever doesn't start game three between Porcello and Eovaldi will likely get the nod for game four. So assuming that Eovaldi vs. Hill is the pitching matchup, I'm giving the edge to the Sox.

Rich Hill is excellent, especially for his age, but at 38, he isn't as durable as he used to be. Hill hasn't pitched beyond the fifth inning in either of his playoff starts, while Eovaldi is 10 years younger and has pitched no fewer than six frames in October, not counting his relief appearance in game five of the ALCS.

Hill will depart after the fifth inning, and then Boston's offense will (finally) break out against the Dodgers bullpen. Eovaldi will give up two runs over seven strong, and Boston will grab a stranglehold of the fall classic.


Red Sox 7, Dodgers 2

Game 5
Kershaw vs. Sale Part II

Clayton Kershaw isn't losing twice in five days. That's just not happening.

Dodgers 3, Red Sox 0

Game 6

Price vs. Ryu Part II

The Dodgers will have momentum heading back to Boston after riding Kershaw's arm in game five, but it won't last. Price will vanquish his playoff failures once and for all with another gem, and Boston's offense will pound Ryu at Fenway. As good as Ryu is, Boston will be pumped up, and the offense will feed of a crowd that knows a world title is imminent.

This is Boston's year. These Red Sox were the best team in the regular season, still had doubters in the American League postseason, and put away two 100-win teams on their way to the fall classic. LA's playoff frustrations will continue, and Alex Cora will cap maybe the greatest season ever for a rookie manager with a World Series win. Boston will party like it's 1916.

Red Sox 9, Dodgers 3

Winners and new World Champions: Boston Red Sox. 

Photo creds to ebay.com

Good teams win, great teams cover: Part IV

By Joe Smeltzer
It's time for week four of picking against the spread for college/NFL games. Let's get into it.


Jeff
College
Michigan State: + 7.5 against Michigan State
I don't buy Michigan as a top team. I think Michigan State is underrated and will keep this close.

Oklahoma: -8 over TCU
The Sooners will rebound after a potentially playoff-ending loss over Texas with a statement win over TCU.

Miami (OH): +7.5 against Army
I think Miami keeps this game close and could end up upsetting Army.

Virginia: +7 over Duke.
Duke is quietly 5-1, but they'll have to hold off on the bowl celebrations another week because Virginia will win a tight dogfight.


NFL
Saints: -2.5 over Ravens.
Baltimore has a solid defense, but they haven't played an offense like the Saints. I'll take New Orleans and the points.
Browns: +3.5 over Tampa
I don't know why anybody is still riding the Bucs train. They've lost three in a row and it will be four come Sunday.
Chiefs: -6 over Bengals
The Chiefs will destroy the Bengals. The Bengals just can't stop the Chiefs
Falcons: -4 over Giants
Atlanta will win going away simply because its offense is above average. Everything else in this game is subpar. Expect another shitty primetime game.

Rutz
College
Vanderbilt: +13 over Kentucky
Mississippi State: +6.5 over LSU
Washington State: -3.5 over Oregon
Auburn: -3.5 over Ole Miss

NFL
Pats: -3 over Bears
Chiefs: -6 over Bengals
Bucs: -3 over Browns
Giants: +5.5 over Falcons
Falcons play every game down to the wire.

Brad
College
Duke: -7 over UVA
NC State: +17.5 at Clemson
Penn State: -14 over Indiana
FIU: -23.5 over Rice

NFL
New England: -3 over Chicago
New Orleans: +2.5 over Baltimore
KC: -6 over Cincinnati
LA Rams: -9.5 over San Fran

Joe
College
Penn State: -14 over Indiana
After two tough losses, my Nittany Lions should bounce back against Indiana, right? Right?

Colorado: +17.5 at Washington
Yes, the Huskies are at home and will be hungry after a tough loss at Oregon, but Colorado is also coming off a loss, so I think the 17.5 point spread is a little generous. I have faith in Steven Montez to hold his own at quarterback, and that the Buffs will lose by less than three touchdowns.

NC State: +17.5 at Clemson
This is a good an underrated football team in Raleigh. The Wolfpack have a solid offense led by quarterback Ryan Finley and a respectable defense led by linebacker Germaine Pratt, and they are a top 20 team for a reason. LIke Washington, I expect Clemson to win, but it will be closer than some people think.

USF: -32.5 over UConn
The Huskies are just that bad.

NFL
Colts: -7.5 over Bills
Buffalo is starting Derek Anderson at QB. Easy money here, even with Indy being a 1-5 team.

49ers: +9.5 vs. Rams
San Fran didn't look half bad in Green Bay Monday night, and the Rams have played two close games in a row. Solomon Thomas is finally playing like a first-round draft pick on defense, and San Fran is at home. LA will win, but I'm confident the '9ers will keep it close.

Eagles: -5 over Panthers
Carson Wentz is starting to look like himself again, while Carolina is 0-2 on the road. The Panthers suffered a tough loss to an NFC East team last week in Washington, and I think the same thing happens in Philly. Eagles by 10.

Vikings: -3.5 over Jets
I'm surprised the line is so tight on this one. Minnesota is finally starting to play like a Super Bowl contender, and while New York is improved, it's going to take more than a dominant win over Indy to convince me that this team is anything special. Kirk Cousins will outplay Sam Darnold, and Minnesota will win by two touchdowns.

Steelers: 2017 draft class already making a huge impact

Image credits to Yahoo Sports

By Joe Smeltzer

Over the past few years, much of the publicity the Steelers have generated has been negative.

The "terror twins," aka Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell, have frustrated fans and media alike with their behavior, with Bell developing a reputation as an ungrateful, greedy punk, and Brown an immature at best, malicious at worst prima donna.  As this season progresses, however, two players, who have the same respective positions as Bell and Brown are blossoming into stars on the field and causing minimal if any, theatrics off of it.

Since Bell has yet to show up to work this season, James Conner has taken the reins as Pittsburgh's starting tailback. Conner had a local following in the Steel City years before the Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2017 draft with a stellar career as a Pitt Panther that culminated with him beating Hodgkin's Lymphoma to play the 2016 season. Every sports fan knows Conner's story, and his work ethic and humility have made him one of the easiest players in the NFL to cheer.

Through the first five weeks, Conner has more than held his own as the starter. He's not in the same class as a superstar like Bell, but Conner has rushed for 100 yards three times in six weeks and is averaging 4.4 yards per carry with seven touchdowns. Given the talent that surrounds Conner on offense, his production has been more than good enough for Pittsburgh.

Unlike Bell, Brown has shown up for work (most of the time) this season and has put up respectable numbers. Ahead of Brown, however, in several statistical categories, such as yards, yards per game,  yards per catch and receptions,  is the man who the Steelers picked the round before Conner in that draft, former USC Trojan JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Smith-Schuster and Conner have different personalities. Conner is a person who more fits the mold of a guy shows up to work and does his job to the best of his ability. Smith-Schuster, on the other hand, has a little more "diva" in him. The kid has shown signs of immaturity-- he's 21, after all-- and fans and media fear that he could take on many of Brown's personality traits.

While Smith-Schuster has been immature at times, he's never caused a disturbance for the Steelers the way Brown and Bell have. For a team that's known for poor behavior both on and off the field, the 2017 draft class is a breath of fresh air for Pittsburgh.

Conner's humility is a nice diversion from Bell's absence, while Smith-Schuster's progress has made Brown's whining easier to deal with. Another member of that draft class, linebacker TJ Watt, is healing the wounds of some past draft-day blunders at the position.

While the Steelers have, for the most part, done well on draft day over the past decade, the franchise hasn't had much luck with linebackers. Pittsburgh wasted a first-round pick on Jarvis Jones, went with Jason Worilds when future Dallas Cowboys staple Sean Lee was available and, so far, has not gotten enough out of Bud Dupree. The only high round linebacker that Pittsburgh hit the mark on, Ryan Shazier, suffered a likely career-ending injury last season at just 25 years old.

Watt was Pittsburgh's first-round pick in 2017, and so far, he's played like a first-rounder.  Watt currently is tied for NFL lead in sacks and has established himself as the most dominant player on Pittsburgh's front-seven.

Despite drafting near the bottom of the first round for most of the past decade, the Steelers have developed a lot of impact players in both the early and later rounds. Brown and center Maurkice Pouncey were both drafted in 2010. The next year, Cam Heyward and Markus Gilbert went to Pittsburgh. David DeCastro was the 2012's first-round pick and Bell went in the second round of the 2013 draft.

All six of those guys have played huge roles on three AFC North championship teams, but the 2017 draft class might end up being the best of the Mike Tomlin/Kevin Colbert era, and could be as good as any class Pittsburgh has had since 1974 when the Steelers selected four future Hall of Famers.

The Steelers' first, second and third round picks in 2017 are all making a first-round level impact, and hell, they've outperformed most of that batch of first rounders. So while most of the headlines regarding the Steelers revolve around either the "terror twins," or Ben Roethlisberger, three young players are set to lead the Steelers into the post-Big Ben era. Their names are Conner, Watt and Smith-Schuster. They're all good, and they're all going to get better.

Good teams win, great teams cover: Part III

By Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. The boys are back. We're doing something a little different this year.  Instead of the old NFL previews, we are picking four games of our choosing from both the college and pro ranks and picking against the spread rather than simply who wins and loses. Week three of our bets are here, so let's get into it.

Ryan
College
#14 Florida: -7.5 over Vanderbilt
Vandy's defense seems to have taken a step back in the last two weeks, and the offense continues to struggle despite a great number of playmakers.

Pitt: +21.5 against #5  Notre Dame 
I don't expect Pitt to win, but ND is not as good as their record or ranking and Pitt usually has an impact on the college football playoff.

#7 Washington: -3.5 over #17 Oregon
Oregon is never going to recover from giving that game away to Stanford

#2 Georgia: -7.5 over #13 LSU 
Not many teams can go into Death Valley and win by more than a touchdown, but Georgia is really good on both sides of the ball.

NFL
Atlanta: -3 over Tampa Bay
The Falcons are reeling, but so are the Bucs. Atlanta has the offense to get a win Sunday

Steelers-Bengals: Push 
I'm surprised Cincy isn't the odds-on favorite in this one, but the Steelers will own Andy Dalton per usual.

Carolina-Washington: Push

Kansas City: +3 over New England 
The Chiefs are the best team in football, while New England's best win was against Miami.

Jeff
College
South Carolina: +2.5 over #22 Texas A&M
I'll take the 2.5 and the win for the Gamecocks.

Miami (OH): +11 over Kent State
Redhawks by three TD's

Georgia: -7 over LSU 
I'll side with the Bulldogs  in this one mostly because LSU is vastly overrated

Wisconsin: +10 over Michigan 
I'll take Bucky in this one. I think it will be a very close game and I'll gladly take 10 points on top of it

NFL 
Jags: -3 over Cowboys
I'll take Jacksonville and it won't be close. The Cowboys won't be able to handle the Jags D. 

Panthers: -1 over Redskins
Carolina is simply the better overall team

Bengals: -1.5 over Steelers 
I'll take the Bengals in this one because Pittsburgh is currently in shambles.

Texans: -10 over Bills
Josh Allen will struggle mightily vs. a tough Texans defense.

Brad 
College 
Alabama: -28.5 over Missouri 
Alabama is fresh off a defensive letdown, giving up 31 to Arkansas, so the defense should be in for a big game. 'Bama by 38.

Notre Dame: -21 over Pitt
Huge fan of Notre Dame after their quarterback switch. I expect a big performance against a lowly Pitt team.

Virginia Tech: -6 over North Carolina
UNC stinks.

UL Lafayette : -8.5 over New Mexico State. 
I had the opportunity to watch Lafayette in person and they were very good. I don't expect New Mexico State to be a problem.

NFL
Chargers vs. Browns (push) 
I see the Chargers pulling out a close victory over the Browns. Cleveland is good, but I see Melvin Gordon being too good for the Browns front seven.

Jacksonville: -3 over Dallas
I am not a big fan of the Cowboys this year. Expect a big Jacksonville win.

Pittsburgh: +1.5 over Cincy
I just don't see Cincy beating the Steelers. James Conner will have a huge game and propel the Steelers to victory.

Oakland: +2.5 over Seattle
This should be a close game, but I think Marshawn Lynch will play well in a revenge game and carry the Raiders to victory

Joe 
Pitt: +21.5 vs. ND
Notre Dame is clearly the better team, but Pitt is just mediocre enough to cover, much like it did in Happy Valley last year. Notre Dame by 20.

Ohio State: -29.5 over Minnesota
I love PJ Fleck, but the Gophers have lost their first two Big 10 games by an average of 23 points to Maryland and Iowa. I don't think they keep it within 30 in Columbus.

Vandy: +7.5 over Florida
The Gators are coming off a big win. Vanderbilt almost (and probably should have) beat Notre Dame in South Bend, so the Commodores can hang with the big boys. I'm expecting a letdown from Florida leading to a scare in Nashville. Kyle Shurmer's father can't coach, but the younger Shurmer is a reasonable SEC quarterback. He and Kalija Lipscomb will make enough plays to keep the game close, but Florida will squeak one out in the end. Gators by five.

Colorado: +7 over USC
Colorado is undefeated, while USC is barely above .500 with a freshman quarterback. Take the Buffs straight up. I don't care where the game is at.

NFL
Texans: -10.0 over Bills
Buffalo likes to alternate between good and bad weeks. This will be one of those bad weeks.

Packers: -9.5 over 49ers
Green Bay had a bad day last Sunday. Rodgers doesn't have two bad weeks in a row often. He ain't losing to a clown like CJ Bethard. Packers by three TD's.

Steelers: +1.5 over Bengals
It will be difficult for Pittsburgh to win the AFC North if they don't win this game, and Cincy will be in the divisional driver's seat with a win. So I guess it's fair to call this a big game for the Bengals. Which means Cincy probably won't get it done. Big Ben owns the AFC North, and Sunday won't be an exception.

Rams: -7 vs. Broncos 
Cooper Kupp and Brandin Cooks are back, which means Denver is in big trouble. LA is the best team in the NFL and will bounce back from a near slip-up at Seattle last week.

Good teams win, great teams cover part II

By Joe Smeltzer
Hello, all. The boys are back. We're doing something a little different this year.  Instead of the old NFL previews, we are picking four games each from both the college and pro ranks and picking against the spread rather than simply who wins and loses. We only have three NFL games picked at the moment, so we will add an extra one soon enough. Let's get into it.





Joe's Picks
Michigan-Maryland
Maryland +17.5
The Terps aren't too bad this year. Yes, Maryland got shutout by Temple two weeks ago but responded well with a 42-13 win over Minnesota last Saturday. Playing in the Big House will be a challenge for Maryland's sophomore quarterback Kasim Hill, but I think the kid will be up for it. I expect the Wolverines to get the win, but Maryland will make it interesting enough to cover.

Oklahoma-Texas 
Texas -7.5
Kyler Murray is awesome, but I'd be shocked if OU just rolls over their rival here. Texas has been playing well on both sides of the ball since its week one loss to Maryland. Sam Ehlinger isn't as good as Murray, but he's a weapon for the Longhorns and can exploit OU's sometimes suspect defense. I think the Sooners have too much firepower to lose to Texas, but as far as the spread goes, take the Longhorns and the points.

FSU-Miami
Miami -14
Florida State stinks, and Miami's defense is ready to roll. N'Kosi Perry is the real deal, and he'll be ready to carve up the Seminoles. Perry's play at quarterback and a few appearances by the turnover chain will lead to a Hurricanes romp.

Kentucky-Texas A&M
Kentucky straight up
UK isn't just a basketball school anymore. Bennie Snell is one of the best running backs in the country, and Terry Wilson is a dangerous dual-threat QB. The Wildcats proved their worth in Gainsville, and they'll do it again in college station.

NFL
Giants-Panthers
Giants +6.0
Carolina isn't a great football team, and the Giants aren't terrible. I expect the Panthers to win, but New York will cover.

Seahawks-Rams
Seahawks +7.5
When the Seahawks are underdogs at home, take them.

Steelers-Falcons
Steelers -3.5
They're not starting 0-3 at Heinz Field. At least I don't think so...



Jeff's picks
Michigan -17.5
Maryland doesn't play football

Oklahoma -7.5
Oklahoma is the third best team in the country

FSU +14
I think this will be a close game. Therefore, Florida State will cover

Jeff: Kentucky straight up
I think Kentucky continues its hot start


NFL
Panthers -6.0
Carolina is better than it gets credit for

Rams -7.5
Rams are easily the best team in the league

Falcons straight up
The Falcons will win because the Steelers frankly just aren't that good this year


Rutz's picks
Oklahoma -7.5
Oklahoma can score 70 every week

Florida State +14.0
FSU will get up for Miami, but they'll still lose

Maryland +17.5
This game will be too low-scoring for Michigan to cover.

Rutz: Kentucky straight up.
Why does everybody keep underrating the Wildcats?

NFL
Giants + 6.0
Eh I just see this being a weirdly close game

Seahawks + 7.5
I love Seattle as home underdogs



Falcons straight up 
This will be a shootout that comes down to the final couple of minutes.

Ryan's picks
Michigan -17.5
Just because

Texas straight up
The Longhorns will get their first signature win under Tom Herman

Miami -14.0
Florida State is a dumpster fire

Kentucky straight up
This team is athletic

NFL 
Giants +6.0
This Giants team has a lot of weapons and the Panthers are inconsistent. I'll take New York to lose but cover

Rams -7.5
LA is the best team in football, the Seahawks are average at best and Pete Carroll is a bad coach.

Falcons straight up
Steelers defense is bad. This will be a shootout. Take the over.