/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69938142/usa_today_16835059.0.jpg)
It’s Bold Predictions time with Mark! Get ready!
1.) Tom Brady finishes outside the top 12 this week.
Justification: In the battle of Brady vs. Belichick, I think we actually see a lower-scoring game. I’m not going to guess on the winner but I think a strong Patriots defense (top 7 against opposing QBs) holds their own and this does NOT play out to be the exciting 30-29 game that some are speculating. Brady is smart enough to evolve his game to whatever suits a ‘W’ best, and if that means running the ball, then he’s happy to play his role in that.
2.) Odell Beckham Jr. is a top 12 WR this week.
Justification: Minnesota’s defense has become one of the weakest against opposing wide receivers this season. The Browns other top WR (Jarvis Landry) is out and after some time off I think Baker Mayfield and Kevin Stefanski are eager to get OBJ back into the mix. They gave him a healthy group of targets last week and I see more of the same this week.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22892414/usa_today_16835621.jpg)
3.) Dawson Knox is a top 5 TE this week.
Justification: Houston has been a favorable matchup for tight ends. Josh Allen is using Dawson Knox a fair amount, with at least three targets in each game so far and 2 TDs in the last two games. If there are red zone looks, I could see Knox getting one.
4.) Miles Sanders is a top 5 RB this week.
Justification: If it doesn’t happen this week I just don’t know when it will. Sanders is off to a bad start and he comes up against KC, who has allowed 4 rushing TDs through 3 games this season. This is the PRIME chance for Philadelphia to get Sanders jump-started for the 2021 season.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22893983/1343882764.jpg)
5.) Indianapolis Colts vs. Miami Dolphins has an over under of 42.5, give me the over at 49.5
Justification: The Colts game totals have all exceeded 41 this season, the Dolphins have not—at least not since Jacoby Brissett got comfortable with the team. Game 1 was a 35-0 blowout by Buffalo but Game 2 was Miami going toe-to-toe with Las Vegas. These are two below average offenses but ALSO two below average defenses.
YTD Grades:
A: 2
B: 2
C: 1
D: 5