Joe Skovron — caddie for Rickie Fowler — has been our resident expert on the NFL this season, making picks week in and week out.
He’s been feeling lonely though. So, he gave a friendly nudge to fellow caddies Mark Urbanek (James Hahn) and Justin York (Chez Reavie), who are diehard NFL fans, and asked them to come to the table each of the remaining weeks to offer up their picks, too.
With that, here’s a look at the five, key match ups for Week 11 with Joe, Mark and Justin’s picks and reasoning for each…
Dallas at Atlanta
Spread: ATL -3.5
Skovron’s Pick: Atlanta
Why: So far, the sharps are heavy on Atlanta. The Falcons have had a ton of injuries on defense this year but they are at home, that offense is very good and I don’t trust Dallas.
Urbanek’s Pick: Dallas
Why: The Dallas D is underrated and has held opponents to an average of just 18.3 points/game. This combined with a resurgence of Zeke under a new O-line coach should, at the very least, keep the game close. Newest addition Amari Cooper adds another threat to the offense that has already reaped rewards. Atlanta 24, Dallas 23.
York’s Pick: Dallas
Why: The Boys are coming off a big win in Philly last week against their division rival Eagles. With the addition of Amari Cooper to their arsenal it has opened up the run game for Zeke and the Cowboys. Look for them to role all over the soft D of Atlanta.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville
Spread: Pittsburgh -5.5
Skovron’s Pick: Jacksonville
Why: I have a soft spot for the Jags despite Blake Bortles. Public and money on Pittsburgh, the line hasn’t gotten bigger, Fournette is back and I have a hard time thinking Jax can keep losing.
Urbanek’s Pick: Jacksonville
Why: If it’s too good to be true in the NFL it probably is. Pittsburgh is rolling and the Jags can’t beat a pee-wee team, so there’s no reason to believe it won’t be a blowout. However, I’m siding with pride on the home field. The Steelers aren’t the same away from Heinz Field, and with Fournette back behind Bortles I’m favoring the Jags at the very least keeping it close. Pittsburgh 24, Jax 20.
York’s Pick: Pittsburgh
Why: Even though the Jags get Fournette back healthy and running hard, their D is still vulnerable to the high-powered offense of Big Ben and Antonio Brown. The Steelers win this game by double digits easy.
Denver at LA Chargers
Spread: LA -7
Skovron’s Pick: Chargers
Why: As of right now this is a Denver bet with public on the Bolts and the sharps moving the line down. I’m not picking against my Bolts though. Rivers didn’t have a great game last week but he has had a very efficient year and Melvin Gordon has become an elite back. No Perryman for the rest of the year, but Bosa practiced this week. I doubt he will play this week but watch out when he gets back!
Urbanek’s Pick: LA Chargers
Why: I can’t get the Broncos blowout loss to the Jets out of my head. LA is on cruise control and should have no trouble scoring 30+ in this one. Too many weapons for Rivers, who’s quietly having the best year of his career. LA 37, Denver 17.
York’s Pick: Denver
Why: Another divisional game with Denver’s season at stake. This is a must-win for any chance of a playoff berth. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Chargers win this game at the wire with a field goal.
Philadelphia at New Orleans
Spread: New Orleans -8
Skovron’s Pick: Philly
Why: New Orleans is rolling and Philly has struggled a bit this year but the public is on the Saints and sharps are on Philly. That makes it an easy pick for me despite Drew Brees and Michael Thomas being unstoppable this year!
Urbanek’s Pick: New Orleans
Why: The Eagles are just too beat up to keep up in this one. The Saints will pour it on early and often and withstand a late garbage time push by a desperate team that saw their playoff hopes crushed by the Cowboys last week. Saints 38, Philly 27.
York’s Pick: New Orleans
Why: The pass defense of the Eagles is extremely vulnerable. Look for Drew Brees to expose the weak secondary of Philly in a blowout win at home.
Kansas City at LA Rams
Spread: Rams -3.5
Skovron’s Pick: Rams
Why: Well, I really need KC to lose, and I’m a Bolts fan if you haven’t figured that out yet, so I’m gonna be biased here. With the game moved to LA, altitude isn’t going to be a factor and I’m excited to watch these two heavyweights go at it. I really don’t know how you stop Kareem Hunt if you couldn’t stop Penny and the Seahawks last week. I’m trusting those studs the Rams have on defense along with Wade Phillips making adjustments. Hopefully this game lives up to the hype and the Rams cover.
Urbanek’s Pick: Kansas City
Why: I see it more of a pick ’em game myself, so any points on either side I’m taking. LA has an incredible pass rush but they’re giving up 5.2 yards/rush, which means a heavy dose of Hunt. KC will slow the game down and control the clock. Reid is a master (until the playoffs) and will teach the young buck a thing or two. KC 27, LA 23.
York’s Pick: Kansas City
Why: Probably the toughest game to handicap. Both teams have a high-powered offense and major holes at the corner position. This will be a last possession game for sure with the scoring going back and forth. But look for the Chiefs to cover in this one.