R.J.'s Picks (13 Live)
The Colts have key injuries on both sides of the ball ...
The Rams had a wake-up call last week on a cross-country trip ...
The Chiefs' offensive line is in a bad state with Josh Simmons out and both Jawaan Taylor and Trey Smith in doubt ...
R.J.'s Past Picks
The Patriots are stuck dealing with key injuries on the offensive line, and this is the perfect matchup to counter those issues by leaning on the run game. The Giants have given up 6.2 yards per carry to RBs this season, and they've surrendered 185.5 rushing yards per game over the last six weeks. This isn't even a high number for Henderson, who saw 18 carries last week despite Rhamondre Stevenson's return, as he's gotten to 62 yards in four of his last five and three straight. Love the matchup, love the workload. I'd play anything in the 60s here.
The Patriots are on a nine-game winning streak, but the cracks may be starting to show. Drake Maye had accuracy issues in what should've been the easiest matchup he may ever see against a historically bad Bengals defense. The offense's issues from last year may return with the injuries up front, particularly to left tackle Will Campbell, and this is not an ideal matchup for a significant downgrade in protection on the edge. The Giants went blow for blow with the Lions, and I can't see a repeat of their late defensive meltdown with the Patriots' downgraded O-line. While my ratings think this should be 7, I expect it'll end up being another close game for both teams.