If you read this blog last week, you noticed I did not include the Packers over the Giants as one of my top picks. Call me biased since I am a Giants fan, but I honestly believed we had a chance to upset Green Bay, even with a slew of injuries. Unfortunately, if you chose the Packers, you may be out of your Survivor Pool if there is no double elimination.

There are only a few left in my pool. Let’s get to the picks.

Bucs over Steelers
Kenny Pickett had a rough first start against the Bills last weekend, and it won’t get much easier for the rookie this Sunday against the Bucs. While the Bucs have dealt with multiple injuries, suspensions, and tabloids questioning Tom Brady’s marriage, this is still one of the elite teams in the league. Yes, the Bucs almost blew a three-score lead to the Falcons on Sunday, but their defense benefits from opposing an inexperienced rookie on Sunday. It’s a road game for Tampa, but they will pull off the win.

Packers over Jets
As I mentioned in the intro, hopefully, you did not select the Packers last weekend and can use Green Bay for this week’s pick. While the Jets have been a surprise with a 3-2 record to start the year, their wins have come against backup QB Jacoby Brissett, rookie Kenny Pickett, and third-string QB Skylar Thompson who was on the Dolphins’ practice squad the week prior. Aaron Rodgers is a three-time MVP, and coming off a loss overseas, you know he won’t allow his team to blow another multiple TD lead. Packers win.

Jaguars over Colts
The last time these two teams met, Jacksonville completed a 24-0 shutout – its first since 2018. Since then, the Jaguars followed up on that win by defeating the Chargers before losing consecutive contests to the Eagles and the Texans. It’s safe to presume this team is still in rebuilding mode and not the surprise of the season many experts prematurely declared. Still, they have another favorable matchup against the reeling Colts. Indianapolis acquired Matt Ryan, believing him to be the final piece of the puzzle for an extensive playoff run. However, if anything, Ryan has made the team worse as the offense continues to struggle to put points up on the board. The Jaguars should be able to utilize their running game the same way Derrick Henry and the Titans dominated the Indy defense two weeks ago. And while Jacksonville’s offense can be inconsistent at times, there’s no question their defense is vastly improved. The Jaguars complete the sweep of the Colts.

49ers over Falcons
Many presumed when LT Trent Williams went down in Week 3 that the 49ers’ offense would take a hit. Instead, Jimmy Garoppolo has led the team to back-to-back blowouts against the Rams and Panthers. Now, against the Falcons, the 49ers should also be able to silence an overachieving Falcons squad. While Atlanta is a perfect 5-0 against the spread this season, they are still 2-3 straight up, dropping contests to superior teams like the Bucs and the Rams. It is one thing for the Falcons to defeat the Seahawks or the Browns, but the 49ers’ defense should be able to contain Marcus Mariota and Drake London, even without Emmanuel Moseley. San Francisco wins their third straight here.

Rams over Panthers
Given how poorly the Rams’ season has started, it is risky to guarantee a win for them against any team. Fortunately, the Rams will face the Panthers this weekend, who just fired their head coach and saw their starting QB Baker Mayfield suffer a high ankle sprain. With an interim head coach and a third-string QB PJ Walker getting the nod, the Rams defense should be able to feast on this beleaguered Panthers’ squad. The Rams also have a bye coming up next weekend, so you can bet LA will do everything to avoid a three-game losing streak before the break.