Welcome to another edition of Sunday Selections, but this time we will review some of the top college basketball games this week (mainly because I didn’t do that yesterday). That is an addition to our NFL picks. I won’t waste anyone’s time. Here are my Sunday Selections:
NFL:
Cleveland Browns (5-4) at New England Patriots (5-4) (-2.5)
There’s a lot of uncertainty for both teams, especially at the RB position. However, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is back for the Browns, which should give the Browns’ defense a boost. How will Myles Garrett play against Mac Jones’s offense? There are lots of questions to be answered in this. The Patriots look better each week, so they will improve their home record as they beat the Browns today.
Tune into Browns at Patriots at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) at Dallas Cowboys (6-2) (-8)
The Cowboys look to add another win as they lost last week to the Broncos. The question is: how will the Cowboys’ defense look against the Falcons? With the game in Arlington, I think Dan Quinn will get his revenge on the Falcons.
Tune into Falcons at Cowboys at 1 PM ET on FOX.
New Orleans Saints (5-3) at Tennessee Titans (7-2) (-3)
The Titans should win because they’re home with a defense that looks terrific right now. That defense is led by safety Kevin Byard. The Saints have the top run defense, which will be a problem for Adrian Peterson. The Titans will also be without Julio Jones. However, the Saints are trying to find offense without Alvin Kamara and Jameis Winston. So because of that, the Titans win at home.
Tune into Saints at Titans at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) at Indianapolis Colts (4-5) (-10)
The Jaguars have lost 12 straight road games, which is the longest active streak in the NFL. The Jaguars got a huge win against the Bills last week, led by defensive end Josh Allen (not the QB). Can the Jaguars find a rhythm on offense, especially in the third-down territory? I don’t think so. Colts win with home-field advantage and more talent.
Tune into Jaguars at Colts at 1 PM ET on CBS.
Detroit Lions (0-8) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) (-6)
Even with Ben Roethlisberger out, I think the Steelers will prevail at home. They have a scary defense led by T.J. Watt and Najee Harris has been terrific at running back. Not to mention the Steelers have won the last five games against the Lions. How will D’Andre Swift look against the Steelers? If the Lions somehow win, who is the guy who steps up?
Tune into Lions at Steelers at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) (-10) at Washington Football Team (2-6)
As these two teams rematch after a memorable Wild Card game last year, the Buccaneers should win again against Taylor Heinicke. They’re loaded at every position. However, Rob Gronkowski is out at tight end for them. The Bucs lead the league in passing offense, which will be enough for them to beat Washington on the road.
Tune into Buccaneers at Washington at 1 PM ET on FOX.
Carolina Panthers (4-5) at Arizona Cardinals (8-1) (-8.5)
I would have taken the Panthers, but they looked so bad last week I couldn’t. Even with Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins out it isn’t enough to pick the upset. The Panthers signed Cam Newton, so I am interested to see what they do with him active. I think the running game, led by James Conner, will be what gets the Cardinals the win. Carolina can’t be trusted.
Tune into Panthers at Cardinals at 4:05 PM ET on FOX.
Minnesota Vikings (3-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) (-3)
I know that I’m picking a lot of chalk, but it seems to work better than picking upsets. However, the Vikings could upset the Chargers, but I think Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense will be better than what the Vikings have to offer despite both teams having abysmal run defenses. The Chargers are at home, so I’ll give them the win.
Tune into Vikings at Chargers at 4:05 PM ET on FOX.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) at Denver Broncos (5-4) (-1)
All three wins for the Eagles have come on the road, but the Broncos have been clearly successful as they only need to beat the Eagles today to sweep the NFC East. Jalen Hurts is the star of the team, but the defense has been able to put more pressure on teams while they’re on the road. The Eagles get the upset at Mile High.
Tune into Eagles at Broncos at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.
Seattle Seahawks (3-5) at Green Bay Packers (7-2) (-3)
Good news for the Seahawks: Russell Wilson is back! However, they face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in snowy Green Bay. Not good for a team missing Chris Carson. I love this matchup, but getting stops on defense, especially early on, will be key for the Seahawks if they want to win. The Packers win with Aaron Jones and being used to these conditions.
Tune into Seahawks at Packers at 4:25 PM ET on CBS.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) (-2.5) at Las Vegas Raiders (5-3)
The Chiefs are favorites on the road despite trailing the Raiders in the AFC West division. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have not impressed on the road, with a 2-2 record, but I think this is the game that things look up for Kansas City. The Chiefs win with a big game from their passing offense.
Tune into Chiefs at Raiders at 8:20 PM ET on NBC.
Los Angeles Rams (7-2) (-3.5) at San Francisco 49ers (3-5)
Losing Robert Woods for the season is a huge loss for the Rams, but bringing in Odell Beckham Jr. could be the best replacement for them. Von Miller is questionable and we’re likely to find out tomorrow whether the Broncos legend will make his debut with the Rams tomorrow night. The 49ers have a five-game winning streak against the Rams, but they fail to succeed at home. The Rams break the Niners’ streak.
Tune into Rams at 49ers on Monday at 8:15 PM ET on ESPN/ESPN2.
NCAA Basketball:
#20 Florida State (1-0) (-1.5) at Florida (1-0)
Florida State has won eight straight against their rival Gators, which they should be feeling confident about going into this matchup. The last time the Gators beat the Seminoles was in 2013. Expect a battle, with Leonard Hamilton’s team coming out strong.
Tune into Florida State at Florida at 1 PM ET on ESPN.
#11 Illinois (2-0) at Marquette (2-0)
Illinois comes in this game with two convincing wins in their buy games. However, Marquette struggled to beat New Hampshire the other day, which is not a good look for their program. Shaka Smart would need a lot to get the upset win in Milwaukee. Kofi Cockburn is out due to a suspension, so expect guard play to lead the Fighting Illini. They lead 9-5, but Marquette has won the last two meetings, which took place in the early 1990s.
Tune into Illinois at Marquette on Monday at 7 PM ET on FS1.
Providence (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)
While Nate Watson looks to be one of the best bigs in the Big East, they’re no match for Wisconsin at home. The Badgers start the season 3-0. Providence is 3-1 against Wisconsin but has a 31-31 record all-time against the Big Ten. They’ll go under .500 after Monday’s game.
Tune into Providence at Wisconsin on Monday at 9 PM ET on FS1.
Creighton (2-0) at Nebraska (1-1)
Nebraska has lost a buy game already, which isn’t a good look for the Cornhuskers. Creighton has dominated the rivalry as of recently, so expect another win by the Bluejays. The overall series is surprising, with Creighton slightly leading 28-26. Nebraska has a better chance this year to win with Creighton having a down year. They’re looking for their first win over the Bluejays since 2018.
Tune into Creighton at Nebraska on Tuesday at 7 PM ET on FS1.
#25 Virginia (1-1) at #15 Houston (2-0)
Virginia lost a buy game to Navy, which should put them outside of the AP Top 25 tomorrow. Houston has been a better offensive team, but the Cavaliers have been defensive-minded. Houston wins with a home-court advantage. The series is tied at 3-3, with Virginia winning two of the last three meetings.
Tune into Virginia at Houston on Tuesday at 8 PM ET on ESPN.
Seton Hall (1-0) at #6 Michigan (2-0)
Michigan should get this win, led by Caleb Houstan. Seton Hall can be a threat, but it’s not likely. Bryce Aiken is finding his rhythm, but I don’t know if it’s enough to push the Pirates over Michigan. The last time these two teams faced off, it was 1989. Michigan is 2-0 against Seton Hall.
Tune into Seton Hall at Michigan on Tuesday at 9 PM ET on FS1.
BYU (2-0) vs. #13 Oregon (2-0)
Oregon is 14-8 all-time against BYU, winning six of the last seven games. Will Richardson is known to be one of the highest potential players in the Pac-12 this season. With the game in Portland, I have the Ducks winning.
Tune into BYU at Oregon on Tuesday at 10 PM ET on ESPN.
Michigan State (1-1) at Butler (3-0)
Michigan State is already battle-tested, with a loss to Kansas on Tuesday. Butler won the last matchup, which took place in the 2010 Final Four. If Michigan State can find a standout on offense, they can be a legit team this year. Michigan State wins on the road.
Tune into Michigan State at Butler on Wednesday at 9 PM ET on FS1.
NC State (2-0) vs. Oklahoma State (2-1)
NC State survived the first two games with wins in their buy games. Oklahoma lost a buy game to Oakland. In the words of Jon Rothstein, “the epitome of brutality.” Oklahoma State is banned from this year’s NCAA Tournament, so these games won’t matter as much for them. NC State gets their first win over the Cowboys.
Tune into NC State vs. Oklahoma State on Wednesday at 8 PM ET on CBS Sports Network.
St. John’s (2-0) at Indiana (2-0)
Indiana is 5-2 against the Red Storm, winning five of the last six games. Trayce Jackson-Davis is known to be one of the best forwards in the country, averaging 20 points and 10.5 rebounds in his first two games. Julian Champagnie was my Big East Preseason Player of the Year, and he averages 21 points per game. Posh Alexander is their best playmaker so the Hoosiers need to watch out for him too. With a home-court advantage and star power, Indiana wins.
Tune into St. John’s at Indiana on Wednesday at 9 PM ET on FS1.
#19 Ohio State (2-0) at Xavier (2-0)
Ohio State nearly lost to Akron, but that cancels out as Xavier nearly lost to Niagara. The series is tied 1-1, which is surprising for two teams who are big basketball programs in Ohio. E.J. Liddell has been terrific through two games, averaging 27 points and eight rebounds per game. Watch out for Paul Scruggs, who has been the clear leader for the Musketeers. Ohio State wins on the road but by one possession.
Tune into Ohio State at Xavier on Thursday at 6:30 PM ET on FS1.
Marquette (2-0) vs. Ole Miss (2-0)
This is going to be a better game than you think. Ole Miss has a top 25 defense according to KenPom, but Marquette has a standout player in Maryland transfer Darryl Morsell, who is one of the better defensive players in college basketball. The thing that worries me is that this is probably a rebuilding year for Marquette, even though I like having Morsell as their leader. Marquette will come into this game battle-tested, with a huge game at home against Illinois prior to the Charleston Classic game. Marquette wins with toughness and grit.
Tune into Marquette vs. Ole Miss on Thursday at 7 PM ET on ESPN2.
Rutgers (2-0) at DePaul (2-0)
Rutgers has the 28th best defense in the country according to KenPom, but the coaching will let the Scarlet Knights win by ten against the bad Blue Demons. However, both teams are not off to great starts. Rutgers leads the series 7-4, going back to their Big East days.
Tune into Rutgers at DePaul on Thursday at 8:30 PM ET on FS1.
Arizona State (1-1) at San Diego State (1-1)
Arizona State has won four of the last five matchups against the Aztecs, but a bad loss to UC Riverside makes me want to pick San Diego State. The Aztecs are #6 in defense on KenPom, with a close loss to BYU recently. San Diego State wins, but it’s closer than you think.
Tune into Arizona State at San Diego State on Thursday at 10:30 PM ET on CBS Sports Network.
Wichita State (2-0) vs. Arizona (2-0)
I cannot trust Wichita State. Even though Tyson Etienne’s game-winner against Jacksonville State was cool, I can’t get over the fact that they nearly lost to Jacksonville State. Arizona has averaged over 90 points in their two games. With the game being closer to home than Wichita State, I’m taking the Wildcats.
Tune into Wichita State vs. Arizona on Friday at 10 PM ET on ESPNU.
Calhoun's Corner 