Lions @ Raiders – Browns @ Cardinals – Jets @ Eagles Free NFL Picks

Detroit Lions (pk) @ Oakland Raiders
The Raiders have just played too terribly to pass up going against them here, even though they are at home and facing an opponent that probably has more terrible penalties than they do this year. Yes, this game will be fun to watch if you enjoy players absolutely losing their minds in a competitive battle. Maybe you’ll even see some punches!!! The one thing the Raiders have that Detroit can’t seem to find is a consistent rushing attack, even without Darren McFadden. Amazingly, the Lions, even with millions and millions of dollars invested up front, haven’t been able to stop the run much this year. Michael Bush could have a big day and keep the Raiders in it. I just don’t buy Oakland right now.

Cleveland Browns (+7) @ Arizona Cardinals
The Browns play a little tougher and a lot closer than most people realize, and that’s the only way Arizona could try getting away with being a touchdown favorite against anybody. I know they’ve played well lately, but the Browns are pretty good defensively and the Cardinals aren’t very good on that side of the ball. Expect a low scoring defensive battle and a cover from the road dogs.

New York Jets @ Philadelphia Eagles (-1)
I know this pick seems a little crazy – especially because the Eagles have gotten gauged by the run this year and the Jets are a running team. Especially because Plaxico Burress has always been good at torching the Eagles, and even more so because the Eagels have been pretty consistently bad this year. But Michael Vick is back and healthy and LeSean McCoy could destroy the Jets (who have had a tough time stopping the run) and maybe, just maybe, the Eagles defense has one of those weeks where they get after the QB and actually look like a D that has ~100 million invested into defensive backs. I’ll take them.