Out-Pick a Pro: Antonio Pierce’s Week 6 ATS Picks
If our social media push has done its job, you already know that SBD has partnered with Super Bowl champion Antonio Pierce for our inaugural “Out-pick a Pro” contest. Each week, Antonio will be making six NFL picks against the spread, and readers will have the chance to go head-to-head with the New York Giant legend for a chance to win great prizes, like a trip to the 2018 Pro Bowl in Orlando!
It’s time to get this pick-train rolling. Below, you’ll find Antonio’s Week 6 picks and my brief analysis.
OUT-PICK A PRO:
AP’S WEEK 6 ATS PICKS
Green Bay (-2.5) at Minnesota
Pierce’s Pick: Minnesota (+2.5)
This is a fierce divisional rivalry and the Minnesota defense at home is a monster. Last year, Harrison Smith and company held Aaron Rodgers to 14 points and a 70.7 passer rating at US Bank Stadium. You can’t question the talent of Aaron Rodgers. The man can do incredible things with the football. But home dogs — especially ones with elite defenses — are a consistently solid bet.
New England (-9.5) at New York Jets
Pierce’s Pick: New England (-9.5)
The 3-2 Jets are a nice story and New England’s defense has serious problems. But New York’s wins are against the Dolphins, Jaguars, and Browns. Not exactly the NFL’s best. This is a mismatch, and the pissed-off Pats are liable to make a statement.
Tampa Bay (-2) at Arizona
Pierce’s Pick: Arizona (+2)
Antonio’s rolling with another home underdog. Both of these teams are flawed, but Arizona still has a decent defense and Tampa’s special teams are a disaster. If the Bucs aren’t getting field goals when they’re in range, Zona has a great chance to win outright, especially with the Buccaneers as banged up as they are. Their defense only has four sacks on the year. That’s last in the league. This might be the one week when Carson Palmer actually has some time to throw.
Los Angeles Rams at Jacksonville (-2.5)
Pierce’s Pick: Jacksonville (-2.5)
AP is on the Jaguar train for the week. That win over Pittsburgh was a statement. Their defense might be able to win them a lot of games this year, especially the secondary. Jared Goff has been a lot better than last year for the Rams, but he’s still staring down receivers. That’s not going to fly against Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye.
Pittsburgh at Kansas City (-4)
Pierce’s Pick: Kansas City (-4)
Ben Roethlisberger said, himself, that he might not have “it” anymore. But more importantly, the Chiefs are cruising! Andy Reid is one of the best in the biz and he’s putting all his puzzle pieces together perfectly. Maybe Big Ben rebounds, but he’s not great on the road and Arrowhead is one of the toughest, loudest environments in the league. Not the easiest spot to try to turn things around.
New York Giants at Denver (-11.5)
Pierce’s Pick: Denver (-11.5)
AP is picking against his old team. Why? You need to be able to move the ball to score points. You can do that by either running or passing. The Giants haven’t been able to run the ball since AP was playing. Now they have no receivers for Eli to throw to. So New York is going to Mile High to face one of the best defenses in the league with basically no offensive weapons. Say what you will about the Denver offense, it can score 12 points.
