NFL Open Thread: this is the good stuff

Sorry to Lions fans — I guess if there’s any consolation, it’s pretty clear that a defense consisting mostly of guys who will be selling life insurance this time next year was not going to beat the AFC champion even had they somehow gotten to the Super Bowl. It’s too bad we didn’t get to see them with their defense at something resembling full strength, but that’s life. Of course, the Commanders could have won anyway — if there was any doubt about Daniels being the most exciting young QB to come into the league since Mahomes/Allen/Jackson, I think they ended last night.
On today’s game, with the caveat that when you’re right 75% of the time you’re wrong 25% of the time:
Rams (+6.5) at Eagles: An interesting game — the Rams have done a remarkable job of rebuilding their defensive line and can move the ball. and their weighted offensive DVOA is better than Philadelphia’s. The latter has a better defense overall, of course, and at home I think they will probably use that and their running game to grind out a win. But personally I wouldn’t be inclined to lay this many points until the Eagles show that they have their passing game straightened out.
Ravens (-1.5) at Bills One of the best division round matchups I can remember, with the #1 and #2 MVP candidates facing off (I personally would vote for Lamar although Allen will probably win it.) If this were playing played in Baltimore I would be very comfortable picking the Ravens. In Buffalo on a cold day, I’m much less comfortable. But the Ravens are the better team IMO — and given that the line started with Buffalo being favored, not just mine — and the Jackson/Henry rushing attack should be effective in adverse conditions. But most of all I hope this game proves to be as good as it looks on paper.