While I appreciate Thursday night games (more than players do for sure) I must admit that picking them is somewhat burdensome, forcing me to get this ditty published before kickoff. I know…First World problems, right?? Anyway, neither of us did well last week, so we’ll just move on. I am keeping one eye on the baseball playoffs, but the nagging feeling that we’re headed for a Dodgers-Yankees World Series won’t go away, so I am thankful for football.

My Season: 21-17

Zach’s Season: 16-22

Texas (-14.5) vs. Oklahoma

The Red River Shootout moves to the SEC, with the unbeaten Longhorns entering the fray as the new #1 team in the country. This is a neutral site game in Dallas, with the 4-1 Sooners as significant underdogs despite the fact that the rivalry has tilted slightly in their direction in the past 15 years. As a fan I’d love to see an exciting, intense, competitive battle, but I just don’t believe it will live up to the usual hype. Texas is a legit championship contender, while Oklahoma probably won’t finish the season in the Top 25. Zach sees Texas as the most complete team in college football and doesn’t think Oklahoma’s defense has what it takes to stop them.

My Pick: Texas

Zach’s Pick: Texas

Florida at Tennessee (-15)

The best part of college football might be the longstanding rivalries, but sometimes it just so happens that one team is ascending while their opponent is in a decline. Sure, the 4-1 Vols were upset by Arkansas last week, but unlike previous years their season isn’t torpedoed by one loss. They remain strong playoff contenders. Conversely, the 3-2 Gators just want to keep their head above water. Head coach Billy Napier is still gainfully employed at the moment, but his seat is still pretty hot. Rockytop will be en fuego, as their team has lost 17 out of the last 20 meetings but now they smell blood. I foresee an epic beatdown. Zach concurs.

My Pick: Tennessee

Zach’s Pick: Tennessee

Ohio State (-4) at Oregon

So this is now a…*checks notes*…Big Ten battle. Realignment is wild. At any rate, both teams are undefeated and ranked in the Top 5, so there are huge implications at stake. I don’t doubt that it’ll  be the best game of the day, and the fact that it’s happening in the cozy confines of Eugene adds an element of intrigue. There is part of me that would love to call for the upset because that’s just how I roll. However, at the end of the day I think the Buckeyes are a bit deeper and probably better in the trenches, which means they’ll take control of the game in the 4th quarter. Zach begrudgingly admits that Ohio St. is a good team because they have enough money to buy all of that talent, but he just cannot bring himself to pick them.

My Pick: Ohio St.

Zach’s Pick: Oregon

San Francisco (-3) at Seattle

This is the Thursday game on Amazon, and I am anticipating an epic slobberknocker. Without RB Christian McCaffrey the 2-3 Niners have struggled. I thought they’d dominate the division and be a strong Super Bowl contender. Instead, they find themselves a game behind Seattle in the NFC West. The Seahawks are 3-2, but those two losses have come in their last two outings. We probably shouldn’t assign too much importance to a mid-October game, but my vibe is that it could be a tremendous catalyst for the victor, while the loser may need to reevaluate everything to find a path forward. The home field seems like it’s being undervalued by the oddsmakers, which I believe to be a mistake. Zach thinks ‘Frisco is simply a better team, even without McCaffrey.

My Pick: Seattle

Zach’s Pick: San Francisco 

Washington at Baltimore (-6.5)

Do they call this the Battle of the Beltway?? Have I heard that reference somewhere or am I imagining it?? Whatever the case, these teams are separated by less than an hour’s drive, meaning that the home field probably isn’t that significant. The 3-2 Ravens had a rough start to their season but have won three consecutive games. The Commanders are 4-1 and lead the NFC East. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick in last spring’s draft, has been a revelation, and it will be exciting to watch them build a good team around him in the next couple of years. As far as this game goes, I think the key is whether or not Washington’s defense can stop Baltimore RB Derrick Henry, especially in the latter stages of a close game. It’s probably not a smart choice, but I will put my faith in Daniels to make enough plays to pull off an upset on the road. Zach isn’t necessarily sure who will come out on top, but he thinks it’ll be closer than a touchdown.

My Pick: Washington

Zach’s Pick: Washington