It’s the last week of the regular season and Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 (35-41-1) has no chance of finishing with a winning record.
He already has excuses ready for his subpar showing.
Before giving out his Week 18 picks Cowherd was in a reminiscent mood on Friday’s episode of “The Herd.” He recalled going to Stardust Casino in Vegas on Sunday night (or Monday night) to bet the opening NFL lines.
“That’s how I bet my whole life (opening lines.) Then COVID hit. Now you have to wait until Sunday morning because players are coming in and out and the whole thing for me has gone upside down. You can say it’s just an excuse. It’s the hardest year of gambling I’ve ever had,” said Cowherd.
What is Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 record?
We track Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 picks so you can decide whether to follow or fade when betting on the NFL at PA sports betting apps.
Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 record 2019 to present:
- 2021: 37-43-2
- 2020: 40-41-2
- 2019: 42-41-3
Colin Cowherd Blazin’ 5 Week 18 NFL picks
The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a sports talk radio show on Fox Sports Radio and Fox Sports 1. Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 airs Fridays on The Herd at 1 p.m. EST.
Dallas Cowboys (-4.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Cowherd pick: Cowboys
Final score prediction: Cowboys 27, Eagles 20
Cowherd said:
“I initially liked the Eagles but they got 16 players on the COVID list. I’m going to take the Cowboys. Their defense leads the NFL in interceptions takeaways, third-down conversions. Jalen Hurts, who is still struggling, let’s be honest, he ranks 28th in passing, it’s gonna be hard on 3rd down. The Cowboys are athletic and rangy and they beat him the first time they played him. Dak against the NFC East is 24-4 with 50 TDs and 15 picks, he eats them alive. The Eagles have 16 players on COVID, they are 0-6 when facing a team with a winning record.”
Final score: Cowboys 51, Eagles 26
Did Cowherd win? Yes
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons (+3.5)
Cowherd pick: Falcons
Final score prediction: Falcons 24, Saints 23
Cowherd said:
“This is a rivalry game. I bet the Falcons earlier this year against the Saints and I’m gonna bet ’em again. You know I don’t like betting the Falcons and this is my second time. They are 7-2 in games decided by 8 or fewer points. In close games they are a good team and their defense has 12-straight games with a takeaway (leads NFL). Matt Ryan ate ’em up the last time he played them and the Saints offense over the last three games is a mess, 10 points a game. When you’re down to your third and fourth quarterback it’s a merry-go-round. The Saints offense on third down in the last three games is the worst in the league. I get Matt Ryan at home with over a field goal…I think Atlanta upsets the Saints.”
Final score: Saints 30, Falcons 20
Did Cowherd win? No
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams (-4.5)
Cowherd pick: Rams
Final score prediction: Rams 28, 49ers 23
Cowherd said:
“Initially, I would like San Francisco and the points here but Garoppolo’s not practicing, he has an injury. The Rams are on a five-game winning streak and they are playing football. They lead the NFL in yards-per-play. Matt Stafford’s numbers this year have been fantastic. The key though is Garoppolo’s thumb sprain. I thought it would get better and it has not. You are asking Trey Lance to face this Rams team on the road in his second road start. This is a big ask for a rookie quarterback and I don’t like it.”
Final score: 49ers 27, Rams 24
Did Cowherd win? No
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (+6)
Cowherd pick: Dolphins
Final score prediction: Patriots 24, Dolphins 23
Cowherd said:
“A lot of the wise guys like New England. I’m taking Miami +6. First of all, 5-0 in their last 5 home games. Weird things happen last game of the year in Miami. Dolphins are 6-2 last 8 times they played the Patriots in Miami. Since Week 9, the Dolphins defense has allowed 14.5 ppg (2nd in NFL), and rank 1st in the league since Week 9 for ypg allowed, yards-per-play allowed and sacks. Their defense is fantastic. The Patriots are 3-6 against teams this year that are .500 or better. Mac Jones doesn’t really have the ability to get out of trouble and Miami’s defense gets you in trouble. It’s too many points for a rivalry points, an amazing defense and a rookie quarterback.”
Final score: Dolphins 33, Patriots 24
Did Cowherd win? Yes
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders (+3)
Cowherd pick: Raiders
Final score prediction: Raiders 30, Chargers 27
Cowherd said:
“This game, I’ve gone back-and-forth with. I know I’m getting a true effort. With a lot of these games. I just don’t know whose playing. Both of these teams need to win. The Raiders defense, 4 of their last 5 games have played well. Derek Carr is playing his butt off this year. Darren Waller is back and I don’t trust the Chargers defense. It’s the worst third down defense in the league. The Raiders are running the ball and they are going to keep Herbert off the field.”
Final score: Raiders 35, Chargers 33
Did Cowherd win? Push
Cowherd’s Week 18 Blazin’ 5 record: 2-2-1
Colin Cowherd 2021 Blazin’ 5 overall record: 37-43-2
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