Thursday Night Football

Latavius Murray vs. Chiefs run defense

Anyone out there bold enough or maybe desperate enough to be playing Raiders’ running back Latavius Murray tonight? No? Well maybe you should be. I’m writing about him because of how intriguing of an athletic specimen he is.

At 223 pounds at his Pro Day in 2013, the Central Florida star ran a blistering 4.38 in the 40 yard dash and had agility scores better than just about every “big” running back in the NFL today when they entered the league.

Believe me, he’s a freak.

Last week, Murray broke off two long runs against the San Diego Chargers in defeat and played more snaps than both Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Although they haven’t allowed a rushing touchdown in 11 games, the Chiefs run defense surrenders 4.8 yards per rush on the season.

Man up and start Murray.

Prediction

Latavius Murray: 13 carries, 85 yards, 3 catches, 40 yards

. . .

Andy Dalton vs. Texans secondary

Andy Dalton’s been a quarterbacking roller coaster in 2014, and the amount of protection he receives from his offensive line often dictates how well he plays. J.J. Watt is the most dominating player in the NFL right now, and Jadeveon Clowney is back for Houston, but the Bengals front is one of the finest in football.

When Watt and Clowney are held in relative check, the Texans weak secondary usually gets exposed.

Although I envision a heavy dosage of Jeremy Hill in this one, Dalton will have another respectable afternoon like the one he had against the Saints secondary in Week 11…A.J. Green being back to 100 percent is obviously a major help to Cincy’s signal-caller.

Prediction:

Andy Dalton: 21 for 30, 245 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT

. . .

Patriots RBs vs. Lions run defense

Jonas Gray ran for over 200 with four touchdowns in the Patriots’ beatdown of the Colts in Week 11 on Sunday Night Football, and everyone instantly fired up their waiver wires to add the punishing runner.

But then, in true Bill Belichick form, New England signed LeGarrette Blount on Thursday morning, which could be a thorn of the side of Gray’s workload.

Either way, this is a horrible matchup, as the Lions run defense has been routinely stingy in 2014…it currently allows the fewest yards per carry (3.0) in the NFL. Detroit’s defensive line is downright nasty, and DeAndre Levy is a springy downhill linebacker who’s fundamentally sound filling his gaps and getting sideline-to-sideline.

I’d stay away from any of the Patriots running backs this week

Prediction

Patriots RB’s: 26 carries, 90 yards, 1 TD

. . .

JOSH GORDON VS. Falcons secondary

Josh Gordon has been a mythological fantasy entity over the past year now (that’s why I put his name in caps). To the owners who stood strong during his suspension and held onto him — props to you. Now, I know many fantasy experts out there are predicting the Browns receiver to BURST onto the scene immediately to reclaim his title as the most dynamic receiver in the NFL.

While they may happen in December, it’s not happening yet.

Desmond Trufant is one of the best young cornerbacks in the league, and I imagine the Falcons will everything in their power to not let Gordon beat them in their clash with Cleveland.

The “explosion” will have to wait, at least for another week or so.

Prediction

Josh Gordon: 4 catches, 58 yards