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11 SOUTHERN CAL over *Stanford
Late Score Forecast:
SOUTHERN CAL 49 - *Stanford 14
The men of Troy have been-"chaaa-chinggg!"-money in the bank recently, covering 27 of their last 37 (including last 5 as visitor) since mid-way thru HC & defensive mastermind Pete Carroll's first season at helm. See no reason why USC can't continue its money-making ways on trip to Stanford. Trojans won't pull many punches with bye week following this game. Cardinal is
stepping waaaay up in class after home wins over San Jose State & BYU, whose highly-containable attacks bear little resemblance to quick-striking USC (91 points last 2 games). Norm Chow's perfectly balanced offense (238 ypg rushing, 246 passing TY) will shred Stanford stop unit again (nearly 500 yards LY). And Cardinal QB Edwards' lack of similar rush support (only 102
ypg) will put him under intense pressure from hard-charging Trojan front 7, which could help USC add to its +57 TO margin(!) under Carroll.
10 PENN STATE over *Wisconsin
Late Score Forecast:
PENN STATE 23 - *Wisconsin 14
Penn State bounced back with a strong effort against Central Florida after getting some bad breaks and some uneven officiating in loss at Boston College. Nittany Lion attack looked sharp and innovative once again, as o.c. Galen Hall is maximizing Michael Robinson's talents. Penn State's OL is doing a good job protecting QB Zack Mills, allowing just 2 sacks in 3 games, and the DL is holding opponents to just 2.6 ypc. Wisconsin HC Alvarez has offensive issues, as he's lost his top two TBs. The injuries have handcuffed the running game and put more pressure on still-learning soph QB Stocco. Alvarez is also still trying to find a wideout to stretch defenses the way graduated star Lee Evans did. The result has been a conservative, grind-it-out on the ground, dink it to the FB or TE attack that's gained just
3.2 ypc & scored only 2 offensive TDs in two games since star RB A. Davis was injured in opener. Wisconsin defense will be under a great deal of pressure in this game, and 5th-year sr. QB Mills has a meaningful experience edge over Badgers' Stocco.
10 *SOUTH CAROLINA over Troy State
Late Score Forecast:
*SOUTH CAROLINA 34 - Troy State 10
Long-time CKO sources tell us that even with Alabama battle up next, resurgent South Carolina totally focused on surprising Troy State based on early, crisp practices this week. On other hand, Trojans, who upset both Marshall & Missouri so far, reportedly having a difficult time shaking off come-from-ahead (conference) loss at beatable New Mexico State last week.
Expect USC's blossoming aerial game-led by either 6-2 super-soph Newton (off best-ever effort by 'Cock QB in his 1st start!) or versatile 6-2 sr. Pinkins-to light up a reeling Troy State 2ndary (yielded 253 YP) that couldn't contain Aggies mediocre pass attack with game on the line. With USC's dynamic soph RB Summers expected back from injury & swift 6-2 jr. WR
Williamson (13 catches for 440 yds.-2nd nationally) en fuego, Lou has lots more prime-time weapons than pedestrian Troy State offense heavily reliant on workhorse RB Betterson (59 carries so far). Not surprised to see aggressive 'Cock "D" (8 takeaways so far) force a few more TOs, setting up Carolina "O" for some short scoring drives.
10 *ARIZONA STATE over Oregon State
Late Score Forecast:
*ARIZONA STATE 36 - Oregon State 17
Resurgent Arizona State (only 5-7 SU, 2-9 vs. spread LY) has won & covered its first 3 this season by a combined score of 115-37. While Dirk Koetter's creative attack has regained its potency, scouts report it's the Sun Devil defense that's been largely responsible for the recent uptick in Tempe. That
gang-tackling unit, now led by intense juco OLB Dale Robinson, completely mauled Iowa last week, holding Hawkeye offense to only 100 total yards! Expect more of the same vs. Oregon State, as Beavers' inability to establish their ground game (only 89 ypg TY) post-Steven Jackson finds sr. QB D. Anderson (24 ints. LY, 4 ints. in recent loss at Boise State) still forcing throws. And ASU offense definitely ready to hold up its end. NFL-caliber sr. QB Walter has thrown 11 TDP, frequently finding underrated jr. WR Hagan (6 straight 100+ games) & impact true frosh TE Z. Miller (6-4, 240), who had 10 catches against Iowa. Revenge motive only adds fuel to Sun Devils' fire.
10 *OAKLAND over Tampa Bay
Late Score Forecast:
*OAKLAND 22 - Tampa Bay 6
As expected, CKO insiders tell us Oakland has been counting down the days for this Super Bowl XXXVIII rematch. Raiders still vividly recall how former, fiery HC Jon Gruden openly expressed exuberance in beating his former team. Gruden won't jump for joy here. With 6 new starters on offense and key injuries to WRs, moribund T.B. attack (0 TDs so far!) continues to plod vs.
fired-up Oakland defense-spearheaded by highly-emotional & vocal DE Sapp, who's hell-bent on beating his former employer. Raiders deep, tenacious front 7 impressively held Buffalo's RB Henry (only 67 YR in 21 tries) in check week ago, and it'll do more of same to former Raider RB Gar ner, who's finding few open holes behind retooled OL. And without steady run support,
Buc's struggling QB B. Johnson (benched vs. Seattle) and/or still-learning, 2nd-year Simms sustain few drives. Sure, Tampa "D" still topnotch. But word is Oakland's offensive mastermind Norv Turner has been saving a few special plays for this one, and Raiders able to stretch the Buc "D" using fleet of fast WRs-including emerging 6-2 Curry (5 recs., 89 yds. vs Bills)-on deep
patterns.
TOTALS: UNDER (36) in Jacksonville-Tennessee Game-Jags' defense (8 ppg) is terrific; don't ask about their offense (10 ppg)...UNDER (34) in Tampa Bay-Oakland Game-With OL concerns and WR losses, Bucs' offense hasn't found the end zone in two games (only TD via fumble return).
HONORABLE MENTION (Nine-Rated Games): NORTH CAROLINA STATE (+7.5) at Virginia Tech-Speedy defense of this excellent underdog (NCS 8-3 last 11 getting points) played with great fury vs. Ohio State; Va. Tech not so dominating vs. teams in own class...UAB (+2.5) vs. Memphis-Blazers failed to earn their
desired respect in TV loss at Florida State; but UAB right at home vs. Tigers with 4 straight series wins & ******...TEXAS (-31) vs. Rice-UT's blue-chip athletes led Owls' "best they can get" group 41-0 at the half LY in Houston...MINNESOTA (-15) vs. Northwestern-RBs, WRs & PK of Golden Gophers should dominate; this contest would be rated higher were Minny defense as trustworthy...SEATTLE (-11) vs. San Francisco-Seahawks made two long road trips and allowed total of only 13 pts.; thin, scrappy 49ers already suffering significant attrition after just two games.
Key releases
COLLEGE DAY-BY-DAY FORECAST
BOSTON COLLEGE by 11 over Wake Forest
NOTRE DAME by 22 over Washington
VIRGINIA by 33 over Syracuse
NFL DAY-BY-DAY FORECAST
TENNESSEE by 18 over Jacksonville
GREEN BAY by 4 over Indianapolis
OVER 45 total points in the Denver-San Diego game
NFL Analysis
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
MIAMI 17 - Pittsburgh 13-Dolphins working in 6 new off. starters, but the end result should eventually be an improved passing game over LY. Marty Booker providing a threat opposite WR Chris Chambers, and TE McMichael (14 recs. so far) more active now that he knows he won't have to be a run blocker
for 90% of the plays. Steelers love to pound the ball, but defense still vulnerable to the pass (Oak. 297 YP in opener). Will rookie QB Roethlisberger get his first start due to Tommy Maddox' elbow? Dolphin defense has only given up 26 pts. TY. Miami "under" 35-18 last 53 at home.
(98-MIAMI -2' 21-0...SR: Miami 11-8)
***TENNESSEE 24 - Jacksonville 6-Tennessee facing much less of a challenge this week in second-year Jacksonville QB Leftwich and young Jags (only two TDs in two games), so defenses could very well dominate. Jack.coach Del Rio loves his big DTs Stroud & Henderson, who will be counted upon to minimize the damage done by exciting Titan RB Chris Brown (100, 152 YR first two games). However, Jags offense light years behind that run by
co-MVP Steve McNair, whose mobility and conversions in the clutch should eventually add up to "cover."
NY GIANTS 22 - Cleveland 14-Must believe that last week's 7-takeaway, 20-14 win over Washington will do lots of good for Giant team that had last 7 straight home games (and had failed to win or cover its last 9 overall). And Kurt Warner got back in the "win" column in a 22 of 33, no-TO performance. TE Jeremy Shockey again a threat, and speed WR Tim Carter finally healthy. Such is not the case for Cleveland's Kellen Winslow II, DE Courtney Brown (foot) & DT Gerard Warren (pectoral muscle), all hurt in Dallas game.
Baltimore 20 - CINCINNATI 13-Ray Lewis & veteran Baltimore defense (33 pts. in 2 games) figures to be too much of a challenge for pocket-passing Carson Palmer, even if Deion (strained hamstring last Sunday) on the shelf. Quick Chester Taylor (7 for 76 rushing last week) providing a nice change of
pace from the bigger Jamal Lewis, especially with mammoth LT Ogden back in action. Bengal defense could not handle Curtis Martin (196 YR) in opener ago before facing Ricky-less Miami last week.
KANSAS CITY 31 - Houston 20-It's hard to trust Houston defense (26 ppg on road LY), especially against sophisticated, balanced K.C. offense, especially with its very efficient OL. Youthful S.D. offense converted 9 of 15 on third down vs. Texans in opener, with Charger TE Gates (8 for 123) running wild. And Detroit had TD drives of 61, 79 & 80 yards. However, since Texan offense maturing, and Chiefs still learning methods of def.
coord. Cunningham, will note K.C. "over" 23 of last 35.
(03-K. City 42-HOU. 14...K.27-20 K.34/168 H.26/107 K.16/28/2/258
ST. LOUIS 28 - New Orleans 26-Deuce McAllister questionable (ankle injury) at our deadline. However, still hesitate to lay substantial points vs. Aaron Brooks and explosive N.O. aerial game (WRs Stallworth & Horn already have 12 & 14 recs., respectively), especially with Marc Bulger suffering some growing pains (5 sacks, 2 ints., 1 fumble for a TD) first two games. Might also consider "over" the total, as pass defenses of each leave
lots to be desired, and Ram WRs Holt & Bruce also off to fast starts (combo 33 recs.).
MINNESOTA 27 - Chicago 10-After facing McNabb, Westbrook & Owens in Andy Reid's veteran, versatile offense, Viking defenders should enjoy taking their shots at rebuilding Chicago offense and still-developing QB Rex Grossman, who had his best performance with last week's win in G.B. But he's also been told by off. coord. Terry Shea not to become discouraged by the many 3-and-outs he's likely to face TY, and he's never taken a snap in the noisy HHH Metrodome. Former Chicago star WR Marcus Robinson gets a shot at his old team. Big test for Lovie Smith's quicker, smaller defense vs. big Minny OL. Bears 5-11 last 16 as road dog (1-0 under Lovie). (03-MINN. 24-Chi. 13...M.25-10 M.39/202 C.17/80 M.20/26/0/198 C.14/23/1/128 M.1 C.0) (03-CHI. 13-Minn. 10...M.22-15 M.38/178 C.23/87 M.24/34/1/215 C.13/30/0/145
C.0 M.0)
(03-MINNESOTA -9 24-13, CHICAGO +3 13-10...SR: Minnesota 46-38-2)
Philadelphia 22 - DETROIT 20-Not sure yet about the Detroit defense, but young offense beginning to flower (Harrington 3 TDP last week), as rookie RB Kevin Jones keeping defenses honest, and rookie WR Roy Williams (2 TDC last week) appearing to be all that was expected. Thus, OLmen blocking a bit harder and defense fighting a little harder. Even with Donovan McNabb & Terrell Owens representing such a major challenge, young Lions-now with sharper claws-go down roaring.
ATLANTA 31 - Arizona 17-Rather than counting on young Falcons to cover a substantial number or on the visiting Cardinals to get their second straight cover on the road in a dome, might consider a look at the "over." Arizona rush unlikely to bother Mike Vick, who was free-wheeling it (14 of 19, 109 YR) last week vs. St. Louis. Meanwhile, Cardinal offense happy to face rebuilding Falcon pass defense after viewing the disguise & confusion
supplied by N.E. last week. Largely because of its own weak defense, Arizona "over" 12 of last 18 on the road. (01-Atlanta -3' 34-14...SR: Arizona 13-8)
***OVER THE TOTAL DENVER 34 - San Diego 21-Denver's new defense (15.5 ppg) working out fine so far, as CB Champ Bailey has been even better than hoped. And expect quick RB Griffin to correct his fumble problems of last week. Meanwhile, new Charger 3-4 defense allowing 76% completions. And Shanahan's offensive designs ripped S.D. by combo 74-21 count LY, holding
LaDainian Tomlinson to 29 YR at Mile High. San Diego "over" both games (03-Denver 37-S. DIEGO 13...D.24-19 D.33/197 S.18/121 D.16/29/0/185
S.20/41/1/182 D.0 S.0)
***Green Bay 27 - INDIANAPOLIS 23-Much the same as LY, Mike Sherman's G.B. team can't seem to stand prosperity, losing home opener to Bears after significant win at Carolina. So, even with Edgerrin James back in top form (266 YR) and Packer NT G. Jackson out, will count on Brett Favre (2 ints.) & A. Green (fumble near Chicago goal for Bears 95-yd. return TD) to put up fight to the finish. Return of recalcitrant holdout Mike McKenzie gives Pack
good depth in secondary vs. Peyton & slew of receivers.
(00-GREEN BAY +4' 26-24...SR: Green Bay 20-19-1)
SEATTLE 27 - San Francisco 13-Big number. And S.F. (2-0 vs. spread) has been surprisingly competitive. Still, Seattle now 8-1-1 last 10 overall vs. spread, and defense (who knew?) has been much better than expected (13 total points in 2 games, both on road!). Back home, Holmgren & crew appear to have too many weapons for 49er team whose list of wounded (QB Rattay, C Newberry, DE A. Carter, CB Rumph; check status of all) might be too much to overcome vs. well-balanced foe making few mistakes.
*OAKLAND 20 - Tampa Bay 10-Raiders eager for this Super Bowl XXXVII rematch vs. Jon Gruden, who was gracious afterword, but was obviously loving
beating his old team while miked on the sidelines in film that was shown a several days later. Gruden has brought in old Raiders Charlie Garner & Tim Brown in attempt to enliven his 2004 offense, while Oakland signed trash-talking Warren Sapp to give more muscle to its defense. Will Gruden turn to Chris Simms at QB this week? Bottom line-Bucs OL has disappointed, and Gruden misses key WRs McCardell (holdout) & Jurevicius (knee); QB B. Johnson rarely stretches defenses. CABLE TV-ESPN
11 SOUTHERN CAL over *Stanford
Late Score Forecast:
SOUTHERN CAL 49 - *Stanford 14
The men of Troy have been-"chaaa-chinggg!"-money in the bank recently, covering 27 of their last 37 (including last 5 as visitor) since mid-way thru HC & defensive mastermind Pete Carroll's first season at helm. See no reason why USC can't continue its money-making ways on trip to Stanford. Trojans won't pull many punches with bye week following this game. Cardinal is
stepping waaaay up in class after home wins over San Jose State & BYU, whose highly-containable attacks bear little resemblance to quick-striking USC (91 points last 2 games). Norm Chow's perfectly balanced offense (238 ypg rushing, 246 passing TY) will shred Stanford stop unit again (nearly 500 yards LY). And Cardinal QB Edwards' lack of similar rush support (only 102
ypg) will put him under intense pressure from hard-charging Trojan front 7, which could help USC add to its +57 TO margin(!) under Carroll.
10 PENN STATE over *Wisconsin
Late Score Forecast:
PENN STATE 23 - *Wisconsin 14
Penn State bounced back with a strong effort against Central Florida after getting some bad breaks and some uneven officiating in loss at Boston College. Nittany Lion attack looked sharp and innovative once again, as o.c. Galen Hall is maximizing Michael Robinson's talents. Penn State's OL is doing a good job protecting QB Zack Mills, allowing just 2 sacks in 3 games, and the DL is holding opponents to just 2.6 ypc. Wisconsin HC Alvarez has offensive issues, as he's lost his top two TBs. The injuries have handcuffed the running game and put more pressure on still-learning soph QB Stocco. Alvarez is also still trying to find a wideout to stretch defenses the way graduated star Lee Evans did. The result has been a conservative, grind-it-out on the ground, dink it to the FB or TE attack that's gained just
3.2 ypc & scored only 2 offensive TDs in two games since star RB A. Davis was injured in opener. Wisconsin defense will be under a great deal of pressure in this game, and 5th-year sr. QB Mills has a meaningful experience edge over Badgers' Stocco.
10 *SOUTH CAROLINA over Troy State
Late Score Forecast:
*SOUTH CAROLINA 34 - Troy State 10
Long-time CKO sources tell us that even with Alabama battle up next, resurgent South Carolina totally focused on surprising Troy State based on early, crisp practices this week. On other hand, Trojans, who upset both Marshall & Missouri so far, reportedly having a difficult time shaking off come-from-ahead (conference) loss at beatable New Mexico State last week.
Expect USC's blossoming aerial game-led by either 6-2 super-soph Newton (off best-ever effort by 'Cock QB in his 1st start!) or versatile 6-2 sr. Pinkins-to light up a reeling Troy State 2ndary (yielded 253 YP) that couldn't contain Aggies mediocre pass attack with game on the line. With USC's dynamic soph RB Summers expected back from injury & swift 6-2 jr. WR
Williamson (13 catches for 440 yds.-2nd nationally) en fuego, Lou has lots more prime-time weapons than pedestrian Troy State offense heavily reliant on workhorse RB Betterson (59 carries so far). Not surprised to see aggressive 'Cock "D" (8 takeaways so far) force a few more TOs, setting up Carolina "O" for some short scoring drives.
10 *ARIZONA STATE over Oregon State
Late Score Forecast:
*ARIZONA STATE 36 - Oregon State 17
Resurgent Arizona State (only 5-7 SU, 2-9 vs. spread LY) has won & covered its first 3 this season by a combined score of 115-37. While Dirk Koetter's creative attack has regained its potency, scouts report it's the Sun Devil defense that's been largely responsible for the recent uptick in Tempe. That
gang-tackling unit, now led by intense juco OLB Dale Robinson, completely mauled Iowa last week, holding Hawkeye offense to only 100 total yards! Expect more of the same vs. Oregon State, as Beavers' inability to establish their ground game (only 89 ypg TY) post-Steven Jackson finds sr. QB D. Anderson (24 ints. LY, 4 ints. in recent loss at Boise State) still forcing throws. And ASU offense definitely ready to hold up its end. NFL-caliber sr. QB Walter has thrown 11 TDP, frequently finding underrated jr. WR Hagan (6 straight 100+ games) & impact true frosh TE Z. Miller (6-4, 240), who had 10 catches against Iowa. Revenge motive only adds fuel to Sun Devils' fire.
10 *OAKLAND over Tampa Bay
Late Score Forecast:
*OAKLAND 22 - Tampa Bay 6
As expected, CKO insiders tell us Oakland has been counting down the days for this Super Bowl XXXVIII rematch. Raiders still vividly recall how former, fiery HC Jon Gruden openly expressed exuberance in beating his former team. Gruden won't jump for joy here. With 6 new starters on offense and key injuries to WRs, moribund T.B. attack (0 TDs so far!) continues to plod vs.
fired-up Oakland defense-spearheaded by highly-emotional & vocal DE Sapp, who's hell-bent on beating his former employer. Raiders deep, tenacious front 7 impressively held Buffalo's RB Henry (only 67 YR in 21 tries) in check week ago, and it'll do more of same to former Raider RB Gar ner, who's finding few open holes behind retooled OL. And without steady run support,
Buc's struggling QB B. Johnson (benched vs. Seattle) and/or still-learning, 2nd-year Simms sustain few drives. Sure, Tampa "D" still topnotch. But word is Oakland's offensive mastermind Norv Turner has been saving a few special plays for this one, and Raiders able to stretch the Buc "D" using fleet of fast WRs-including emerging 6-2 Curry (5 recs., 89 yds. vs Bills)-on deep
patterns.
TOTALS: UNDER (36) in Jacksonville-Tennessee Game-Jags' defense (8 ppg) is terrific; don't ask about their offense (10 ppg)...UNDER (34) in Tampa Bay-Oakland Game-With OL concerns and WR losses, Bucs' offense hasn't found the end zone in two games (only TD via fumble return).
HONORABLE MENTION (Nine-Rated Games): NORTH CAROLINA STATE (+7.5) at Virginia Tech-Speedy defense of this excellent underdog (NCS 8-3 last 11 getting points) played with great fury vs. Ohio State; Va. Tech not so dominating vs. teams in own class...UAB (+2.5) vs. Memphis-Blazers failed to earn their
desired respect in TV loss at Florida State; but UAB right at home vs. Tigers with 4 straight series wins & ******...TEXAS (-31) vs. Rice-UT's blue-chip athletes led Owls' "best they can get" group 41-0 at the half LY in Houston...MINNESOTA (-15) vs. Northwestern-RBs, WRs & PK of Golden Gophers should dominate; this contest would be rated higher were Minny defense as trustworthy...SEATTLE (-11) vs. San Francisco-Seahawks made two long road trips and allowed total of only 13 pts.; thin, scrappy 49ers already suffering significant attrition after just two games.
Key releases
COLLEGE DAY-BY-DAY FORECAST
BOSTON COLLEGE by 11 over Wake Forest
NOTRE DAME by 22 over Washington
VIRGINIA by 33 over Syracuse
NFL DAY-BY-DAY FORECAST
TENNESSEE by 18 over Jacksonville
GREEN BAY by 4 over Indianapolis
OVER 45 total points in the Denver-San Diego game
NFL Analysis
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
MIAMI 17 - Pittsburgh 13-Dolphins working in 6 new off. starters, but the end result should eventually be an improved passing game over LY. Marty Booker providing a threat opposite WR Chris Chambers, and TE McMichael (14 recs. so far) more active now that he knows he won't have to be a run blocker
for 90% of the plays. Steelers love to pound the ball, but defense still vulnerable to the pass (Oak. 297 YP in opener). Will rookie QB Roethlisberger get his first start due to Tommy Maddox' elbow? Dolphin defense has only given up 26 pts. TY. Miami "under" 35-18 last 53 at home.
(98-MIAMI -2' 21-0...SR: Miami 11-8)
***TENNESSEE 24 - Jacksonville 6-Tennessee facing much less of a challenge this week in second-year Jacksonville QB Leftwich and young Jags (only two TDs in two games), so defenses could very well dominate. Jack.coach Del Rio loves his big DTs Stroud & Henderson, who will be counted upon to minimize the damage done by exciting Titan RB Chris Brown (100, 152 YR first two games). However, Jags offense light years behind that run by
co-MVP Steve McNair, whose mobility and conversions in the clutch should eventually add up to "cover."
NY GIANTS 22 - Cleveland 14-Must believe that last week's 7-takeaway, 20-14 win over Washington will do lots of good for Giant team that had last 7 straight home games (and had failed to win or cover its last 9 overall). And Kurt Warner got back in the "win" column in a 22 of 33, no-TO performance. TE Jeremy Shockey again a threat, and speed WR Tim Carter finally healthy. Such is not the case for Cleveland's Kellen Winslow II, DE Courtney Brown (foot) & DT Gerard Warren (pectoral muscle), all hurt in Dallas game.
Baltimore 20 - CINCINNATI 13-Ray Lewis & veteran Baltimore defense (33 pts. in 2 games) figures to be too much of a challenge for pocket-passing Carson Palmer, even if Deion (strained hamstring last Sunday) on the shelf. Quick Chester Taylor (7 for 76 rushing last week) providing a nice change of
pace from the bigger Jamal Lewis, especially with mammoth LT Ogden back in action. Bengal defense could not handle Curtis Martin (196 YR) in opener ago before facing Ricky-less Miami last week.
KANSAS CITY 31 - Houston 20-It's hard to trust Houston defense (26 ppg on road LY), especially against sophisticated, balanced K.C. offense, especially with its very efficient OL. Youthful S.D. offense converted 9 of 15 on third down vs. Texans in opener, with Charger TE Gates (8 for 123) running wild. And Detroit had TD drives of 61, 79 & 80 yards. However, since Texan offense maturing, and Chiefs still learning methods of def.
coord. Cunningham, will note K.C. "over" 23 of last 35.
(03-K. City 42-HOU. 14...K.27-20 K.34/168 H.26/107 K.16/28/2/258
ST. LOUIS 28 - New Orleans 26-Deuce McAllister questionable (ankle injury) at our deadline. However, still hesitate to lay substantial points vs. Aaron Brooks and explosive N.O. aerial game (WRs Stallworth & Horn already have 12 & 14 recs., respectively), especially with Marc Bulger suffering some growing pains (5 sacks, 2 ints., 1 fumble for a TD) first two games. Might also consider "over" the total, as pass defenses of each leave
lots to be desired, and Ram WRs Holt & Bruce also off to fast starts (combo 33 recs.).
MINNESOTA 27 - Chicago 10-After facing McNabb, Westbrook & Owens in Andy Reid's veteran, versatile offense, Viking defenders should enjoy taking their shots at rebuilding Chicago offense and still-developing QB Rex Grossman, who had his best performance with last week's win in G.B. But he's also been told by off. coord. Terry Shea not to become discouraged by the many 3-and-outs he's likely to face TY, and he's never taken a snap in the noisy HHH Metrodome. Former Chicago star WR Marcus Robinson gets a shot at his old team. Big test for Lovie Smith's quicker, smaller defense vs. big Minny OL. Bears 5-11 last 16 as road dog (1-0 under Lovie). (03-MINN. 24-Chi. 13...M.25-10 M.39/202 C.17/80 M.20/26/0/198 C.14/23/1/128 M.1 C.0) (03-CHI. 13-Minn. 10...M.22-15 M.38/178 C.23/87 M.24/34/1/215 C.13/30/0/145
C.0 M.0)
(03-MINNESOTA -9 24-13, CHICAGO +3 13-10...SR: Minnesota 46-38-2)
Philadelphia 22 - DETROIT 20-Not sure yet about the Detroit defense, but young offense beginning to flower (Harrington 3 TDP last week), as rookie RB Kevin Jones keeping defenses honest, and rookie WR Roy Williams (2 TDC last week) appearing to be all that was expected. Thus, OLmen blocking a bit harder and defense fighting a little harder. Even with Donovan McNabb & Terrell Owens representing such a major challenge, young Lions-now with sharper claws-go down roaring.
ATLANTA 31 - Arizona 17-Rather than counting on young Falcons to cover a substantial number or on the visiting Cardinals to get their second straight cover on the road in a dome, might consider a look at the "over." Arizona rush unlikely to bother Mike Vick, who was free-wheeling it (14 of 19, 109 YR) last week vs. St. Louis. Meanwhile, Cardinal offense happy to face rebuilding Falcon pass defense after viewing the disguise & confusion
supplied by N.E. last week. Largely because of its own weak defense, Arizona "over" 12 of last 18 on the road. (01-Atlanta -3' 34-14...SR: Arizona 13-8)
***OVER THE TOTAL DENVER 34 - San Diego 21-Denver's new defense (15.5 ppg) working out fine so far, as CB Champ Bailey has been even better than hoped. And expect quick RB Griffin to correct his fumble problems of last week. Meanwhile, new Charger 3-4 defense allowing 76% completions. And Shanahan's offensive designs ripped S.D. by combo 74-21 count LY, holding
LaDainian Tomlinson to 29 YR at Mile High. San Diego "over" both games (03-Denver 37-S. DIEGO 13...D.24-19 D.33/197 S.18/121 D.16/29/0/185
S.20/41/1/182 D.0 S.0)
***Green Bay 27 - INDIANAPOLIS 23-Much the same as LY, Mike Sherman's G.B. team can't seem to stand prosperity, losing home opener to Bears after significant win at Carolina. So, even with Edgerrin James back in top form (266 YR) and Packer NT G. Jackson out, will count on Brett Favre (2 ints.) & A. Green (fumble near Chicago goal for Bears 95-yd. return TD) to put up fight to the finish. Return of recalcitrant holdout Mike McKenzie gives Pack
good depth in secondary vs. Peyton & slew of receivers.
(00-GREEN BAY +4' 26-24...SR: Green Bay 20-19-1)
SEATTLE 27 - San Francisco 13-Big number. And S.F. (2-0 vs. spread) has been surprisingly competitive. Still, Seattle now 8-1-1 last 10 overall vs. spread, and defense (who knew?) has been much better than expected (13 total points in 2 games, both on road!). Back home, Holmgren & crew appear to have too many weapons for 49er team whose list of wounded (QB Rattay, C Newberry, DE A. Carter, CB Rumph; check status of all) might be too much to overcome vs. well-balanced foe making few mistakes.
*OAKLAND 20 - Tampa Bay 10-Raiders eager for this Super Bowl XXXVII rematch vs. Jon Gruden, who was gracious afterword, but was obviously loving
beating his old team while miked on the sidelines in film that was shown a several days later. Gruden has brought in old Raiders Charlie Garner & Tim Brown in attempt to enliven his 2004 offense, while Oakland signed trash-talking Warren Sapp to give more muscle to its defense. Will Gruden turn to Chris Simms at QB this week? Bottom line-Bucs OL has disappointed, and Gruden misses key WRs McCardell (holdout) & Jurevicius (knee); QB B. Johnson rarely stretches defenses. CABLE TV-ESPN
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