Tweet
rwall
-
-
WFAN 660 AM Mike & The Mad Dog + Mac & Sid
thesd are sportstalk radio shows in the tri-state area:
Chris
Minnesota -15 Over North Western
Florida St. -18 Over Clemson
Wisconsin -3 Over Penn State
Mike
North Carolina +7.5 Over Louisville
Wisconsin -3 Over Penn State
THIS WEEK: MIKE
0-0) CHRIS0-0)
OVERALL: MIKE4-2) CHRIS3-5)
Jody
New Orleans +7 Over St. Louis
Philadelphia -4.5 Over Detriot
Dallas +2.5 Over Washington
Sid
Philadelphia -4.5 Over Detriot
Minnesota -9 Over Chicago
Kansas City -7.5 Over Houston
THIS WEEK: JODY0-0) SID0-0)
OVERALL: JODY5-1) SID1-5)
Comment
-
NY Daily News/Phil Steele
Best Bet: Jaguars +6
Atlanta -10
Detroit +4.5
Record 5-1, 1-1 best betsComment
-
Comment
-
MSNBC Predicitons Jay Novacek NFL
Packers (1-1) at Colts (1-1)
In their surprising home loss to the Bears last week, the Packers came out flat, which concerns me. They’re a veteran team – they should be able to overcome that. If they’re this inconsistent, then the Packers are in trouble.
This is not a team to rebound against. The Colts are too balanced, too consistent. The Packers will be able to run better, but Indy will be tough at home.
As long as Edgerrin James is healthy and the Colts offense is balanced, then Peyton Manning will win this duel with Brett Favre.
Pick: Colts
Bucs (0-2) at Raiders (1-1)
Jon Gruden is going back to Oakland on Sunday night, but with a lesser team. They looked good on defense against the Seahawks, but they couldn’t do much on offense. Brad Johnson looked lost, and although Chris Simms made some good plays as a backup, he made crucial mistakes down the stretch.
Norv Turner will have the Raiders ready. They aren’t the better team, but they will play better. Oakland will capitalize on Tampa’s offensive struggles and win a low-scoring affair.
Pick: Raiders
Eagles (2-0) at Lions (2-0)
The Lions are slowly putting things together, developing a winning attitude. Quarterback Joey Harrington is getting better, and receiver Roy Williams is built for the NFL – he has the body and the hands to be successful.
But the Lions have a tough, tough task this week: the Eagles are the class of the NFC right now.
Philadelphia is a focused team – they want to make a statement against an up-and-coming team, just like they made a loud, clear statement Monday against the Vikings.
The Eagles know what it takes to reach the Super Bowl. Donovan McNabb is spreading the ball to all his weapons on offense, and the defense is swarming and disrupting opponents.
Pick: Eagles
Ravens (1-1) at Bengals (1-1)
The Ravens still haven’t found any rhythm on offense, but they showed last week against the Steelers that their defense is still lethal. Baltimore needs to build upon that showing, and I think they will. They’re too talented to be that inconsistent.
The Bengals will be up and down. Their situation was summed up against the Dolphins last week – they couldn’t move the ball most of the game, then Carson Palmer led them on a game-winning drive in the final minutes.
Cincinnati is too young to handle Baltimore, unless the defense steps up and forces turnovers. I don’t think it will.
Pick: Ravens
Bears (1-1) at Vikings (1-1)
The Vikings moved the ball well against a real good team last week, but they couldn’t score when it counted. They’re a talented team. They’re growing as a team, having been together for awhile, and they’re accepting their roles under Mike Tice. That makes them more consistent.
Previously, they didn’t bring the same intensity and focus. Players expected teammates to pick them up, instead of taking responsibility themselves. Now I see more focus, from the stars such as Randy Moss and Daunte Culpepper to the role players. They’re all “in it to win it.”
The Bears are coming off an emotional victory at Lambeau, and we still don’t know how good Chicago will be. Rex Grossman made a few plays, but he needs to be more consistent. Plus, the Bears lost their playmaker, safety Mike Brown. It all adds up to a loss.
Pick: Vikings
Browns (1-1) at Giants (1-1)
What a match of faltering, stumbling offenses. Jeff Garcia came away from last Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys with a zero passer rating – he won’t have a game like that again. He is solid and will shake that off.
If he can connect with his receivers and create plays with his feet, the Browns will move the ball.
The Giants won last week, but they weren’t that good. They won because the Redskins turned the ball over seven times. New York still has some internal issues – mostly related to their relationship with coach Tom Coughlin -- that they must work out before they can win as a team.
Pick: Browns
Cardinals (0-2) at Falcons (2-0)
Michael Vick is back to being the old Vick, and that’s dangerous for the rest of the NFL. The Falcons will go as far as Vick can take them. Atlanta’s offense is hard to prepare for, because Vick creates such problems – defenses prepare to contain him, clog up the passing lanes, and he still can create.
Also, he helps his defense. The Falcons’ defense is well-rested when he has the offense on the move.
Expect Atlanta to move the ball well against Arizona. Coach Denny Green hasn’t molded this team in his image yet.
Pick: Falcons
Jaguars (2-0) at Titans (1-1)
Another case where a team couldn’t put the ball in the end zone. The Titans moved the ball well against the Colts but couldn’t score.
The Jaguars are playing great, great defense, but the Titans are a balanced, tough squad. They’ve been so consistent over the past few seasons, which is hard in this era of free agency. Jeff Fisher does a great job involving his players in all aspects of the game. They’ll move the ball enough, and their defense will shut down the Jags.
Pick: Titans
Texans (0-2) at Chiefs (0-2)
The Chiefs expected to have a more improved defense this season, but it hasn’t happened yet. They’re backed into an early hole at 0-2, and they’re a much better team than that. They need to step up, especially on defense, and the offense needs to keep delivering. That might be hard if Priest Holmes is hobbled, but Trent Green needs to develop better rapport with his receivers.
K.C. needs to show consistency.
The Texans looked like they were on they were way to having a contending team quickly – I thought they were building the right way. David Carr should be a good quarterback, although the team hasn’t taken that next step. They need to do that, and soon.
Pick: Chiefs
Steelers (1-1) at Dolphins (0-2)
Steelers backup quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could become the victim of the backup/starter syndrome. He felt comfortable and played well in relief of Tommy Maddox last week, but now he has had a whole week to prepare – and get nervous. His penchant for making mistakes could hurt him against Miami.
The Dolphins are having a tough, tough time. The offense is struggling, the defense is playing well but is on the field a long time.
With Maddox being out, the Dolphins can capitalize. They can rattle the rookie – or at least pressure him a lot.
Miami needs some breaks on offense – the Dolphins don’t need a lot – just a few, to get in the end zone.
Pick: Dolphins
Saints (1-1) at Rams (1-1)
Deuce McAllister is out with a high ankle sprain, and that leaves the Saints in bad straits. He’s their key weapon on offense, and they will struggle without him.
Obviously, the Rams are extremely tough, especially at home. They can control the clock with Marshall Faulk, resting their defense, and they can force mistakes from New Orleans.
Pick: Rams
Chargers (1-1) at Broncos (1-1)
The Broncos will get back on track – Quentin Griffin should rush the ball better, and if they can stop LaDainian Tomlinson on defense, they’ll control the game.
When the Broncos play well, they rush the ball, control the clock and stop the opponents. Griffin faced a very tough defense last week against the jaguars, but the Chargers won’t be as tough.
San Diego put up solid numbers at home against the Jets, but Denver plays well on defense at home.
Pick: Broncos
49ers (0-2) at Seahawks (2-0)
How can the 49ers win this? They need to force some turnovers, put pressure on Matt Hasselbeck and get some breaks.
The Seahawks are a little bit better this season than they were last year in every aspect. They throw a little better, catch a little better and rush the ball better. Even if they’re just a LITTLE better in each of those, that means an extra first down, and that makes the difference on a touchdown drive.
Now they just need to keep doing it.
Pick: Seahawks
Cowboys (1-1) at Redskins (1-1)
I don’t think Dallas is as good as last season. And the Redskins certainly struggled last week in making seven turnovers.
Washington should rebound at home – it’s Monday night, against a rival, with Joe Gibbs back on the sidelines and Bill Parcells on the other side, and the city will be fired up.
The Cowboys are missing something. They are struggling with heightened expectations, and other teams aren’t overlooking them now. They haven’t improved, which in the NFL means you’re going backward.
The Redskins are a dangerous team.
Pick: RedskinsComment
-
Sagarin Ratings NFL & NCAA
May take a couple of weeks till' these are more accurate:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/nfl04.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/sagarin/fbt04.htmComment
-
FOXSports /TheSportsAdvisors
TheSportsAdvisors.com / Special to FOXSports.com
PITTSBURGH at MIAMI
Pittsburgh is 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS after losing at Baltimore last week. Bill Cowher's club has covered just once in its last five non-division road games, and is only 3-7-2 ATS in its last 10 after playing Baltimore.
The Sports Advisors
Trace Adams is on a 25-11-1 football run college and pro combined over the past two weeks. Last weekend he went 4-0 with his top football plays of the day, hitting Boston College on Friday, South Carolina Saturday, the Colts Sunday, and Eagles Monday. And he kicked off this weekend with an upset winner on Akron Thursday. Don't make a move on today's card before consulting Trace Adams at TheSportsAdvisors.com
Pittsburgh has fared well lately in the second of back-to-back road games, going a perfect 7-0 against the number in their last seven such opportunities.
Miami is winless through two games and 1-1 versus the spread. The Fish, who failed to cover in their home opener against Tennessee, are now on a 1-8 spread slide at home since last year.
Miami, however, is still a nice 8-2 SU/ATS in its last 10 September home games.
Totals Tip: Miami has stayed under in 27 of its last 39 overall, and 35 of its last 53 at Pro Player Stadium. Pittsburgh has played under in six of its last nine on the highway.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
JACKSONVILLE at TENNESSEE
The straight-up winner has covered 17 of the last 18 in this series. And the home team is on a 7-2 SU and ATS run as well.
Jacksonville has won and covered its first two games this year at Buffalo and home against Denver. But, it's just 2-9 SU and 3-8 ATS in its last 11 against Tennessee.
Jacksonville, however, did cover last year in Nashville as a 10-point dog in a 10-3 loss.
Tennessee is 1-1 SU/ATS after absorbing a 14-point home loss against Indianapolis last Sunday. But Steve McNair and company are on an overall spread run of 22-12 coming into this one.
ATS ADVANTAGE: TENNESSEE
CLEVELAND at NEW YORK
Cleveland is 1-1 SU and ATS after last Sunday's loss at Dallas. The team, however, is 5-1 ATS in its last six September straight-up setbacks.
Butch Davis' club has covered its third game of the year five straight seasons, but has failed to cash the Vegas ticket in three straight non-conference road games.
New York is 1-1 SU/ATS after last week's win and cover over visiting Washington. The G-Men, though, are only 2-12-1 against the number in their last 15 games overall.
New York has covered just one of its last six non-conference home games entering this first match-up with Cleveland since the 2000 season.
Totals Tip: Cleveland has stayed under in both games this year and in seven of its last nine versus non-conference foes. New York stayed under in its first home game this year.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW YORK
BALTIMORE at CINCINNATI
Baltimore is 1-1 SU/ATS after last week's home win and cover against Pittsburgh. But, Ray Lewis and company have gone 6-1-1 against the number in their last eight after facing Pitt.
The Sports Advisors
Get a FREE SELECTION daily by email from the nationally-recognized Sports Advisors' staff of professional analysts. Every pick is backed by in-depth analysis to get you on the winning track. And, it's FREE! Just click on the submit button below to be added to the daily e-mail list immediately!
Baltimore has covered 11 of its last 14 versus Cincinnati despite last year's 34-26 road loss, which was its second SU and ATS setback in its last three visits.
Cincinnati is 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS after failing to cover in last Sunday night's three-point home win over Miami.
Cincy has covered just one of its last 13 division home openers, but is on a 7-3 spread run in the second of back-to-back home games.
Totals Tip: The last four in this series have sailed over the posted price.
ATS ADVANTAGE: BALTIMORE
HOUSTON at KANSAS CITY
Houston has failed to win or cover in its first two games after dropping its road opener at Detroit last week. It lost last year's meeting with Kansas City 42-14 as a seven-point home dog.
Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last seven as a road pup, while the road team is just 2-9 against the number in the team's last 11 outings.
Kansas City is also 0-2 SU/ATS after losing its home opener last week to Carolina. K.C., however, is still 7-1 versus the number in its last eight non-division home games and has covered its third game of the year 12 consecutive seasons.
KC is also 10-0 SU and 9-1 ATS in its last 10 as a home chalk of seven-or-more points.
ATS ADVANTAGE: KANSAS CITY
NEW ORLEANS at ST. LOUIS
The straight-up winner has covered 19 of the last 22 meetings, while the visitor is on a 16-6 spread run.
New Orleans is 1-1 SU and 0-2 ATS after failing to cover in last week's home win over San Francisco.
New Orleans is playing its first road game of the year after going 3-5 SU and 5-3 ATS on the highway in 2003. Jim Haslett's team is 10-6 against the number on the road the past two seasons combined.
These two teams were once longtime division rivals, but this is their first battle since the 2001 campaign.
St. Louis is 1-1 SU and 0-2 against the number after losing 34-17 at Atlanta last week. Despite not covering in its season-opening win over visiting Arizona, St. Louis is on home runs of 9-0 SU and 6-2-1 ATS.
Totals Tip: St. Louis has sailed over in 27 of 46 home games since 1999, while New Orleans has topped the total in 35 of its last 57 overall.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
CHICAGO at MINNESOTA
Chicago is on a 9-4 spread run against Minnesota and the dog has cashed the Vegas ticket in 12 of the last 18 meetings. Each team won and covered at home last year.
The Sports Advisors
Analyst Brian Myers went 8-2 in football last weekend college and pro combined, including a 4-0 sweep with his top plays, hitting Boston College Friday, Texas A&M Saturday, the Dolphins Sunday, and Eagles Monday. Consult with Brian Myers for today's winners at TheSportsAdvisors.com
Chicago is 1-1 SU/ATS after last week's upset win at Green Bay and has covered six of its last eight after playing Brett Favre and company.
Minnesota is 1-1 SU/ATS after falling to Philadelphia on Monday night. Mike Tice's team is off next week and it has failed to cover in six of its last seven outings prior to a bye week.
Minnesota, which lost at Soldier Field in the third-to-last game of the year last season, is on a 7-1 spread run in division revenge games.
Totals Tip: The last three meetings at the Metrodome have stayed under, while six of the last seven overall in this series have come in under the posted price. Chicago is also on a 22-8 under run on the road.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CHICAGO
PHILADELPHIA at DETROIT
Philadelphia benefited from playing its first two games at home with a pair of wins and ****** against the New York G-men and Minnesota.
Philly is 13-2-1 ATS in its last 16 road openers and has covered 29 of 40 road games since 1999. The Birds are also 19-8-1 ATS in their last 28 dome games.
Detroit is 2-0 SU/ATS after beating visiting Houston last Sunday. But the Motor City squad is in the throes of a nasty 1-13 ATS slump when cast as an underdog following a pointspread win.
Detroit, though, has covered eight of its last 10 as a September home pup.
ATS ADVANTAGE: PHILADELPHIA
ARIZONA at ATLANTA
Arizona is 0-2 SU and 1-1 ATS as the Redbirds covered in Week 1 in a seven-point loss at St. Louis. That marked the first time in five games the club had covered indoors.
Arizona is 4-14 SU and 4-13-1 ATS in its last 18 non-division road games.
Atlanta is 2-0 SU and 1-1 ATS after last week's win and cover over visiting St. Louis. The Blackbirds, who have covered eight of their last 11 when laying four-or-more points, are 9-2 SU and 8-3 ATS in home games that Michael Vick starts under center.
Totals Tip: Atlanta has topped the total in seven of its last 10 at the Georgia Dome, while Arizona has sailed over in 16 of its last 18 on the road.
ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA
SAN DIEGO at DENVER
The straight-up winner has covered 15 of the last 16 series' showdowns.
The Sports Advisors
Star analyst Jeff Benton has won 13 of the past 16 weeks. And he entered the weekend on a 19-5 football run college and pro combined. Last Sunday Jeff won his free pick on Dallas stopping Cleveland. Get another Complimentary Winner now at TheSportsAdvisors.com
San Diego is 1-1 SU/ATS after last week's six-point home loss to the New York Flyboys. The Lightning Bolts, who scored an upset victory at Houston in Week 1, have won outright just five times at Denver since 1968.
San Diego is just 1-4 SU/ATS in its last five versus the Ponies and has covered only four of the last 18 meetings in this series.
Denver is 1-1 SU/ATS, but did win and cover its home opener against Kansas City two weeks ago. It lost at Jacksonville last week, but is 13-3 against the number in its last 16 home games following a straight-up loss.
Denver walloped San Diego in both games last year by an average margin of 37-10.
ATS ADVANTAGE: DENVER
GREEN BAY at INDIANAPOLIS
Green Bay is 1-1 SU/ATS, including an outright win at Carolina in Week 1. It has now scored the spread win in seven of its last 10 as a visitor.
Green Bay has also covered seven of its last 10 as a road pup, and 10 of its last 13 non-conference games.
Indianapolis is 1-1 SU and 1-0-1 ATS after its solid win and cover at Tennessee last week. This is the home opener for Indy, which has covered just four of its last 17 as a home chalk.
Tony Dungy's club is also only 1-4 ATS in its last five outings as a non-conference favorite.
Totals Tip: Indy has played over in 10 of its last 12 non-conference games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: GREEN BAY
SAN FRANCISCO at SEATTLE
The visitor has covered four straight in this series as San Fran grabbed the ATS win in a 20-19 loss last year in Seattle.
San Francisco is winless, but has covered in both losses to former division rivals New Orleans and Atlanta. San Fran is on an 18-4 spread run on the road following a straight-up road loss.
Seattle is 2-0 SU/ATS with season-opening road wins at New Orleans and Tampa Bay. The Birds are off next week and are on a 9-5 spread run in the game before a bye.
Seattle has covered just twice in its last 15 home openers, but is on a 7-1 spread run when laying four or more points.
Totals Tip: Both meetings stayed under in last year and Seattle has stayed under 11 of 16 home games since 2002.
ATS ADVANTAGE: SAN FRANCISCO
TAMPA BAY at OAKLAND
Tampa Bay has failed to win or cover in its first two games, but is 15-7-1 ATS as a dog since 1999.
The Sports Advisors
Let The Sports Advisors, the nation's most respected group of professional handicappers, offer you the advice you need to profitably navigate today's football card. Six FREE football picks, plus tips and trends all backed by in-depth analysis, from TheSportsAdvisors.com
Jon Gruden's club has also covered four of its last five September road outings with the lone loss coming in its season opener at Washington.
Tampa Bay has won straight-up just six times in its last 17 games.
Oakland is 1-1 SU/ATS after a home win and cover over Buffalo last week, but is still just 2-6-1 versus the number at home since last year.
The Silver & Black, which is on a 15-8 non-conference spread run, is only 1-5 ATS in its last six when laying points.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONEComment
-
Foxsports / Vinnie Iyer
An underrated aspect of the NFL's mass-market popularity is that it has no "small-market" teams. Superstars can make a name for themselves anywhere, whether they are in America's Dairyland or in America's Heartland -- like Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.
Imagine if Favre was a hard-throwing righthander for the Brewers instead of the Packers. He would be no more popular than Ben Sheets, and never would have had a shot at winning the World Series. Manning would have needed to play for the Yankees to get so much face time on commercials.
While I wait for a Cardinals-Twins World Series in the last week of October, as Favre faces Manning in the last week of September, it's good enough for the ...
. . . . Game of the week
Green Bay at Indianapolis. There are two very big reasons why no one can touch Favre and Manning as the league's reigning iron men of the pocket. Both teams really have five "big" reasons -- their respective offensive linemen, who are equally adept at run blocking and pass protection.
Peyton Manning might have a superior group of receivers to throw to, giving his Colts the edge against the Packers. (Dilip Vishwanat / GettyImages)
For the Packers, that means plenty of counter plays for Ahman Green early to set up Favre on rollouts and bootlegs later. For the Colts, that means Edgerrin James -- or for this week, likely Dominic Rhodes -- wearing down a front four enough to allow to Manning to pick apart a secondary through play-action.
Both offenses can beat you short, long, inside and outside. Both Favre and Manning can make all the throws and make use of all their backs, wide receivers and tight ends. It all comes together with exceptional and diverse play calling from coordinators Tom Rossley (Green Bay) and Tom Moore (Indy).
So where's the difference? It's not in Rhodes, who has proved he is more than capable of carrying the load for James. It will come down to which trio of receivers makes more big plays -- and that will be Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Stokley.
With more experience than Javon Walker, Robert Ferguson and Donald Driver, those three Colts will take better advantage of their favorable secondary matchups to help Manning get another big win. Colts 31, Packers 27.
Coaches of the week
Philadelphia at Detroit. The Eagles' Andy Reid and the Lions' Steve Mariucci both once had the privilege of coaching Favre in Green Bay, and now they are developing explosive offenses of their own. For Reid's team, it's more like "developed," but his pass-happy West Coast offense has become much pass-happier with Terrell Owens as its featured receiver.
You can bet Owens will be motivated to have a big game against Mariucci, who isn't exactly his favorite former coach. Lions rookie receiver Roy Williams has flashed Owens-like skills in his first two games, but the physical, savvy, blitzing Eagles defense will be overwhelming for both him and quarterback Joey Harrington. Eagles 27, Lions 17.
Lewises of the week
Baltimore at Cincinnati. Considering the Ravens are missing key starters Travis Taylor, Todd Heap and Peter Boulware, they should consider having Ray Lewis and Jamal Lewis join Deion Sanders in trying to play both ways. Facing former mentor Brian Billick's team at about 60 percent is a huge break for Bengals coach Marvin Lewis and his team.
Marvin will have his defense play close to the line to stop Jamal, while Ray will play a big part in stopping Rudi Johnson and Cincy's running game. This game will come down to which team's second-year Pac-10 quarterback makes fewer mistakes. With Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick on his side, go with Carson Palmer over Kyle Boller. Bengals 20, Ravens 19.
Rivalry of the week
Dallas at Washington. Sweeping their archrivals was key in the Cowboys making the playoffs in Bill Parcells' first year with the team. In Joe Gibbs' first year back, this will be Chapter 1 of the Redskins turning the tables.
Washington fans especially remember that the 'Boys embarrassed their 'Skins last December at FedEx Field 27-0. To get back on the board, the Redskins' offense must regroup without Mark Brunell and shake off last week's turnover fest at Giants Stadium.
Relief and points will come in the form of Clinton Portis, who will find a cure for his own uncommon fumble-itis. The Cowboys lack the game-breaking playmaker in their running game to answer. Redskins 17, Cowboys 14.
Shootout of the week
Houston at Kansas City. This was an easy choice for this category. The Chiefs are dead last in points allowed after two weeks. The Texans are second to last.
The Chiefs might be without Priest Holmes and Eddie Kennison this week, but they still have the talent to put up plenty of points. The Texans have one of the league's most promising young "triplets" in David Carr, Domanick Davis and Andre Johnson.
However, Houston has a problem with giveaways (minus-6 through two games), and for all of its own problems, the Chiefs' defense can still capitalize on takeaways. Chiefs 35, Texans 27.
Upset of the week
Tampa Bay over Oakland. Far removed from their Super Bowl matchup, the Plunderers in Silver and the Pirates of Pewter are quickly turning to rust with their aging teams. With Warren Sapp now a Raider and Tim Brown now a Buccaneer, this game could be pitched as a combination of Trading Spaces and This Old House.
While Norv Turner is now using Jon Gruden's West Coast playbook as scratch paper, Gruden is scratching his head about his touchdown-less Gulf Coast offense. The 0-2 Bucs are more desperate, have the better coach and will be extra motivated to win for Gruden. This is their Super Bowl, circa 2004. Buccaneers 20, Raiders 19.
Lock of the week
Atlanta over Arizona. Here were my three reasons for picking the Falcons to win the NFC South in the preseason: 1. Michael Vick. 2. Michael Vick. 3. Michael Vick. In addition to carrying the offense and keeping opposing coaches up all night, he is a leader who can inspire his entire defense -- one that has responded quickly to coach Jim Mora's aggressive scheming.
The Cards will be birds of pray all season -- praying the scheduling powers that be will give them a break sometime. The Rams, Patriots and Vick? Good luck trying to get divine intervention against the Saints next week. Falcons 31, Cardinals 10.
Rest of the week
Cleveland at New York Giants. If you can play end, defensive or tight, or tackle, defensive or right, the banged-up Browns just might need to start you this week. Throw in the fact that I had the same passer rating (zero) as Jeff Garcia last week, his team is too undermanned to outperform former NFC West quarterback rival Kurt Warner and the hosts. Giants 20, Browns 17.
Pittsburgh at Miami. The humidity of South Florida and heat from the Dolphins' front seven will create a London fog for first-time starter Big Ben Roethlisberger. While the cloud of controversy continues to hang over QB counterpart A.J. Feeley, he will do just enough for Olindo Mare to win an ugly one late. Dolphins 13, Steelers 10.
New Orleans at St. Louis. The Saints will have some surprising success with the not-ready-for-Canton combo of Aaron Stecker and Ki-Jana Carter against St. Louis' porous run defense, but the Rams will have much more offensive fun with Marshall Faulk helping open up the field for Marc Bulger. Rams 28, Saints 17.
Jacksonville at Tennessee. The Jags remain my "shocking" pick as eventual AFC champions, but after winning two nail-biters, they are due for a minor setback while their offense works out the kinks. A few big plays out of Steve McNair and Chris Brown will make the difference for the Titans. Titans 20, Jaguars 16.
Chicago at Minnesota. If you can play defensive back, the banged-up Bears just might need to start you this week. Without corner Charles Tillman's shutdown skills and safety Mike Brown's nose for the ball, it means a peck of trouble against Randy Moss and the Vikings' passing machine. Vikings 30, Bears 20.
San Diego at Denver. As long as the Bolts find ways to get the ball to LaDainian Tomlinson, they can put up enough of an offensive charge to make their always-favored opponents nervous. While LT presents a Mile High challenge for a Broncos front seven that is missing end Trevor Pryce, Quentin Griffin's running and Jake Plummer's play-action passing will lead to greater results. Broncos 31, Chargers 23.
San Francisco at Seattle. Like the Chargers, the 49ers will be persistent pests as underdogs with the strong running of Kevan Barlow and an underrated defense. The more balanced Seahawks, however, have been as good as advertised in avoiding two bumps on the road and will be ready to roost at home. Seahawks 24, 49ers 17.
Byes of the week
The Bills are struggling offensively again this season thanks to a line that already has given up eight sacks of Drew Bledsoe and "helped" the running game gain less than three yards a carry. That's bad news with New England's 3-4 looming in Week 4. ...
The Patriots might even find a way to win on their bye week. As if Bill Belichick needed an extra week of preparation to befuddle Bledsoe again. It's been nearly a year since they last lost a game, and they are well on their way to a sweet 16 in a row. ...
Despite the losses of Stephen Davis and Steve Smith, the Panthers avoided two straight losses with a great performance in Kansas City last week. There isn't much time to relax, however, as a tough matchup against Vick awaits. ...
Unlike the 1998 and '99 Yankees, the cross-town Jets are enjoying a Chad-Curtis offensive show in starting 2-0. Sure, they just beat the Bengals and Chargers, but with Herm at the helm, they will remain in the playoff hunt.
Stats of the week
Week 2 record straight up: 13-3
Season record straight up: 23-9
Week 2 record vs. the spread: 8-8
Season record vs. the spread: 15-17
Locks: 2-0
Upsets: 2-0Comment
-
Comment
-
Espn.com Hector & Victor
HECTOR AND VICTOR'S PROJECTIONS
@ Chiefs 27, Texans 21 More...
@ Vikings 27, Bears 17 More...
@ Rams 34, Saints 13 More...
@ Titans 16, Jaguars 10 More...
@ Giants 20, Browns 13 More...
@ Dolphins 13, Steelers 10 More...
@ Falcons 31, Cardinals 13 More...
Ravens 24, @ Bengals 10 More...
Eagles 27, @ Lions 13 More...
@ Seahawks 27, 49ers 14 More...
HECTOR & VICTOR PREDICTIONS GAMES
Straight Spread Best Away Spread Home
KC HOU Texans 9 Chiefs
MIN MIN Bears 9 Vikings
STL STL STL Saints 6 Rams
TEN TEN Jaguars 5 Titans
NYG NYG Browns 2 Giants
MIA MIA Steelers 1 Dolphins
ATL ATL Cardinals 9 Falcons
BAL BAL BAL Ravens -2 Bengals
PHI PHI PHI Eagles -4 Lions
SEA SEA 49ers 10 Seahawks
DEN DEN Chargers 9 Broncos
GB GB Packers 5 Colts
OAK OAK Buccaneers 3 Raiders
DAL DAL Cowboys 3 Redskins
19-13 15-17 2-4 Regular Season ResultsLast edited by Blackbeard; 09-25-2004, 12:03 PM.Comment
-
Comment
-
cbs ncaa expert picks(SU)
Almost forget this one:
http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/expertpicksLast edited by Blackbeard; 09-25-2004, 05:50 PM.Comment
-
Remember the three R's:
Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.Comment
-
Remember the three R's:
Respect for self; Respect for others; and Responsibility for all your actions.Comment
Comment