Free College & NFL Picks + Fades

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Harmon Forecast

New Orleans 24 *Green Bay 21 -- It'll be a short week for the Packers, who have lost their two previous home games. The Saints' 2005 road show continues.

*Detroit 20 Baltimore 17 -- The inconsistent Lions have the ability to put up points, especially at home. The Ravens' defense hasn't been as stubborn as in recent years.

*Cleveland 17 Chicago 14 -- Romeo Crennel's Browns already won at Green Bay and look to knock off another NFC North team.

*Buffalo 20 Miami 17 -- The improved Dolphins have won their two home games and are coming off a bye. But these teams are closely matched, and the Bills will make the most out of home-field advantage.

New England 24 *Atlanta 20 -- The Falcons are improved both defensively and offensively, but the Patriots still are better on both sides of the ball. Plus, they have Tom Brady.

Tampa Bay 21 *NY Jets 17 -- The Buccaneers look to continue a solid start at the Jets, whose quarterback will be second-year vet Brooks Bollinger or Vinny Testaverde.

Seattle 31 *St. Louis 28 -- Both teams have offenses that can score. This should be an entertaining meeting between division rivals.

*Houston 21 Tennessee 20 -- The Texans and their woeful offense get a slight home edge against the young Titans.

Indianapolis 26 *San Francisco 14 -- The Colts won early thanks to their defense. Now the offense tries to exploit Mike Nolan's Niners.

*Denver 21 Washington 16 -- The Broncos return home for two straight games -- 'Skins and Patriots next week. Washington's questions at QB (Brunell, Ramsay) will remain for a while.

Philadelphia 28 *Dallas 17 -- The season's first meeting between these two NFC East rivals. The Eagles were rolling going into K.C. last week and should win here on the road against Bill Parcells' Cowboys.

Carolina 21 *Arizona 17 -- The Panthers come off a Monday night game against Green Bay, but their defense should be enough to steal a road win against the underachieving Cardinals.

Cincinnati 24 *Jacksonville 16 -- Are the Bengals the the real deal? A victory here will go a long way to answering that question, "Yes!"

Week 5 - Monday, Oct. 10, 2005
*San Diego 24 Pittsburgh 21 -- This could be a Monday night special, between two of the AFC's top teams.

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cbssportsline

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/NFL_SC-PRED

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SI.COM/peter king

New Orleans (2-2) at Green Bay (0-4)
I have no logic for this one. Pack coming off a short week, all beat up, no running game, totally demoralized, 0-2 this season at Lambeau and the Saints are getting it together defensively. Step up, Robert Ferguson.
Green Bay 30, New Orleans 17

1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Baltimore (1-2) at Detroit (1-2)
Pretty soon, Brian Billick, you'll have to suit up and play quarterback for your teetering bunch. How about the Lions with a commanding NFC North lead, by the way?
Detroit 16, Baltimore 6

1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Tampa Bay (4-0) at New York (1-3)
Speaking of teams desperate for a quarterback change. Herman Edwards has made one. "There are no more trades out there for us," he told me the other day. "We have what we have. We'll make the best of it." And Vinny Testaverde knocks his old team from the ranks of the unbeatens.
Jets 20, Tampa Bay 9

1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Miami (2-1) at Buffalo (1-3)
Olindo Mare is the man of the match. Just because Gus Frerotte can't solve the Bills' D, that's no reason why the Dolphins can't kick four field goals for the win.
Miami 19, Buffalo 10

1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Chicago (1-2) at Cleveland (1-2)
What an offensively challenged game this one Will be. If I have to pick a hero, I'll take Trent Dilfer, surviving six sacks and throwing no picks, over the well-chased Kyle Orton.
Cleveland 13, Chicago 10

1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Seattle (2-2) at St. Louis (2-2)
The game of the weekend, but not because anyone's playing defense. I like Marc Bulger to shred the Seattle secondary, which suddenly realizes how much it misses Ken Lucas.
St. Louis 29, Seattle 27

1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup New England (2-2) at Atlanta (3-1)
Now you should be completely confident New England will win. Every time I pick the Pats to go into a deep sleep, they rise up and smite someone. The thing that worries me about the Pats now is their inability to pressure the quarterback -- at all.
Atlanta 28, New England 17

1 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Tennessee (1-3) at Houston (0-3)
When Bud Adams shows his face at Reliant Stadium, I wonder if he looks around and thinks: If I were as suave, as politically savvy and pleasant to be around as Bob McNair, I could have gotten a stadium like this built and I wouldn't have had to move my team to Tennessee?"
Houston 17, Tennessee 10

4:05 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Indianapolis (4-0) at San Francisco (1-3)
Peyton Manning and Alex Smith meet at midfield before the game, shake hands warmly and quasi-hug. Manning says: "Kid, you know that thing called the tackle box? Well, make sure you run out of it a lot today and throw the ball away, because Dwight Freeney's coming for you like a freight train."
Indianapolis 31, San Francisco 8

4:15 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Philadelphia (3-1) at Dallas (2-2)
Add Bill Parcells and his defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, to the list of coaches who can't quite figure out how to make Donovan McNabb sweat. It would help if Parcells could find a way to get Julius Jones going.
Philadelphia 21, Dallas 16

4:15 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Washington (3-0) at Denver (3-1)
The key to this game, and I bet Jake Plummer will hear it in his sleep tonight, is Denver not turning the ball over. If the Broncos don't, I guarantee they win. But if Jake is Arizona Jake and Sometimes-Denver Jake, I can make no such guarantee.
Denver 20, Washington 10

4:15 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Carolina (2-2) at Arizona (1-3)
The real story here is Neil Rackers. He enters the game 16 for 16 in field goals, exits it with six more, and just might be about to do to the single-season field-goal record (39) what Jerry Rice did to the career receptions record.
Carolina 20, Arizona 18

8:30 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Cincinnati (4-0) at Jacksonville (2-2)
As much as I have loved the Jags over the last couple of years, I now simply like them. Yes, I've fallen out of love. That's what 8-9 over the last 17 games has done to my affections. The Bengals, on the other hand, will officially be the league's most intriguing team after Sunday night.
Cincinnati 23, Jacksonville 10

9 p.m. ET
Preview | Matchup Pittsburgh (2-1) at San Diego (2-2)
I know, I know. A rout, you say? How can you pick a rout with the Chargers coming off two emotional, physical games (Giants, Pats) and coming off an East Coast trip last week, and blah, blah, blah. Well, it's easy. The Chargers are really, really good. And LaDainian Tomlinson is the best player in the NFL right now.
San Diego 33, Pittsburgh 13

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sportingnews.com

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...ic.php?t=23243

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espn.com/bill simmons

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2...simmons/051007

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chicagosuntimes.com/staff picks

http://www.suntimes.com/output/footb...nflcaps07.html

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chicagotribune

Terry Bannon's NFL picks

October 7, 2005, 1:20 AM CDT


Game of the week: Steelers at Chargers..
Open date: Chiefs, Raiders, Giants, Vikings.
Last week's record: 9-5
Season record: 35-25
Bears (1-2) at Browns (1-2)
NOON SUNDAY
TV/radio: WFLD-Ch. 32, WBBM-AM 780
Line: Browns by 3.
Last meeting: Bears won 27-21 (OT) at Soldier Field on Nov. 4, 2001.
Key stat: It's Bears' No. 27 offense vs. Browns' No. 30 defense.
Fantasy factor: Thomas Jones, with 4 rushing TDs in 3 games, continues to carry load for Bears. Rookie Braylon Edwards averaging 18.4 yards per catch for Browns.
The buzz: Cleveland's porous pass defense should provide openings for Bears' rookie combination of Kyle Orton and Mark Bradley to make plays.
Bannon's pick: Bears 21, Browns 17.

Patriots (2-2) at Falcons (3-1)
NOON SUNDAY
Line: Falcons by 3.
Last meeting: Patriots won 24-10 at Atlanta on Nov. 4, 2001.
Key stat: Falcons have won 12 of last 13 home games, including 7 in row.
Fantasy factor: Pats need Corey Dillon, who is averaging only 3.1 yards per carry but has run for 5 TDs. Warrick Dunn getting 5.6 yards per carry for Falcons.
The buzz: If Michael Vick's knee is sound, he can run and pass against injury-weakened New England defense.
Bannon's pick: Falcons 27, Patriots 23.

Dolphins (2-1) at Bills (1-3)
NOON SUNDAY
Line: Bills by 2½.
Last meeting: Bills won 42-32 at Miami on Dec. 5, 2004.
Key stat: Bills averaging only 12 points per game.
Fantasy factor: Gus Frerotte has been efficient in first 3 games with 5 TD passes. Bills depending on Willis McGahee (4.8 yards per carry).
The buzz: New coach Nick Saban has Dolphins playing with confidence. Bills shaping up as one of season's biggest disappointments.
Bannon's pick: Dolphins 24, Bills 20.

Ravens (1-2) at Lions (1-2)
NOON SUNDAY
Line: Lions by 1½.
Last meeting: Ravens won 19-10 at Baltimore on Dec. 27, 1998.
Key stat: It's Ravens' No. 2 defense vs. Lions' No. 29 offense.
Fantasy factor: Ravens' Derrick Mason averaging 7 catches per game and has TD in 6 of last 8 road games. Lions' Kevin Jones, averaging only 3.3 yards per rush, must carry load.
The buzz: Both teams off to disappointing starts, but Ravens should be able to rely on their defense.
Bannon's pick: Ravens 20, Lions 17.

Saints (2-2) at Packers (0-4)
NOON SUNDAY
Line: Packers by 3.
Last meeting: Saints won 35-20 at New Orleans on Sept. 15, 2002.
Key stat: Packers have lost 4 straight home games.
Fantasy factor: Deuce McAllister, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, getting lot of work from Saints. Despite Packers' woes, Brett Favre 2nd in NFL with 9 TD passes.
The buzz: Packers battling injuries all over roster and Saints should be able to do enough on offense to control game.
Bannon's pick: Saints 23, Packers 21.

Titans (1-3) at Texans (0-3)
NOON SUNDAY.
Line: Texans by 3.
Last meeting: Texans won 31-21 at Houston on Nov. 28, 2004.
Key stat: Texans averaging league-worst 8 points per game.
Fantasy factor: Drew Bennett getting 17.6 yards per catch for Titans but has yet to score. Texans may try to control game with running of Domanick Davis (3.9 per carry).
The buzz: Texans, looking more like expansion team than fourth-year franchise, have desperation factor and home field in their favor. Will that be enough?
Bannon's pick: Texans 21, Titans 20.

Bucs (4-0) at Jets (1-3)
NOON SUNDAY
Line: Bucs by 3½.
Last meeting: Jets won 21-17 at Tampa on Sept. 24, 2000.
Key stat: It's Bucs No. 1 defense vs. Jets' No. 28 offense.
Fantasy factor: Jets turn to 41-year-old Vinny Testaverde at quarterback. Joey Galloway off to big start for Bucs (17 catches, 3 TDs).
The buzz: Everything's falling into place for Bucs. Everything falling apart for Jets, who made a desperation move in signing Testaverde.
Bannon's pick: Bucs 24, Jets 16.

Seahawks (2-2) at Rams (2-2)
NOON SUNDAY
Line: Rams by 3.
Last meeting: Rams won 27-20 at Seattle in NFC wild-card game on Jan. 8.
Key stat: Rams have won last 4 meetings.
Fantasy factor: Seahawks' Shaun Alexander, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, has rushed for 6 TDs. Rams' Torry Holt 2nd in NFL with 30 catches, 3 for TDs.
The buzz: A battle for first place! But it is mediocre NFC West. Rams will give up yards to Seahawks but will find way to win.
Bannon's pick: Rams 31, Seahawks 27.

Colts (4-0) at 49ers (1-3)
3 P.M. SUNDAY
TV: WBBM-Ch. 2
Line: Colts by 14½.
Last meeting: 49ers won 40-21 at Indianapolis on Nov. 25, 2001.
Key stat: 49ers have been outscored by league-worst average of 14 points per game.
Fantasy factor: Colts' Edgerrin James leads NFL with 520 yards from scrimmage (404 rushing, 106 receiving). San Francisco gives QB Alex Smith, No. 1 pick in draft, his first start.
The buzz: It'll be tough baptism for Smith. Colts haven't allowed more than 10 points in game this season. They won't in this one.
Bannon's pick: Colts 31, 49ers 10.

Panthers (2-2) at Cardinals (1-3)
3:15 P.M. SUNDAY
Line: Panthers by 3.
Last meeting: Panthers won 35-10 at Carolina on Nov. 21, 2004.
Key stat: Teams have split 4 meetings in last 4 years.
Fantasy factor: Panthers' Steve Smith tied for 2nd in NFL with 4 TD receptions. Cards' biggest weapon is kicker Neil Rackers, whose 16 FGs are most ever in first 4 games.
The buzz: Although Rackers won't be kicking in Mexico City's thin air again, he's weapon. Tough trip for Panthers after Monday night win.
Bannon's pick: Cardinals 23, Panthers 20.

Eagles (3-1) at Cowboys (2-2)
3:15 P.M. SUNDAY
TV: WFLD-Ch. 32
Line: Eagles by 3½.
Last meeting: Eagles won 12-7 at Philadelphia on Dec. 19, 2004.
Key stat: Eagles have won 9 of last 10 meetings, including 3 straight.
Fantasy factor: Terrell Owens should add to his league-leading totals of 32 catches and 506 yards. Cowboys need Julius Jones to average more than 3.5 per carry.
The buzz: Eagles, scoring 34 points per game in 3-game winning streak, just rolling along. Cowboys need big plays to stop them.
Bannon's pick: Eagles 34, Cowboys 21.

Redskins (3-0) at Broncos (3-1)
3:15 P.M. SUNDAY
Line: Broncos by 7.
Last meeting: Redskins won 17-10 at Denver on Nov. 15, 2001.
Key stat: Redskins' 3 wins have come by total of 6 points (43-37).
Fantasy factor: Santana Moss (15 catches, 2 TDs) biggest threat for Redskins' weak offense. Jake Plummer has thrown 27 TD passes in 16 home games for Broncos.
The buzz: Redskins are about 3 plays away from being 0-3 instead of 3-0. Visit to Mile High gets them back down to earth.
Bannon's pick: Broncos 24, Redskins 17.

Bengals (4-0) at Jaguars (2-2)
7:30 P.M. SUNDAY
TV/radio: ESPN, WSCR-AM 670
Line: Jaguars by 2½.
Last meeting: Jaguars won 29-15 at Cincinnati on Dec. 15, 2002.
Key stat: Bengals winning by league-best average of 16.5 points per game.
Fantasy factor: Carson Palmer everything Bengals hoped for—9 TD passes already. Jaguars' Jimmy Smith still going strong (17 receptions, 4 TDs) at 36.
The buzz: Both teams dealing with injuries on offensive line. Who will handle problem better? Home-field edge matters here.
Bannon's pick: Jaguars 17, Bengals 16.

Steelers (2-1) at Chargers (2-2)
8 P.M. MONDAY
TV/radio: WLS-Ch. 7, WSCR-AM 670
Line: Chargers by 3.
Last meeting: Steelers won 40-24 at Pittsburgh on Dec. 21, 2003.
Key stat: Steelers have won 8 straight road games.
Fantasy factor: Quarterbacks both capable of big days: Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger has 6 TDs and no interceptions; Chargers' Drew Brees has 6 TDs vs. 3 interceptions.
The buzz: Chargers upset of Pats last week showed they'll be in playoff hunt, but Steelers are rested and ready after week off after loss to New England.
Bannon's pick: Steelers 27, Chargers 24.

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Dallas News/Staff Picks

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcont...07nflpicks.pdf

need adobe acrobat <

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miami herald/greg cote

DOLPHINS (2-1) AT BILLS (1-3)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: 4, 12

• Line: BUF by 2 ½ • Cote: MIA 20-17

Bison pose a bigger threat with veteran QB Kelly Holcomb replacing young J.P. (Jittery Passer) Losman, because even a so-so journeyman has learned enough in 11 seasons to know air defense is not Miami's forte. Still, I like Nick Saban's Dolphins in an upset, especially off a bye. Miami's stout front seven will contain Willis McGahee and pressure Holcomb. Buffs' offense has really struggled, and putting the keys in different hands doesn't mean your car is suddenly fixed. Plus, while there's never a good time to visit Buffalo (Indian word meaning ``big women''), beating the snow is always a plus.

Game of the week
STEELERS (2-1) AT CHARGERS (2-2)

• When: 9 p.m. Monday • TV: 10, 25

• Line: S.D. by 3 • Cote: S.D. 27-23

The Chargers are wearing their 1960s-style powder blue jerseys (Holy John Hadl!), but let's bet they play better than they look. I don't disrespect a very good Steelers team coming off a bye, but safe to make it a venue pick and start believing big in a Bolts squad that just manhandled the Patriots. Also, Pitt linebackers are banged up, never a good thing when trying to contain the best back on the planet, LaDainian Tomlinson. MNF has itself a gem here. Or, as John Madden might say: ``Ya know, these two teams, when they go at it, I mean, that's a football game!''

Upset of the week
BUCCANEERS (4-0) AT JETS (1-3)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: 7, 29

• Line: T.B. by 3 ½ • Cote: NYJ 19-17

'AAWWK!'' booms the Upset Bird. ``Have I lost my maawwk?'' Hey, I'm not claiming defensible logic here. I'm saddling up a home dog and riding a plain ol' gut-hunch. I don't believe the Bucs (lucky to beat Detroit last week) are quite what their pristine record implies, and Vinny Testaverde, even fossilized, gives Planes more pop and a better shot than Brooks Bollinger. Also look for NYJ to rise up and show that Tampa's isn't the only defense in the game. 'You know the Latin, Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, I conquered)?'' U-Bird asks. ``The `Veni' in that is Testavaawwk!''

Dog of the week
BEARS (1-2) AT BROWNS (1-2)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: CLE by 3 • Cote: CLE 21-17

Both teams are coming off a bye week. Couldn't they have stayed away? We did not miss them. In fact, instead of even discussing this game, let's take a moment to talk about current events. How you liking Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court? Can you believe that Asian bird flu thing threatening to become pandemic? Scary. They're trying to pin it on the Upset Bird. OK, back to the game. Pandas' decent pass-D will challenge Trent Dilfer, but like the Earthtones in an anxious venue call. Kyle Orton has yet to win on the road. Let's keep it that way.

TITANS (1-3) AT TEXANS (0-3)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: HOU by 3 • Cote: HOU 24-17

Anybody in Houston still mad at Bud Adams for moving his team to Tennessee? Would Houston rather have Dan Pastorini's Oilers than what has replaced them? Just wondering. Texans swept Titans last season, so let's keep it going. Tenners' lousy D could be the cure for what ails David Carr's offense.

SAINTS (2-2) AT PACKERS (0-4)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: G.B. by 3 • Cote: G.B. 31-23

Don't write off Brett Favre and the Pack just yet, not even at 0-4, not in the NFL's most winnable (read: worst) division. Gee Bees' poorest start in 17 years has Vince Lombardi spinning in his porkpie hat, but Cheesers' last three L's have been by six points, total. They're due a break. Lambeau lives!

SEAHAWKS (2-2) AT RAMS (2-2)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: STL by 3 • Cote: STL 31-27

Rams coach Mike Martz has been diagnosed with a heart infection, surprising his players, who were unaware he had a heart. Lous have won five straight in series, including an '04 sweep. Hobbled 'Hawks might be missing both starting wideouts, which will make defending Shaun Alexander easier.

PATRIOTS (2-2) AT FALCONS (3-1)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: ATL by 3 • Cote: ATL 27-20

Tom Brady vs. Michael Vick makes it a great game that should help answer two big Q's: 1. Are champion Patriots too banged up to avoid a freefall? 2. Are Falcons as good as anybody in the NFC? Big rebound by Pats would not surprise, but NE has too many injuries to contain Vick and his ground game.

RAVENS (1-2) AT LIONS (1-2)

• When: 1 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: DET by 1 ½ • Cote: BAL 19-17

Two struggling offenses requiring their overburdened defenses to be nearly perfect. Sounds like a Marlins game! I'll take a mild upset here. I'll take Ray Lewis' defense against a struggling Joey Harrington, who isn't holding onto his starting QB job as if it were a balloon filled with urine.

COLTS (4-0) AT 49ERS (1-3)

• When: 4:05 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: IND by 14 ½ • Cote: IND 38-14

It's a Saturday-in-Tally kind of point spread. No wonder. These might be NFL's best and worst teams. No. 1 wonder-kid Alex Smith gets his first start and will struggle. So will a hobbled Frans secondary against Peyton Manning. Huge number for a home mutt to get, but poor Niners are that bad.

PANTHERS (2-2) AT CARDINALS (1-3)

• When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: CAR by 3 • Cote: CAR 24-19

Interesting game. Panthers might be vulnerable, coming off a big Monday win and facing a team easy to look past. And Josh McCown is 5-2 in his past seven starts, including a big show in Mexico City last week. Chance the better team here (Jake Delhomme is a good road QB), but nervously.

EAGLES (3-1) AT COWBOYS (2-2)

• When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday • TV: 7, 29

• Line: PHI by 3 • Cote: PHI 27-23

The series trend is silly-lopsided, with Eagles on a 9-1 roll with an average win-margin of 22. Still, a home-dog shocker would not surprise, but take hot Donovan McNabb vs. a vulnerable pass-D. Oh, and Terrell Owens' next TD catch is his 100th. Dallas better post security guards around that midfield star.

REDSKINS (3-0) AT BRONCOS (3-1)

• When: 4:15 p.m. Sunday • TV: None

• Line: DEN by 7 • Cote: DEN 20-17

Clinton Portis' first game vs. his former team highlights one of the week's better matchups, a duel of second-tier playoff teams. The betting line feels fat. Redskins keep games close with a stout defense that has held nine consecutive opponents to 18 points or fewer, the best such streak in the NFL.

BENGALS (4-0) AT JAGUARS (2-2)

• When: 8:30 p.m. Sunday • TV: ESPN

• Line: JAX by 2 ½ • Cote: JAX 27-24

The Bengal juggernaut faces its toughest defense and biggest road test yet in this prime-timer. Respect to unbeaten Cincy, which is playoff-real, but take the team here that is both home and healthier. Jax has the D to jam the pause button on Carson Palmer's budding Pro Bowl season.


HOW THE DARTS LANDED

We'll work 9-5 versus the spread with a big smile any week -- a big ol' grin like a mule eatin' briars. (Briars: a Mediterranean shrub whose hardwood roots are often used to make tobacco pipes. Go figure those mules!) Blew our Bird call something aawwful last week (yikes, Vikes!), but recovered with some nice hits: Chargers with points at NE, Broncs-plus at Jax, a rare exact score in Skins-Seahawks, and Pack with points Monday night thanks to Uncle Brett's late surge. Favre looks tough enough to eat briars, too, by the way.


OVERALL VS. SPREAD
Last week 9-5 .643 9-5 .643
Season 36-24 .600 31-27-2 .533

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nynewsday/staff picks

NFL GRIDIRON GUIDE
Pats to get run over
BY ED McNAMARA

October 7, 2005


Best bet: Colts

All picks against the spread

Jets: Vinny: The Return

Bucs (4-0) at Jets (1-3)

Line: Bucs by 3 Over-under: 31 1/2

Many Jets fans root for the Yankees, so at least they've had a pleasant distraction from the latest Gang Green nightmare. (This longtime Yankees hater grudgingly salutes the gritty pinstripers, those sentimental favorites with the $210-million payroll, for overcoming all odds to make the playoffs. They're The Little Enron That Could.) As for the Jets, they're still the whipping boys of doom. Chad Pennington's preseason babble about the Super Bowl must have offended the gridiron gods. In merciless

divine retribution, Chad is replaced by the man he replaced three years ago, Vinny Testaverde. Full circle will lead nowhere this week. Vinny is rusty, Curtis Martin is hurting, the line can't block, and Tampa Bay's defense is excellent. The pick: Bucs

Marquee matchups

Patriots (2-2) at Falcons (3-1)

Line: Falcons by 3 Over-under: 43

Injuries and defections finally have caught up to New England, whose 21-game run at home ended in a rout. The most disturbing stat was the Chargers' 183 rushing yards. Atlanta is the NFL's top running team (209-yard average), so expect more of the same. Tom Brady has never lost two consecutive NFL starts, and that streak is in danger, too. Michael Vick (probable, knee) is expected to start.

The pick: Falcons

Eagles (3-1) at Cowboys (2-2)

Line: Eagles by 3 O/U: 44

Philly showed its class and hurting Donovan McNabb displayed great courage in overcoming a 24-6 deficit at Arrowhead. The Eagles owned Dallas the past five years (7-2-1 ATS), and the Cowboys are mediocre at best. Why watch? To see evil twins Bill Parcells and Jerry Jones look disgusted. The pick: Eagles

Steelers (2-1) at Chargers (2-2)

Line: Chargers by 3 O/U: 45 1/2

Let's use the usually foolish method of comparative scores: San Diego won by 24 at New England after the Pats won by 3 at Pittsburgh. Conclusion: The Chargers are way better than the Steelers. No, they're about even, as the spread reflects. Pittsburgh has overpowered weaklings (Titans, Texans). Let's see how its defense does against the best offense it has faced. The pick: Chargers

Redskins (3-0) at Broncos (3-1)

Line: Broncos by 7 O/U: 34 1/2

The Redskins' wins are by a total margin of six points. I can't see them being 4-0, but with their outstanding defense, covering a big spread on the road would be no shock. After being humbled at Miami, Denver has played three strong games. Expecting four in a row is asking a lot. The pick: Redskins

Around the league

Ravens (1-2) at Lions (1-2)

Line: Lions by 1 1/2 Over-under: 33

The Ravens have no offense and have lost four consecutive road games (no ******). The improved Lions came within inches of a comeback win at Tampa and historically do their best work at home. Sounds too simple, doesn't it? The pick: Lions

Dolphins (2-1) at Bills (1-3)

Line: Bills by 2 1/2 O/U: 34

Bad omen: J.P. Losman's name is pronounced LOSS-man. Nobody has happier feet than the Bills' struggling young QB, and the unofficial word is that Kelly Holcomb will start in his place. Holcomb has played hardly at all the past two seasons, and Miami's strong defense should handle him. Buffalo's "D" isn't nearly as good as advertised. The pick: Dolphins

Seahawks (2-2) at Rams (2-2)

Line: Rams by 3 O/U: 49 1/2

Pirate captains who were opium addicts ran tighter ships than Mike Martz. His Rams are stunningly sloppy. St. Louis ruined Seattle last season with a three-game sweep, including a playoff game. The Seahawks should have won all three, and revenge will fuel them. The pick: Seahawks

Titans (1-3) at Texans (0-3)

Line: Texans by 3 O/U: 40 1/2

Why is the NFL more watchable than college football? Because games don't take four hours and you don't have to listen to marching bands. The Texans put up a fight at Cincinnati, and if they lose, they're looking at 0-6, with Seattle and Indy up next. The young Titans won't win many away games. The pick: Texans

Saints (2-2) at Packers (0-4)

Line: Packers by 3 O/U: 41

At least Green Bay covered its last two. Winning isn't everything, as Vince Lombardi should have said. Now LB Na'il Diggs and C Mike Flanagan are out, and RB Ahman Green is hurt. You never know what to expect from the Saints, but the Pack is in free fall.

The pick: Saints

Bears (1-2) at Browns (1-2)

Line: Browns by 3 O/U: 35

These rebuilding teams have had their moments. The Bears smashed the Lions after nearly winning at Washington. The Brownies won at Green Bay and held the Colts to 13 points at Indy. The difference here is Cleveland has a battle-tested QB (Trent Dilfer) and Chicago has a mistake-prone rookie (Kyle Orton). The pick: Browns

Colts (4-0) at 49ers (1-3)

Line: Colts by 14 1/2 O/U: 46 1/2

Why the NFL is superior to college football: You can't give 27½ points and have the cover locked up by halftime. This cosmic mismatch looks like a rare exception. This is pocket aces against 7-2 off suit. The 49ers' defense is comically inept, allowing 473 yards a game. Rookie QB Alex Smith makes his first start, adding to the chaos. The pick: Colts

Panthers (2-2) at Cardinals (1-3)

Line: Panthers by 2 1/2 O/U: 43 1/2

Carolina is in a 6-16 ATS slump as a favorite, and letting Green Bay get a brutal backdoor cover Monday night cost me first place in my pool. It was only business, but I took it very personally. After nearly blowing a 32-13 lead by going into a shell, maybe the Panthers will be more focused. They'd better be, because they know they owe me. The pick: Panthers

Bengals (4-0) at Jaguars (2-2)

Line: Jaguars by 3 O/U: 37

Injuries have scrambled Cincinnati's offensive line, so it's a bad time to face the league's most physical front four. The Jags groveled against Denver (four turnovers, 15 penalties), and they'll be psyched to rebound at home in prime time. The Bengals were lucky to edge Houston and are due for a dud. The pick: Jaguars

Don't miss

Pittsburgh Steelers vs.

San Diego Chargers

Monday, 9 p.m.

Ch. 7, WFAN (660)

The picks

Our writers' picks for this week's NFL Games

Arthur Staple 32-27-1 best bets 1-3

Bucs, Falcons, Eagles, Chargers, Broncos, Ravens, Bills, Seahawks, Texans, Packers, Bears, Colts, Panthers, Bengals

Ken Berger 31-28-1 best bets 3-0-1

Jets, Patriots, Eagles, Steelers, Redskins, Ravens, Bills, Rams, Texans, Packers, Bears, 49ers, Cardinals, Jaguars

Ed McNamara 27-32-1 best bets 2-2

Bucs, Falcons, Eagles, Chargers, Redskins, Lions, Dolphins, Seahawks, Texans, Saints, Browns, Colts, Panthers, Jaguars

Bob Glauber 25-34-1 best bets 2-2

Bucs, Falcons, Eagles, Steelers, Broncos, Ravens, Bills, Rams, Texans, Packers, Browns, Colts, Panthers, Jaguars

[Blackbeard]

Looks like a 2-1-1 day(will correct if UCLA comes back) + 3-0 in opinions(these were actual plays that I held back because of the addition of dallas news picks, wanted to see how more picks would affect fades.)
Record: 34-15-2
CFB: 20-7-1
NFL: 14-8-1

If anyone wants the NY Post or NY Daily news picks let me know, otherwise I will just work on the fades

[mgdog96]

YO BEARD Your Picks are on Fire! Thanks for being so generous and sharing them with us. Also I would like the post

[Blackbeard]

UCLA made the comeback but went for 2 and failed, than got an INT and another TD, wild game

3-0-1 today, 3-0 opinions

Record: 35-14-2
CFB: 21-6-1
NFL: 14-8-1

[Blackbeard]

Thanks MGDOG96, I thought that was a push for sure, I'll post the post in a few

[Blackbeard]

NY Post NFL

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