NFL Week 3 Picks

Week 2 is now a week of football passed by and the only improvement seen in my straight up picks is one less loss. Of course, we had one less game as well. Finishing the week at 9-6 straight up and 8-6-1 ATS I’ve managed to increase my averages by a fraction of a hair to 18-13 (.580) and 14-16-1 (.452) ATS.

What a wild week number two brought us! High scores, big games, and big controversies! Several 0-2 teams are still considered contenders, while some of our 2-0 teams are more than likely pretenders. Will Week 3 begin balance to the scales? Only the game ending buzzers can tell us that. Let’s have a look at how I see things playing out.

---Picks against the spread in red---

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, September 21^st, 2008

Kansas City Chiefs(0-2) at Atlanta Falcons(1-1) 1:00PM

After losing to the Raiders at home last week, the Chiefs are beginning to look like they’re in for a long season. Not that Atlanta is a juggernaut, but if the Chiefs can’t get the job done at Arrowhead…

Falcons add more woes for the Chiefs in a home win

(Atlanta -5)

Oakland Raiders(1-1) at Buffalo Bills(2-0) 1:00PM

Although no game in the NFL can ever be considered a lock, the performance of the Bills over the last two weeks should make this pick a no brainer.

Bills continue to add to their win streak

(Bills -9.5)

Arizona Cardinals(2-0) at Washington Redskins(1-1) 1:00PM

While Arizona has mounted back-to-back wins, not to much should be read into it. They’ve come against less than stellar teams. With Washington’s apparent regrouping in last weeks match up, look forward to Redskin home coming.

Redskins mount another win at home

(Redskins -3)

Houston Texans(0-1) at Tennessee Titans(2-0) 1:00PM

Although the Texans have had a week off already, I’d hardly say that it was an enjoyable time of rest. While Houston will look to get back into their game, the Titans will be looking to continue with their forward momentum.

Titans tear through the Texans for a win

(Titans -5.5)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-2) at New York Giants(2-0) 1:00PM

Giants are HOT! And, well… the Bengals are not. Bring this game into Giant Stadium and how can you pick otherwise?

Giants continue to roll in win over Bengals

(Giants -13.5)

Miami Dolphins(0-2) at New England Patriots(2-0) 1:00PM

Miami has had a history of throwing a wrench into the Patriots works, but that was before they became the worst team in the league last year, and so far, Parcells revamped team has yet to draw blood from anyone.

Patriots continue to find ways to win without Brady

(Dolphins +13)

Carolina Panthers(2-0) at Minnesota Vikings(0-2) 1:00PM

A tough match up to call as the Panthers continue to find ways to win in the 4^th, while the Vikings continue to fall below expectations.

Panthers find way to finish out fourth quarter…again

(Panthers +3.5)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers(1-1) at Chicago Bears(1-1) 1:00PM

This is another tough game to call. The Buccaneers haven’t looked as good as they were thought to be and the Bears haven’t looked as bad as they were thought to be. If the game were in Tampa, I’d go Tampa without question, but put this game in Chicago and I’ve got my doubts.

Bears defense capitalizes on enough mistakes to seal a home victory

(Buccaneers +3)

New Orleans Saints(1-1) at Denver Broncos(2-0) 4:05PM

The high powered offense of the Broncos will continue to light up the scoreboard as Cutler will continue to connect with Marshall…and Royal, and Scheffler, and Stokley, and Graham…however, the question remains…where is Denver’s Defense?

Broncos continue to out score their opponents

(Broncos -6)

St. Louis Rams(0-2) at Seattle Seahawks(0-2) 4:05PM

Ouch, where do I go here? 0-2 was an expectation for St. Louis, but the Seahawks lack of a win is…um, not shocking, but unexpected.

Seahawks finally squeak on out

(Rams +10)

Detroit Lions(0-2) at San Francisco 49ers(1-1) 4:05PM

While Detroit might have the weapons to move the ball down the field, they also have the distinct ability to shot themselves in the foot. I’m sure that traveling to San Fran for a win is a possibility, but this is really a coin flip.

49ers find another win as they return home

(Lions +4)

Pittsburgh Steelers(2-0) at Philadelphia Eagles(1-1) 4:15PM

After proclaiming the Steelers the team to beat in the AFC last week, I’m going to take a step back; too many words spoken too soon. As strong as the Steeler defense has proven to be, I simply don’t thing they will be any match for Donovan McNabb and the Eagles. As long as DeSean Jackson doesn’t decide to drop the ball on the goal line again this week, I’d be looking for the Eagles to walk away with this one.

Eagles return home for a crowd pleasing win

(Eagles -3)

Jacksonville Jaguars(0-2) at Indianapolis Colts(1-1) 4:15PM

The Colts finally showed a spark of life last week in the fourth quarter to comeback for the win. Personally, I think that was all they needed. I’d be looking for Peyton and the Colts to start looking like the team we know, while the Jaguars still need to figure out some way of regrouping their faltering offense.

Colts start looking more like the team we know and defeat the Jaguars

(Colts -6)

Cleveland Browns(0-2) at Baltimore Ravens(1-0) 4:15PM

While some expected a big season from the Browns, others have called them highly overrated, and I would have to agree. Not that I’m willing to put much stock in the Ravens either. When in doubt, take the home team.

Ravens join the 2-0 teams…a week late

(Ravens -2.5)

Sunday, September 21st, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys(2-0) at Green Bay Packers(2-0) 8:15PM

Last season this match up received huge publicity, and after a Favre injury, Aaron Rodgers entered the game looking well composed for a back up that had no expectations of playing when he suited up before the game. This season all that has changed. Rodgers is entering this game in the drivers seat and man has he been a stud so far this season.

Rodgers leads Packers to victory as he continues to shine

(Packers +3)

Monday, September 22^nd, 2008, Monday Night Football

New York Jets(1-1) at San Diego Chargers(0-2) 8:30PM

Even with Favre, the Jets simply aren’t the team many would like them to be, or not be if you enjoy watching them flounder. Chargers on the other hand will be playing with a chip on their shoulder this week. I don’t think I would pick any road team entering Qualcomm Stadium for this Monday Night game.

Chargers blast forward for a big win at home

(Chargers -9)

And there you have ‘em once again, my Week 3 Picks. Love ‘em, hate ‘em, they’re there for all to see. Bring on the weekend already, I’m ready for some Football!!!

NFL Week 2 Picks

With Week 1 complete, there is plenty to talk about. How will the Patriots fair without Brady? What happened to the Colts? Can the Bills be good this year? Will the Jaguars regroup their offense? Will the Packers continue to win without Favre? Will the Jets continue to win with Favre? All questions only a season can answer.

As for my picks last week, I finished with a very weak 9-7 (.563) on my straight up picks and might as well be heading to the poor house with a disgraceful 6-10 (.375) against the spread. Let’s look to improve those numbers this week.

---Picks against the spread in red---

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Sunday, September 14^th, 2008

Chicago Bears(1-0) at Carolina Panthers(1-0) 1:00PM

Bears showed they still have a sign of life and that they can still get it done on defense, but the Panthers showed there is life outside of Steve Smith.

Panther continue to find a way to win

(Panthers -3)

Tennessee Titans(1-0) at Cincinnati Bengals(0-1) 1:00PM

The Titans look solid in their season opener, the only question mark seems to be Young’s impact for this team. Is it good or bad? Could a switch to Collins solidify this team?

Titans take another victory

(Titans +1)

New Orleans Saints(1-0) at Washington Redskins(0-1) 1:00PM

Redskins looked awful on offense in their opener, while the Saints came out on top against a tough division rival.

Saints march out of town with a win

(Saints -1)

New York Giants(1-0) at St. Louis Rams(0-1) 1:00PM

The Rams may be in for a long season if they intend to keep playing the way they opened their season. There shouldn’t be any Super Bowl hangover for the Giants in week two.

Giants dominate in victory

(Giants -9)

Indianapolis Colts(0-1) at Minnesota Vikings(0-1) 1:00PM

The Colts…um, Peyton Manning…um…the Bears…I still don’t know what to make of that game. The Colts looked awful. I’m sure the Colts fans are hoping this is a short term problem, but I’m looking for a second upset with what’s likely to be an unpopular pick.

Vikings take the “W” in their home opener.

(Vikings +2)

Oakland Raiders(0-0) at Kansas City Chiefs(0-1) 1:00PM

After the beating that the Raiders took at home in Week 1 against the Broncos, a trip to Arrowhead Stadium doesn’t forebode well for the Oakland.

Chiefs chop down a Division rival at home.

(Chiefs -3.5)

Buffalo Bills(1-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars(0-1) 1:00PM

The Bills defense was relentless last week and will look to be the same in Week 2. The question is going to be whether or not the Jaguars can match that intensity after the lousy play of their offensive line in Week 1.

Jaguars bounce back with a victory.

(Bills +5.5)

Green Bay Packers(1-0) at Detroit Lions(0-1) 1:00PM

Is it my imagination or did Aaron Rodgers look like he knew what he was doing in that pocket against the Vikings? The Packers are a good team, and although the loss of Favre is painful, Rodgers seems to be a decent pain reliever so far.

Packers show no worries going 2-0 to start the season

(Packers -3)

San Francisco 49ers(0-1) at Seattle Seahawks(0-1) 4:05PM

The Seahawks were dominated last week as they faced off against the Bills, but I’ve always seen the Seahawks as a bad road team. Look for them to bounce back this week.

Seahawks even up their win/lose record

(49ers +7)

Atlanta Falcons(1-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(0-1) 4:05PM

Do my eyes deceive me or did Atlanta actually play a dominating game last week against the Lions? I won’t deny the Falcons look like a much improved team, but against Tampa, in Tampa?

Buccaneers satisfy the home crowd.

(Buccaneers No Line)

New England Patriots(1-0) at New York Jets(1-0) 4:15PM

Upset pick of the week? Before Brady went down this pick would have been just that, but without Brady, this team’s dominance has come into question. Don’t expect the Patriots to be down for longer than a week…maybe two. This team has talent, but this week Favre’s Jets will take advantage of Cassel’s inexperience behind center.

J. E. T. S., Jets, Jets, Jets!

(Jets -1.5)

Baltimore Ravens(1-0) at Houston Texans(0-1) 4:15PM

Texans looked sloppy last week as the Steelers tromped all over them. Look to see them bounce back on their own home turf.

Texans manage to hold onto a win at home.

(Ravens +4.5)

San Diego Chargers(0-1) at Denver Broncos(1-0) 4:15PM

Call me a Homer, but Cutler has been looking fantastic! Subtract Merriman from the Chargers defense, add Brandon Marshall back into the line up along side the rookie wonder who lead the league in receiving yards, Eddie Royal, and the Broncos will shouldn’t have an issue putting numbers on the board. It’s going to be a question of whether or not the Denver defense can contain LT enough to hold onto a win.

Broncos continue to lead the AFC West after Week 2.

(Broncos +1.5)

Miami Dolphins(0-1) at Arizona Cardinals(1-0) 4:15PM

It’s hard to say where both these teams are at this point. Even after losing, the Dolphins looked much improved against the Jets…, but how good are the Jets? Then the Cardinals won against the 49ers…, but how impressive should that be?

Cardinals take advantage of home field and take the win.

(Miami +7)

Sunday, September 14^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers(1-0) at Cleveland Browns(0-1) 8:15PM

Big Ben and the Steelers looked phenomenal in their season opener. With the lack lust performance of the Colts and the loss of Brady in New England; this team could be the team to beat in the AFC.

Steelers dominate the Browns on their own turf.

(Steelers -6)

Monday, September 15^th 2008, Monday Night Football

Philadelphia Eagles(1-0) at Dallas Cowboys(1-0) 8:30PM

Both teams dominated in their season opener, so this match up should be explosive. Given that the Cowboys have the home field advantage, I’m going to have to lean toward Dallas.

Cowboys win in home opener.

(Eagles +7)

And that about wraps it up for the pick heading into Week 2. It looks to be another weekend full of excitement and non-stop action. Ahh, it’s good to be back in football season!