I fell off a bit on my picks against the spread, but actually finished above .500 when it came to straight-up picks. I guess you have to take every little victory.
Denver (-9.5) at Kansas City
What’s worse? The Kansas City offense or the Denver defense? It’s hard to say, but the Denver offense doesn’t have to apologize. And if Kansas City can’t be competitive against the Raiders or Falcons, they won’t show up against the Broncos.
Denver 35, Kansas City 20
Cleveland (+3) at Cincinnati
Games between bad teams are always tough. Unlike the Missouri teams, which were supposed to stink, the Ohio teams were supposed to be decent. But they aren’t. I’ll go with the home team grudgingly here.
Cincinnati 26, Cleveland 21
Houston (+7) at Jacksonville
The Jags are coming off a pretty huge victory at Indianapolis, while the Texans are still a little frazzled with all of the outside Hurricane Ike influences. Houston typically plays the Jags tough, but I don’t see it this time.
Jacksonville 23, Houston 14
Arizona (+1) at N.Y. Jets
You have the NFC West there for the taking Cardinals. So take it. The Jets have had two tough losses since the opener, but they were playing some pretty darn good teams. I don’t know how good Arizona is, but I’m thinking a Cards win.
Arizona 23, N.Y. Jets 20
San Francisco (+4) at New Orleans
Dare I say it, but J.T. O’Sullivan kind of looked like a 49ers quarterback of yore last week. Then again, they were playing the Lions and I was sunburned. Either way, SF is showing a pulse, making this matchup a good one.
New Orleans 28, San Francisco 23
Atlanta (+6.5) at Carolina
This seems like really easy money. Yes, the Falcons are 2-1, but those two wins came against the Chiefs and Lions. The Panthers are a significant step up – a step the Falcons aren’t ready to make.
Carolina 28, Atlanta 9
Minnesota (+3) at Tennessee
This should be a good one. The Vikings are 1-2, but the one win (Carolina) was quality and the two losses (Green Bay and Indianapolis) weren’t to slouches. The Titans are 3-0, but its not a sound 3-0. I’ll take the upset.
Minnesota 21, Tennessee 17
Green Bay (+1.5) at Tampa Bay
Chris Berman always dubs this game “The Bay of Pigs”. Chris Berman is also highly annoying. This should be another good game to watch, as the Pack has looked pretty good and Brian Griese is coming off a 67-pass performance for the Bucs. I don’t see that happening again. Wow, what a limb I just went out on.
Green Bay 20, Tampa Bay 17
Buffalo (-8.5) at St. Louis
The Bills are a surprising 3-0 with Trent Edwards quarterbacking, but the Rams are terrible. And now apparently, they are a team divided between Marc Bulger and Trent Green. This game could be bad.
Buffalo 27, St. Louis 12
San Diego (-7.5) at Oakland
I think the Chargers have finally awoken, although their defense still is a concern. I think Lane Kiffin has done a wonderful job considering all the bull he has to put up with in Oakland, but the Raiders don’t have enough to hang in this game.
San Diego 34, Oakland 14
Washington (+10.5) at Dallas
The Cowboys are friggin good. No real way to say anything otherwise. They have the most talented roster in the NFL and they look like a force. However, their series with the Redskins always takes weird turns. No, Washington won’t win, but don’t be surprised if the Cowboys break a sweat.
Dallas 28, Washington 20
Philadelphia (-3) at Chicago
This is a tricky game for the Eagles, as the Bears might have the second-best 1-2 team out there besides San Diego. However, the Eagles are probably the second or third best team in the league right now. In fact, the NFC East has the three best teams, which is crazy. I’m tempted to pick the Bears, but I can’t.
Philadelphia 24, Chicago 19
Baltimore (+5) at Pittsburgh
The Steelers embarrassed the Ravens on Monday Night Football in Pittsburgh last November, pretty much sealing the fate of Redlands native Brian Billick as the coach of the Ravens. This Baltimore team is 2-0 and won’t be embarrassed, but I can’t see them winning at Heinz.
Pittsburgh 20, Baltimore 10
Straight up: 22-24. Against the spread: 21-24-1.
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