Week 2 Picks

As the Captain so eloquently stated earlier in the week, I humped the dog and went 4-12 last week. However, I was 1-1 on my confidence picks. I’ll take that for week one. The first week is always rough, no matter what sport. Only a love for gambling would cause someone to be dumb enough to lay lumber during week one. All of that aside, I plan to launch the comeback this week. On to the picks. A lot of the favorites are playing at home this week causing a lot of big lines. Let’s see how it plays out.
Balitimore -11.5 over OAKLAND: I believe Sabo put it the best, “Stephen Hawking would make a better QB than Aaron Brooks.” The Ravens are 6-1 SU and ATS in their last 7 against the Raiders. Take the Ravens in a romp.

INDY -13 over Houston: The Colts had problems stopping the Giants on the ground, but Samkon Gado is no Tiki Barber. The Tejans couldn’t cover Donte Stallworth so I doubt they have an answer for Marvin and Reggie.

CINCY -10 over Cleveland: The Bengals put the hammer to the Cheifs without much help from Palmer. They’ll get it going this week at home.

Buffalo +6.5 over Miami: The Fish are 0 for their last 4 ATS against the Bills. If Buffalo’s D can cause problems for Tom Terrific, then they should have Saban ready to kill Culpepper by the 3rd quarter.

Detroit +9 over CHICAGO: The Bears win this one, but Detroit is decent enough to keep it close.

Carolina -1 over MINNESOTA: This one will be interesting. Based on Week 1, the Vikes should roll, but you can’t bet against John Fox after a loss. No one circles the wagons like Coach Fox.

New York Giants +3 over Philly: The Eagles are 5-1 ATS against the Eagles over the past 3 years, but this game is almost a must win for the Giants. If they lose this one, they drop to 0-2 with a trip to Seattle looming. I think they find a way to win.

Tampa +5.5 over ATLANTA: Classic case of one team not being nearly as bad as they looked playing another team that isn’t anywhere near as good as they looked. Don’t let Week 1 fool you. The Bucs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 at Atlanta.

Nawlins -2.5 over GREEN BAY: It’s gone get ugly.

St. Louis -3 over SAN FRANCISCO: The Niners have a good history ATS vs. the Rams, but the Rams defense looked stout. With Will Witherspoon clogging up the middle, they’ll keep Frank Gore under control. Take the Rams and lay the 3.

SEATTLE -7 over Arizona: Shaun Alexander gets it going against a defense that gave up 600 yards to Frank Gore. Seattle wins this one in a shoot out.

NYJ +6 over the Patriots: This is a tough one to call. The Patriots were dogs last week and the Jets looked good, but Kerry Collins is no Tom Brady. There’s also a distinct possibility that the Pats just aren’t as good as people think.

FOOTBALL JESUS -11 over Tennessee: Young Man Rivers makes his home debut against the Titans. With this schedule, he may not have to complete his 50th pass until sometime in October.

DENVER -10.5 over Kansas City: The Cheifs get shredded again this week while Herm Edwards starts wishing he was back in Jersey.

DALLAS -6 over Washington: Both teams lost their openers so the loser of this one goes 0-2 and puts themselves in a hole. The Cowboys should be able to move the ball better this week and I’m not sure if the Redskins offense can keep up. However, if the Skins can get to Bledsoe and force a few more interceptions, the Romo Watch will officially be on.

JAX +2 over Pittsburgh: Upset of the week. Both teams looked good last weekend, but I think this is the year Jax makes a statement. The offense looked solid against a decent Dallas defense and their defense has been good for a while. Meanwhile the Steelers still don’t know who’s going to start the game at QB. Also, the Jags are 8-2 ATS in their past 10 vs. the Steel Curtain, so they’ve got that going for them. Which is nice.

Lead Pipe Locks: Cincy, BMore, and NYJ