Last week’s picks were marginally better from the week before. I went 8-7 so I’m at 15-15 overall, right at .500. I hope to improve on that today.
Miami at New England – CBS, 1 p.m.
The one thing about Joey Porter is that he has a big mouth and doesn’t know when to shut his trap. This past week, Porter said the Patriots aren’t the same without Tom Brady. While this is true, this is the type of bulletin board material coach Bill Belichick thrives upon. Not only will we see QB Matt Cassell unleashed, but Miami’s QB Chad Pennington can’t even throw a ball into the ocean even if he’s standing in a boat right on the water. Miami is 0-2. The Pats will win this going away, 21-3. Porter should learn to keep his mouth shut.
Oakland at Buffalo – CBS, 1 p.m.
Don’t look now, but Buffalo could be 3-0 after this game and do you know what fans will hear on ESPN at 7 p.m.? That’s right, the overweight, overrated and overmodulated Chris Berman shouting, “Nobody circles the wagons …. like … the Buffalo Bills.” But the Bills are a good team and I like how Marshawn Lynch is running the ball. For the Raiders, look to see how Darren McFadden is running the ball. He wore a protective boot during the week and is going to have his workload increased with Justin Fargas out. The Raiders are hoping for a second straight win on the road and it’s not going to happen. Take the Bills, 19-7.
Kansas City at Atlanta – CBS, 1 p.m.
This game should not be on TV. In fact, Chiefs fans are hoping to be blacked out for this one. Falcons QB Matt Ryan came back to earth last week against the Bucs, failing to throw a TD while giving up two picks. Ryan should be able to rise again against a Chiefs team that it pitiful. Take the Falcons to win to give Atlanta fans false hope, but the ATL will take it. The final will be the ATL 31, KC 15.
Arizona at Washginton – Fox, 1 p.m.
Last week, the Redskins looked horrible for three quarters, then it appeared the light switch clicked on for Jason Campbell as he threw for 321 yards against a decent Saints defense. The Redskins after looking horrible against the Super Bowl champ Giants in Week 1 and turning things around in Week 2 against New Orleans hope to get a complete effort this week against a steadily improving Cardinals team. Kurt Warner has actually looked good in the first two games and I look for him to do well against today. But I think Hail to the Redskins will be sung quite a bit at the Stadium formerly known as Jack Kent Cooke. It won’t be FedUp Field today. Washington wins, 35-31 in a shootout.
Tampa Bay at Chicago – Fox, 1 p.m.
A battle of former NFC Central rivals, this is a game of two 1-1 teams hoping to get over .500. Bucs QB Brian Griese knows the Bears defense, but this is a defense that is improved over last year’s squad, although you wouldn’t know it after Panthers QB Jake Delhomme tore it to shreads in Carolina’s comeback over Chicago last week. The Bucs got a nice win over Atlanta. But with Chicago favored by a field goal, I’ll take that margin and run with it. I’ll pick the Bears to win by a figgy, 23-20.
Cincinnati at New York Giants – Fox, 1 p.m.
I have learned my lesson on the Bungles. I picked them twice this season and they’ve burned me twice. Giants over a sorry excuse of a team, 38-10.
Carolina at Minnesota – Fox, 1 p.m.
Last week, I told you Tavaris Jackson was not trustworthy to lead a team and against Indianapolis, he could not lead the Vikes into the end zone, mustering five field goals. When playing the Colts, you need TD’s, not figgys. And the Colts ended up winning on a last second FG over the Vikings. Adrian Peterson is a great weapon on offense, but because Jackson can’t throw the ball down the field, the great RB is rendered useless. And with Carolina flying sky high feeling they can come back on anyone, no Vikings lead is safe. I’ll take the Panthers to come into the Sillydome and win, 24-9.
Houston at Tennessee – CBS, 1 p.m.
Titans win, 17-6.
St. Louis at Seattle – Fox, 4:05 p.m.
One of these weeks, Seattle is going to prove me right about being a contender in the NFC West. However, they surprised me again last week by losing in OT to the 49ers. With the Rams in contention for the #1 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, expect the Seahawks to finally get out of the doldrums and win this late afternoon game, 28-17.
Detroit at San Francisco – Fox, 4:05 p.m.
The Lions can’t afford to fall behind 21-0 again. That’s how they started both of their games this season. And while the Lions did make a concerted effort against Green Bay last week, and even led the Packers for a stretch last week, it still wasn’t enough as the Pack pulled it out at the end. The 49ers have some confidence winning on the road in the Great Northwest. I’ll say Niners win, 28-24.
New Orleans at Denver – Fox, 4:05 p.m.
We all know how Denver got a gift win against the Chargers last week. There’s no need to rehash the loss. This game should have a bigger showcase instead of being buried on Fox today. The Saints want to prove last week’s loss to Washington was a fluke. I like Denver to win, 23-21.
Jacksonville at Indy – CBS, 4:15 p.m.
These two AFC South rivals always seem to have a knock-em-out drag-em fight. While the Colts won both games last year, Jacksonville finds way to be very physical with the Colts. And with the Bears winning at the new Lucas Oil Stadium, there may be a nice blueprint for the Jags today. For the last two weeks, the Colts have not been able to run the ball and if the Jags can put any pressure on Peyton Manning, then they could have a decent shot to win. I’ll say Jacksonville pulls one off today and hopefully, Dick Enberg won’t lose track of time when calling the final moments. Jags, 24-20.
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia – CBS, 4:15 p.m.
The battle of PA has the potential to be a classic game. Ben Roethlisbergr is playing despite a sore shoulder. Expect the Steelers to ramp up the running game today. Donovan McNabb has had a good start to the season and I like how he’s leading the Eagles. Look for the Iggles to win at home over a very good Steelers team, 34-17.
Cleveland at Baltimore – CBS, 4:15 p.m.
I throw up my hands with my Browns. Our defense is porous. Our offense can’t get going. The coaching has been atrocious. With that said, I do feel have the Browns have a decent shot today in Baltimore, but they’ll still fall short. Take the Ravens, 17-2.
Dallas at Green Bay – NBC, 8:15 p.m.
Dallas is acknowledged to be the best team in the NFC. Green Bay comes in with Aaron Rodgers playing very well. The Cowboys defense may be the difference although Philadelphia’s offense showed there were some cracks especially in the secondary. Coming off a tough win on Monday night and going on the road to Lambeau in another primetime game, it’s going to be awfully tough for Dallas to win this one. I’m taking the Packers to squeak out a 27-24 victory.
New York Jets at San Diego – Monday, ESPN, 8:40 p.m.
Brett Favre looked great against Miami in Week 1, but very pedestrian against New England in Week 3. Now he and the Jets go into a hornet’s nest in San Diego as the Chargers are quite pissed off after being robbed last week. Plus, the Chargers are desperate for a win, having lost both of their games in the last minute. One can’t
forget how they lost on the last play of the game to Carolina in the opening week. But at the same time, without Shawne Merriman, the pass rush is not the same and the secondary is getting lit up so look for Favre to try to throw a lot on Monday. I still like the Chargers to finally get their first W, look for them to take this one in a track meet, 41-37.
Enjoy your football.
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