MIAMI (3-3) +1 @ CINCINNATI (2-4) O/U 44.5 pts
-Dolphins played well and were robbed in last week’s 23-22 loss to the Steelers. Defending AFC North Champ Bengals, surely, won’t lose a 4th straight game will they? BENGALS (22-14, DOLPHINS)
JACKSONVILLE (3-4) +6.5 @ DALLAS (1-5) 44 pts
-Things are looking up for the Cowboys. The most over-rated and over-hyped player in NFL history, QB Tony Romo’s out with a broken clavicle. Pocket passer Jon Kitna replaces Romo. Kitna just has to hand off the ball and complete a pass here and there. Jags getting QB David Garrard Back. He should just give the ball to RB Maurice Jones-Drew. COWBOYS (35-17, JAGUARS)
WASHINGTON (4-3) +3 @ DETROIT (1-5) 44.5 pts
-Lions QB Matthew Stafford’s back after suffering a shoulder injury in week 2. Lions with two weeks to prepare for the NFC’s worst defense which did a number on the Bears last week. CB DeAngelo Hall with four picks of Bears QB Jay Cutler. REDSKINS (37-25, LIONS)
BUFFALO (0-6) +7 @ KANSAS CITY (4-2) 46.5 pts
-Bills getting ready to select Stanford QB Andrew Luck with the top overall pick in the 2011 Draft. Chiefs rolling. CHIEFS (13-10, CHIEFS)
CAROLINA (1-5) +2.5 @ ST. LOUIS (3-4) 37.5 pts
-Rookie QB Sam Bradford and the Rams should be able to regroup against a bad Panthers team at home after last week‘s road loss to the Bucs. Rams RB Steven Jackson questionable with a fractured finger. He’ll play and run all over the Panthers. RAMS (20-10, RAMS)
GREEN BAY (4-3) +6 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-1) 42.5 pts
-Jets with two weeks to prepare for a still banged-up Packers team that beat the Vikings this past Monday Night. Emotionally drained and going up against one of the top teams in the league, Packers are cheese. JETS (9-0, PACKERS)
DENVER (2-6) +2.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO (1-5) 43 pts (London)
-If the league’s trying to attract fans by playing a regular season game on a neutral field, instead of flying over-seas to London, England why not play the game in our nation’s second-largest market which is without an NFL team. LOS ANGELES! And have the Rams play San Francisco. Oh well. 49ERS (24-16, 49ERS)
Just for you, the WLAF (later, NFL Europe) 1992 World Bowl Game between the London Monarchs and the Barcelona Dragons at Wembly in London.
TENNESSEE (5-2) +4.5 @ SAN DIEGO (2-5) 44.5 pts
-Chargers can’t be that bad and the Titans can’t really be that good. CHARGERS (33-25, CHARGERS)
SEATTLE (4-2) +2.5 @ OAKLAND (3-4) 41 pts
-Who are the Raiders that won at Denver last week, 59-14? Was Ken Stabler handing off to Mark Van Eghen and throwing to Cliff Branch? Pete Carroll’s Seahawks looking to work a strangle-hold on the NFC West. RAIDERS (33-3, RAIDERS)
MINNESOTA (2-4) +5.5 @ NEW ENGLAND (5-1) 43.5 pts
-The more things change, the more they stay the same for the Patriots. Tom Brady and some flashy catchers. For the Vikings, QB Brett Favre is a gambling gunslinger. Two slightly fractured bones in that left ankle won’t stop his consecutive game streak. WR Randy Moss back in Foxboro after trade that sent him back to Minneapolis two weeks ago. I smell upset. VIKINGS (28-18, PATRIOTS)
TAMPA BAY (4-2) +3 @ ARIZONA (3-3) 39 pts
-The Cardinals don’t have a quarterback. The Buccaneers have Josh Freeman. BUCCANEERS (38-35, BUCCANEERS)
PITTSBURGH (5-1) EVEN @ NEW ORLEANS (4-3) 45 pts (SNF)
-Must’ve been “throw-back day” in the Big Easy with “Aints Bags” handed out last week. QB Drew Brees threw four picks in the Saints 30-13 home loss to the Browns. Steelers got away with one beating the Dolphins by one. SAINTS (20-10, SAINTS)
HOUSTON (4-2) +5.5 @ INDIANAPOLIS (4-2) 51 pts (MNF)
-Texans worked the Colts opening day with RB Arian Foster running for over 200 yards against Indy. QB Peyton Manning won’t lose to this team twice in a season. COLTS (30-17, COLTS)
BYE WEEKS:
ATLANTA (5-2)
CHICAGO (4-3)
CLEVELAND (2-5)
NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (5-2)
BALTIMORE (5-2)
LOS ANGELES (15 yrs, 8 wks)
Before I get to the prognostications, here’s the opening to a classic football flick from the early 70s starring Charlton Heston as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. NUMBER ONE. You gotta love the LA RAMS sporting the old BLUE & WHITE Unis. Enjoy the open and rent the DVD. Music score credits…DOMINIC FRONTIERE. Yes, Georgia’s husband. Heston wears #17. The actual game footage of #17 is Billy Kilmer…the Saints first QB.
Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool. But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY“…………
Last Week: 8-6 (better) Season: 47-43
CINCINNATI (2-3) +3 @ ATLANTA (4-2) O/U 43 pts
-Bengals QB Carson Palmer hearing the boos with some turnover issues. Palmer and the Bengals with two weeks to figure it out. How about setting up the pass by handing off to RB Cedric Benson. Then, work it downfield to T.O. and Ocho Cinco. The Falcons are plus 14 in turnovers. That’s good. Didn’t look good in last week’s loss at Philadelphia. CB Dante Robinson makes the D work. But, he could be out because of last week’s helmet-to-helmet hit to Eagles WR DeSean Jackson. Robinson was docked 50-Large and given a one-game suspension. Palmer will look to torch the secondary. Falcons QB Matt Ryan could have a field day against a Bengals D that’s got just six sacks this season, second fewest in the league. Falcons get RB Mike Turner going, that’s going to open it up for Ryan. FALCONS (39-32, FALCONS)
WASHINGTON (3-3) +3 @ CHICAGO (4-2) 40.5 pts
-Redskins have a terrible defense. Bears have a terrible offense because they have a swiss-cheese offensive line that’s let QB Jay Cutler get sacked a league-worst 27 times. I have a headache just reading that. Considering they can’t run the ball, it doesn’t look good. The Bears defense is one of the best. Difference is Redskins QB Donovan McNabb has solid pass protection and will have more time than Cutler to find receivers downfield. It’ll be close. REDSKINS (17-14, REDSKINS)
PHILADELPHIA (4-2) +3 @ TENNESSEE (4-2) 42.5 pts
-Eagles beat Atlanta last week with QB Du Jour Kevin Kolb having a huge passing day. WR DeSean Jackson’s out with a concussion due to a hit by Falcons CB Dante Robinson. Jeremy Macklin will be busy. Titans QB Vince Young questionable with a sprained knee and ankle. Back-up Kerry Collins suffering from an injured finger on his throwing hand. Look for Young to play and hand off to RB Chris Johnson to set up some short passes. The Titans defensive line is the best in the league sacking QB’s 24 times and going up against an Eagles offensive line that’s allowed 20 sacks. You do the math. I did. TITANS (37-19, TITANS)
JACKSONVILLE (3-3) +9 @ KANSAS CITY (3-2) 37.5 pts
-Did you take a look at the Jags sideline as time was running down in their Monday night 30-3 home loss to Tennessee? Those blank stares said “wave the white flag”. Both QB’s David Garrard and Trent Edwards are out with injuries. J’Ville just signed Todd Bouman, THIS WEEK, and will make his first start since ‘05. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is going to be busy. Kansas City’s solid on defense, special teams and that running game. QB Matt Cassel’s improving and just needs to not make mistakes and manage the game. CHIEFS (42-20, CHIEFS)
PITTSBURGH (4-1) -3 @ MIAMI (3-2) 41 pts
-This game’s going to hurt so don’t sit too close to the tv screen. Both teams are built with monster lines on both sides of the ball and look to control the game in the trenches. Dolphins with a huge win in Green Bay last week. Meanwhile, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger worked his “pre-season game” beating the Browns last week after a month off due to a suspension. Steelers are loaded everywhere and are the best team in the league at the moment. Close and physical. STEELERS (23-22, STEELERS)
CLEVELAND (1-5) + 13 @ NEW ORLEANS (4-2) 43 pts
-Saints QB Drew Brees showed off that “gun” that made him MVP and a Super Bowl Champion last season. Last week, he threw darts downfield and pulverized a Tampa Bay secondary that was primed to make a statement against the champs. A statement was made. But, by the Champs. Subbing for injured RB’s Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory ran for 158 yards and opened the air for Brees. Browns may have found their “franchise quarterback”. Subbing for injured Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, Texas rookie Colt McCoy had a solid debut against the “Steel Curtain Defense” despite being sacked five times. “The Real McCoy” passed for 281 yards and a touchdown in the Browns loss. Browns need to roll with their Colt and get better while taking their lumps. SAINTS (30-17, BROWNS)
ST. LOUIS (3-3) +3 @ TAMPA BAY (3-2) 38.5 pts
-The Buccaneers defense got smoked at home by the Saints last week. With good reason. They can’t put pressure on the QB recording a league-low four sacks so far. They’re second worst against the run. Uh-oh. The Young Rams are back and for real! The Rams defense held San Diego’s top-ranked offense to under 300 yards in St. Louis’ 20-17 win sacking Bolt QB Phillip Rivers seven times. On offense, top overall pick, rookie QB Sam Bradford is playing like a seasoned vet. “Slingin’ Sammy B” made the Bolts D work hard finding 10 different receivers. He can thank RB Steven Jackson who’s rushed for over 500 yards and a National Conference-high 127 carries which opens up the passing game for Bradford. Jackson’s a scary man to try and stop. Doesn’t look good for the Bucs. RAMS (18-17, BUCCANEERS)
SAN FRANCISCO (1-5) -3 @ CAROLINA (0-5) 35.5 pts
-Could be the worst game of the day. Carolina’s terrible and going back to QB Matt Moore who was replaced by Notre Dame rookie Jimmy Clausen who proved completely ineffective. I think the University of Oregon Ducks could give the Panthers a run for their money. The 49ers finally got a win over Oakland last week. QB Alex Smith still has issues. But, when he’s on, he’s good. He can reduce some pressure by handing off to RB Frank Gore who recorded 149 yards in the win over the Raiders. The Niners defense is playoff caliber. 49ERS (23-20, PANTHERS)
BUFFALO (0-5) +13 @ BALTIMORE (4-2) 40 pts
-The Bills are playing hard but are no match for the Ravens. I think the University of Oregon Ducks could give the Bills a run for their money. RAVENS (37-34, RAVENS)
ARIZONA (3-2) +7 @ SEATTLE (3-2) 40 pts
-First place in the NFC West on the line in the Emerald City! Last week, the Seahawks traded for Bills RB Marshawn Lynch and it paid off immediately. He rushed for 44 yards on 17 carries scoring a touchdown in Seattle‘s 23-20 win at Chicago. His threat took the heat off QB Matt Hasselbeck who threw for 353 yards looking like the QB who took the Water Birds to the Super Bowl a few years back. The Cardinals have a solid running game and defense. Problem is their QB is undrafted Max Hall. Who’s he you ask? That’s the issue. They let go of former top pick Matt Leinart and Browns reject Derek Anderson was terrible. The old “chicken with his head cut off” routine. SEAHAWKS (22-10, SEAHAWKS)
OAKLAND (2-4) +7.5 @ DENVER (2-4) 43 pts
-The Raiders with defensive issues and QB issues. Starter Bruce Gradkowski’s still out with a shoulder injury and Jason Campbell played “JeMarcus Russell-espque” in the loss at Frisco last week and, adding injury to insult, suffered a left knee sprain. Here comes Ravens and Rams reject Kyle Boller. Broncos ran the ball well in their 24-20 home-loss to the Jets last week. QB Kyle Orton putting up great numbers. This old AFL Rivalry’s always entertaining. BRONCOS (59-14, RAIDERS)
NEW ENGLAND (4-1) +2 @ SAN DIEGO (2-4) 48.5 pts
-I feel bad for this die-hard Chargers fan who may end up like this for the third straight week.
Have I mentioned that’s me in the 70s whenever the LOS ANGELES RAMS suffered a loss. I feel your pain, little man!! Poor kid. I’m inclined to go with the Chargers who play much better at the Q while going 0-4 on the road. QB Phillip Rivers carries that team like Peyton Manning does the Colts. Chargers defense gave up huge yards in last week’s loss at St. Louis. Their special teams continue to falter. Not good considering the Patriots special teams take advantage in that department. Just ask Miami. Pats QB Tom Brady has his old partner, WR Deion Branch back after his exile in Seattle. Patriots defense getting better after stopping the Ravens in the 4th quarter last week in New England’s win. PATRIOTS (23-20, PATRIOTS)
MINNESOTA (2-3) +2.5 @ GREEN BAY (3-3) 44 pts (SNF)
-Sure. Brett Favre’s back in Green Bay. He’s also got off the field issues we’ve all heard about. He’s got tendonitis in his throwing shoulder. He also has Randy Moss, Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice to throw to. Not to mention (but I will) RB Adrian Peterson. The Vikings defense is one of the best led by Jared Allen. Vikes are back on track after beating the Cowboys last week. Meanwhile, injuries galore on both sides of the ball for the Packers who will try to avoid a three-game skid against Favre and the Norsemen. QB Aaron Rodgers and the packers will be working on raw emotion. I think it’s close for three quarters. Then, the injuries and a better team take its toll on the Cheese Heads. “Who’s your Huckleberry?” Brett Favre is. VIKINGS (28-24, PACKERS)
NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (4-2) +3 @ DALLAS (1-4) 44.5 pts (MNF)
-The Cowboys played much better last week and still lost, this time to the Vikings, 24-21, after the most over-rated and over-hyped player in NFL history, QB Tony Romo, threw a pick late in the game with a tie score which led to the Vikings winning field goal. Romo did throw three TD passes. But his mistakes led to 10 Minnesota points. Dallas might have the league’s best talent (although I completely disagree), but don’t seem to be a cohesive unit. The Giants are playing extremely well since a slow start looking like the team that won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. They’re running, the defense is stellar and QB Eli Manning’s getting time to make good passes for scores. With all that said, it’s an NFC East clash and I just can’t see the Cowboys going 1-5, especially with all that pre-season Super Bowl hype. Close one. COWBOYS (41-35, GIANTS)
BYE WEEK:
DETROIT (1-5)
INDIANAPOLIS (4-2)
NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-1)
HOUSTON (4-2)
*LOS ANGELES (15 years, 7 weeks…………COME ON, MAGIC JOHNSON!!)
“Bloop Single”
Think about this. Either the Texas Rangers win the World Series in their first-ever trip to the Fall Classic, or the San Francisco Giants win their first World Series since 1954 when they were in New York and Willie Mays patrolled center field. Either way, all baseball fans win (except maybe those in Gotham and the City of Brotherly Love) because there will be a brand new World Series Champion and we’re all spared from watching the Yankees and the Phillies. I’m going with the Rangers in seven because of some guy named Cliff Lee. Should be a fun series to watch. ENJOY!!
Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool. But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY“…………
Last Week: 3-11 (WHAT!?!?) Season: 39-37
SEATTLE (2-2) +7 @ CHICAGO (4-1) O/U 37.5 pts
-Bears QB Jay Cutler back after concussion issues from being sacked nine times in one half by the Giants two weeks ago. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll continues to tinker with his roster trading for Bills RB Marshawn Lynch, waiving RB Julius Jones and sending WR Deion Branch back to the Patriots. It’s perpetual training camp for Seattle. BEARS (23-20, SEAHAWKS)
MIAMI (2-2) +3 @ GREEN BAY (3-2) 46 pts
-Packers look like a M*A*S*H Unit. QB Aaron Rodgers is questionable with the effects of a concussion. Expect him to play. Out are RB Ryan Grant, LB’s Clay Matthews & Nick Barnett, TE’s Jermichael Finley & Donald Lee, DL Ryan Pickett, Safeties Derrick Martin & Atari Bigby and CB Al Harris. Could be a bit too much to overcome even at Lambeau Field against a Dolphins team coming off of a bye week. At least reigning defensive player of the year, CB Charles Woodson’s healthy to blanket Miami WR Brandon Marshall. Expect Chad Henne to hand off to RB’s Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. If the Miami special teams doesn’t give up 21 points to the Packers like it did two weeks ago to the Patriots, Miami should be fine against Green Bay’s JV. DOLPHINS (23-20, DOLPHINS)
SAN DIEGO (2-3) -7.5 @ ST. LOUIS (2-3) 44 pts
-Everything’s going according to plan for the Chargers. They’re out of the shoot with a two and three record for the fourth consecutive season. Remember, San Diego’s gone on to win the AFC West the previous three. Bolts have severed ties with former all-pro LB Shawn Merriman who’s been injury-plagued the last three seasons, this year being hampered by a badly strained left calf muscle. Bolts will trade him when he’s off the injury list with the Rams being one of the teams with some interest. Good news, WR Vincent Jackson will be back by Halloween. QB Phillip Rivers lighting up opposing defenses. Unfortunately, the Chargers special teams have been atrocious and responsible for two losses including last week’s to the Raiders causing this Chargers Fan much heartache!
OH, THE HUMANITY!! Anyway….Rams suffered their first bad loss of the season last week getting waxed by the Lions in Detroit, 44-6. Under rookie QB Sam Bradford and a solid young defense, Rams have been in every game except for last week. At two and three, they’re in the thick of the NFC West race. So many weapons for Rivers on offense and If that special teams unit doesn’t have another hick-up, the Chargers should be ready to get going. Expect the Rams to keep it close with Bradford handing off to RB Steven Jackson to set up the pass. CHARGERS (20-17, RAMS)
BALTIMORE (4-1) +3 @ NEW ENGLAND (3-1) 46 pts
-Patriots return from a bye week which saw them trade WR Randy Moss back to the Vikings and welcomed back WR Deion Branch from the Seahawks. Last time these two met in Foxboro was in January for an AFC playoff game with the Ravens embarrassing the Patriots, 33-14. Ravens RB Ray Rice had a huge day as did the defense led by LB Ray Lewis. Baltimore’s back with added weapons for QB Joe Flacco in WR’s Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Without Moss, Pats QB Tom Brady will go to Wes Welker and a trio of pass-catching tight ends. He’ll need the ground game to keep his jersey clean. RAVENS (23-20, PATRIOTS)
DETROIT (1-4) +10.5 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (3-2) 44 pts
-That’s more like it, G-Men! The defense bringing the pain during New York’s two-game win streak. First, sacking Chicago QB’s 10 times in a 17-3 win. Then, in last week’s 34-10 win at Houston only allowing a franchise-low 24 rushing yards to a Texans team ranked near the top in the league on the ground. Much improved Detroit’s trying to end a 23-game road losing streak and is working some offensive MOJO after beating the Rams in the Motor City last week, 44-6. It was the first game the Lions were able to use the “Kneel-Down formation” at the end of the game since……Bobby Layne QB’d in Detroit (Google “Bobby Layne“)? Make it 24 straight road losses. GIANTS (28-20, GIANTS)
ATLANTA (4-1) +2.5 @ PHILADELPHIA (3-2) 43 pts
-It hasn’t been easy, but the Falcons are learning to win tough and ugly games. QB Matt Ryan and NFC South leading Atlanta are good at winning by wide margins, so, winning tough and ugly will serve the Falcons well come playoff time. The Eagles are in the thick of the NFC East race even with the revolving door at QB. Ex-Falcon Michael Vick is questionable to go up against his former team still nursing badly bruised ribs. Kevin Kolb gets the start completely recovered from that concussion from the opening game loss to Green Bay. FALCONS (31-17, EAGLES)
CLEVELAND (1-4) +13.5 @ PITTSBURGH (3-1) 37 pts
-The Steelers welcome back QB Ben Roethlisberger from suspension. Makes Pittsburgh quite the complete team. The Steelers are dead last in the league in passing without Big Ben and have relied on the run with Rashard Mendenhall working the bulk of the carries. Imagine what happens with Big Ben opening up the air attack. Poor Cleveland. While Pittsburgh welcomes back Roethlisberger, Texas rookie QB Colt McCoy will get his NFL Initiation against Troy Polamalu and the Steel Curtain Defense. Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are injured. So, have fun Colt! STEELERS (28-10, STEELERS)
NEW ORLEANS (3-2) -4 @ TAMPA BAY (3-1) 43 pts
-The world champion Saints are struggling. QB Drew Brees has to rely on his arm because New Orleans is lean at the running back position with RB’s Reggie Bush out and Pierre Thomas questionable. Makes the Saints very one-dimensional. To help Brees, they signed RB Julius Jones just released by Seattle. The Bucs have exceeded expectations equaling last season’s win total after just four games. They’re young and talented with QB Josh Freeman garnering the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award after leading Tampa to a 24-21 come-from-behind win at Cincinnati last week. The opportunistic Tampa defense has recorded 12 turnovers in four games, including nine interceptions. If the Bucs want to be taken seriously, a home win over the defending world champ opens some eyes. The Saints are hurt and desperate after losing two of the last three but need to be able to work the ground game. BUCCANEERS (31-6, SAINTS)
KANSAS CITY (3-1) +4 @ HOUSTON (3-2) 44.5 pts
-What happened to the Texans? Houston looked as if they’d make a serious run at the AFC South. Granted, all four teams are tied in the division with 3-2 records. Problem is the Texans are regressing. They’ve gotten pounded at home the last two weeks by Dallas and the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s atop the AFC West and playing consistently good defense and running the ball extremely well. The KC defense had Peyton Manning and the Colts frustrated in their last meeting not allowing a passing touchdown in the 19-9 Indy win. Had WR Dwayne Bowe not dropped a couple of on target Matt Cassel passes, the Chiefs would be 4-0. The Texans need to get that ground game with Arian foster going as well as Matt Schaub finding a healthier Andre Johnson. Kansas City can run the ball, but the Chiefs will have to take advantage of that weak and depleted Houston secondary. So, Bowe needs to hold on to the ball. CHIEFS (35-31, TEXANS)
NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (4-1) -3 @ DENVER (2-3) 41.5 pts
-Broncos have become a passing team with QB Kyle Orton averaging just under 350 yards passing per game. Denver can’t run the ball to save its life. With the Jets stingy pass-defense featuring dynamic cornerback duo Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis, WHO ISN‘T 100% because of hamstring issues, it looks pretty bleak for the Broncos. On offense, Jets QB Mark Sanchez can just hand the ball off to LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene because Denver can’t stop the run to save its life. That’ll open up passing lanes for Sanchez. This one’s going to be ugly. JETS (24-20, JETS)
OAKLAND (2-3) +6.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO (0-5) 41.5 pts
-If not for a botched field goal, the Raiders would be 3-2. So, how is it they’re almost a touchdown underdog to a winless 49ers team? I don’t know. Oakland finally beat San Diego last week after seven years of futility. The main reason, the Raiders special teams was able to exploit a weak Chargers special teams. There’s much talent on offense especially at RB with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Problem is the offensive line is dinged up, hence the issues at QB where Jason Campbell replaces Bruce Gradkowski who was knocked out of the Chargers game. The 49ers are 0-5 with severe issues at QB. Former first round pick Alex Smith’s looked terrible. But after confronted by head coach Mike Singletary, he looks really good. RB Frank Gore is the key. He needs to take pressure off Smith who needs to stop turning the ball over. Defensively, the Niners are solid with LB Patrick Willis running the show. Frisco’s gotta get off the schneid at some point. 49ERS (17-9, 49ERS)
DALLAS (1-3) +1.5 @ MINNESOTA (1-3) 44 pts
-This one’s dubbed “The Panic Bowl” because both these one and three teams had Super Bowl aspirations. Winner’s right back in the fold, the loser might as well fold. Vikings are the better team. They have a huge pass rush on defense. On offense, QB Brett Favre’s had issues both on and off the field. There’s that sexual harassment thing from two years ago involving another female reporter who seems to be looking for publicity. On the field, Favre’s dealing with some tendonitis in his throwing elbow and, now, an injured groin suffered in practice and caught on tape.
Some would say Poetic Justice for texting a photo of that “bad boy”. Keep that thing locked up, Brett!! Favre’s got as many turnovers now as he did all last season. That seemed to change in the second half of last week’s loss to the Jets. New toy WR Randy Moss and a healthy Percy Harvin have alleviated the passing issues the Vikes had to begin the season. Now, Sidney Rice is back to make it difficult on any secondary. The bread and butter is RB Adrian Peterson. He’s the focal point. He runs, makes it easier for Favre and the passing game. As for the Cowboys, only way they have a shot is if they can run the ball keeping the heat off the league’s most over-rated and over-hyped player QB Tony Romo. If the Cowboys abandon the run, Romo’s going to get acquainted with Jared Allen. Bye-Bye Wade Phillips. VIKINGS (24-21, VIKINGS)
INDIANAPOLIS (3-2) -3 @ WASHINGTON (3-2) 44 pts (SNF)
-Redskins allow 410 passing yards per game. Colts QB Peyton Manning throwing for over 400 yards per game. Redskins QB Donovan McNabb’s going to have to keep up with Manning. It’ll be tough with DE Dwight Freeney in his grill most of the game. Redskins better hope they’re not behind too early and can try to keep the ball out of Manning’s hands with the running game. COLTS (27-24, COLTS)
TENNESSEE (3-2) -3 @ JACKSONVILLE (3-2) 45.5 pts (MNF)
-Both teams half of the four-way tie atop the AFC South. It’ll be Titans RB Chris Johnson up against Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Advantage Tennessee because of that defensive line which is stingy against the run and murder against opposing QB’s. Doesn’t fare well for the Jags David Garrard who’ll be forced out of the pocket. Titans QB Vince Young playing well because it helps having Johnson to hand off to. TITANS (30-3, TITANS)
BYE WEEK:
BUFFLO (0-5)
CINCINNATI (2-3)
ARIZONA (3-2)
CAROLINA (0-5)
LOS ANGELES (15 years, 6 weeks)
Another favorite 3 STOOGES short film called THREE LITTLE PIGSKINS (1935). Game footage shot at GILMORE STADIUM which stood near the corner of FAIRFAX & THIRD in Los Angeles. Lucille Ball is featured in this one. ENJOY!
Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool. But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY“…………
Last Week: 6-8 (UGH!) Season: 36-26
What a rough week. Worst ever for me. I’ll make a huge comeback today even though I’m sidelined and under the weather. Speaking of this week’s injury report, here’s ESPN’s Steve Levy.
JACKSONVILLE (2-2) +1.5 @ BUFFALO (0-4) O/U 41 pts
-So. Let me get this right. The Jaguars beat the Colts last week and they’re the underdog? Well, if QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills are going to win a game, it’s this one at home. Jags featured RB Maurice Jones-Drew who rushed for triple-figures and a touchdown in the win over the Colts. A toss up. BILLS (36-26, JAGUARS)
TAMPA BAY (2-1) +7 @ CINCINNATI (2-2) 38 pts
-The Buccaneers are coming off a bye week while the under-achieving Bengals lost by three to in-state rival Cleveland last week. Bucs QB Josh Freeman and Tampa playing well. But, I don’t think they can beat Carson Palmer throwing to WR’s Chad Ocho-Cinco and T.O. while Cedric Benson carries the pill. T.O. with a huge receiving day catching the pill for 222 yards. moving into second place behind Jerry Rice among WR’s. Palmer threw for 371 yards and two TD’s. Turnovers killed the Bengals last week. BENGALS (24-21, BUCS)
ATLANTA (3-1) -3 @ CLEVELAND (1-3) 41 pts
-The Falcons were fortunate to beat San Francisco at the Georgia Dome last week. Cleveland capitalized on turnovers to beat instate rival Cincinnati last week. Falcons only a three-point favorite? Behind QB Matt Ryan, the ATL soars. FALCONS (20-10, FALCONS)
ST. LOUIS (2-2) +3 @ DETROIT (0-4) 43 pts
-Behind rookie QB Sam Bradford, that running game featuring Steven Jackson, and that defense, the Rams playing for first place in the NFC West. No denying Bradford’s a special player that’ll run the Rams for at least a decade. Winless Detroit playing much better as well and their future is bright. Unfortunately, the Lions are without last year’s top-overall pick, QB Matthew Stafford, who separated his shoulder in week one. Shaun Hill’s played well in his stead. Detroit might need to un-retire Eric Hipple. What’s a Hipple you ask? Google time. Rams looking for their first road win since last year in Detroit. They’ll try for their first three-game winning streak in four years. RAMS (44-6, LIONS)
KANSAS CITY (3-0) +7 @ INDIANAPOLIS (2-2) 45.5 pts
-The Chiefs coming off their bye week as the league’s last undefeated team. They’re averaging 160 yards on the ground with RB Jamal Charles and a dynamic duo on special teams with returnee’s Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas. Their defense stellar as well. QB Peyton Manning and the Colts aren’t used to having two losses this early in a season. In last week’s loss at Jacksonville, the Colts had turnover issues and couldn’t stop the run. They also couldn’t run. Problem for the Chiefs, Peyton’s angry and it’s hard to beat Indy in Indy after a loss. COLTS (19-9, COLTS)
GREEN BAY (3-1) -2.5 @ WASHINGTON (2-2) 45.5 pts
-Redskins featuring the running game and solid defense in last week’s homecoming win for QB Donovan McNabb over the Eagles in Philadelphia. Packers behind QB Aaron Rodgers snuck by the Lions at home. Redskins have the worst pass defense in the league. PACKERS (16-13, REDSKINS)
CHICAGO (3-1) +2.5 @ CAROLINA (0-4) 33 pts
-Bears QB Jay Cutler was knocked out of last week’s loss to the Giants, who sacked Bears’ QB’s 10 TIMES! Cutler’s out of Sunday’s game with effects from a concussion getting pounded to the Meadowlands Stadium Turf so many times. Veteran Back-Up QB Todd Collins gets the start and DE Julius Pepper’s returns to Carolina to go up against his winless former team. Rookie QB Jimmy Clausen starts for the third straight time for the Panthers. Carolina’s getting much better. They need to be able to run the ball with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Collins could have issues because the Bears O-Line is suspect (See Last Week) and they can’t run the ball. Remember. Mike Martz is the offensive coordinator. They can probably feature some running against the Cats. BEARS (23-6, BEARS)
DENVER (2-2) +7 @ BALTIMORE (3-1) 33 pts
-Denver can’t run the ball thus having issues getting the ball in the end zone. The Ravens are so good in all phases of the game. Led by LB Ray Lewis. QB Joe Flacco and WR Anquan Bouldin and lights out as is that running game with Ray Rice. RAVENS (31-17, RAVENS)
NY GIANTS OF NEW JERSEY (2-2) +3 @ HOUSTON (3-1) 48.5 pts
-If the Giants can do to Texans QB Matt Schaub what they did to Bears’ QB’s, sacking them 10 times, the Giants just may be back. Unfortunate, they’re in Houston where they’re going against the league’s top rusher, Arian Foster. Schaub will look for WR Andre Johnson who’s sprained ankle is beter. On defense, QB Eli Manning and RB Ahmad Bradshaw need to get some time against DE Mario Williams and LB Brian Cushing who returns to the line-up after a substance abuse suspension. TEXANS (34-10, GIANTS)
NEW ORLEANS (3-1) -7 @ ARIZONA (2-2) 45.5 ptS
-The two last NFC Super Bowl reps tangling in the Valley of the Sun. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they have QB issues. Derek Anderson’s done and replaced by undrafted rookie Max Hall. No such issues for the World Champion Saints. They have Drew Brees. Saints are winning ugly this year always in close games. The mark of a champ. It’ll be like last year on Sunday with Brees throwing all over the field. SAINTS (30-20, CARDINALS)
TENNESSEE (2-2) +7 @ DALLAS (1-2) 42.5 pts
-Titans running into to the Cowboys at a bad time. Dallas had its bye week last week after beating the Texans in Houston two week’s ago. Cowboys featured RB Marion Barber n the win taking pressure off the league’s most over-rated and over-hyped QB ever, Tony Romo who was 23-30 for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Texans QB Vince Young returning home. He guided the University of Texas to a national championship a few years back. Titans have a 10-game win streak against NFC opponents. Ends today. COWBOYS (34-27, TITANS)
SAN DIEGO (2-2) -6.5 @ OAKLAND (1-3) 45 pts
-An AFL rivalry that’s spans five decades. Chargers haven’t played well enough on the road to win having special teams and turnover issues. QB Phillip Rivers playing huge for the Bolts. Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski has Oakland playing well. Raiders without RB Darren McFadden who’s out with a hamstring pull. The Raiders defense playing well. Bolts a bit better. CHARGERS (35-27, RAIDERS)
PHILADELPHIA (2-2) +3 @ SAN FRANCISCO (0-4) 38.5 pts (SNF)
-Eagles returning QB Kevin Kolb as the starter after Michael Vick went down with a rib injury in last week’s loss at home to Washington. 49ers still winless after gift-wrapping a game to the Falcons in Atlanta last week. San Francisco gets its first win. 49EERS (27-24, EAGLES)
MINNESOTA (1-2) +4 @ NY JETS OF NEW JERSEY (3-1) 38 pts (MNF)
-Vikings traded for WR Randy Moss last week returning him to Minnesota and pairing him with QB Brett Favre who always wanted to throw to Moss. WR Percy Harvin is, also, back. It’s all about RB Adrian Peterson. He runs past a great defense, it’ll open up that passing game that’s, currently, last in the league. Since an opening game loss to Baltimore, QB Mark Sanchez has been stellar throwing eight TD passes and no INT’s. Former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has found the fountain of youth running behind the Jets O-Line designed for the run where San Diego’s was designed to pass block for Phillip Rivers. Moss will go up against CB Darelle Revis for the secnd time in two week’s. Moss sent Revis to the sideline’s beating him for a Patriots touchdown tweaking Revis’ hamstring in the process. It’s the game of the week. Favre played a season for the Jets and will have a blast against one of his former teams with Moss back. VIKINGS (29-20, JETS)
Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool. But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY“…………
Last Week: 10-6 Season: 30-18
The Chargers Special Teams, Kicker Sebastian Janikowski of the Raiders & Saints kicker Garrett Hartley all played like “Huxley College”. Dedicated to them, one of my favorite “football comedy bits” provided by the Marx Brothers in HORSE FEATHERS.
SAN FRANCISCO +6.5 (0-3) @ ATLANTA (2-1) O/U 42.5 pts
-49ers were pre-season favorites to win the NFC West. Now, with a loss to Atlanta, the Mike Singletary watch will be on. The Falcons have the upper hand on the NFC South after beating the champion Saints in overtime last week in the Big Easy. “Tic-Toc, Samurai Mike.” FALCONS (16-14, FALCONS)
NY JETS OF NEW JERSEY +5.5 (2-1) @ BUFFALO (0-3) 37 pts
-Bills replaced starting QB Trent Edwards with back-up Ryan Fitzpatrick in last week’s 38-30 loss to New England. Fitzpatrick played so well, head coach Chan Gailey cut Edwards off the roster completely. Rex Ryan and the J-E-T-S! JETS, JETS< JETS! Can go 3-0 within the AFC East for the first time in 10 years. QB Mark Sanchez and that offense showing good balance since the loss in the opener to the Ravens. Could be an “ambush game” for the Jets. Watch out, Rex. It’ll be close. JETS (38-14, JETS)
CINCINNATI -3 (2-1) @ CLEVELAND (0-3) 37.5 pts
-The Battle of Ohio renewed on the shores of Lake Erie. Browns QB Jake Delhomme’s back from injury. Browns gave the Ravens a scare last week in their 24-17 loss. This one’s going to be close too. Bengals offense should FINALLY open up. Watch out for plenty of Carson Palmer to Ocho-Cinco and T.O. BENGALS (23-20, BROWNS)
DETROIT (0-3) +14.5 @ GREEN BAY (2-1) 45 pts
-Lions still without Matthew Stafford at QB. Detroit lost big at Minnesota last week. It’ll be worse Sunday especially since the Packers are coming off a loss in Chicago. Aaron Rodgers should unload a can of “whoop-a&&” in the “not yet frozen tundra.” PACKERS (28-26, PACKERS)
DENVER +6.5 (1-2) @ TENNESSEE (2-1) 43 pts
-QB Vince Young and the Titans rebounded well from an ugly home loss to Pittsburgh with an inspired win over the Giants in Gotham last week. QB Kyle Orton and the Broncos are putting up good stats but can’t get the pill in the end zone. Denver struggled mightily in last week’s 27-13 home loss to Peyton Manning and the Colts. Titans RB Chris Johnson’s going to have a big day. TITANS (26-20, BRONCOS)
SEATTLE (2-1) -1 @ ST. LOUIS (1-2) 40 pts
-Pete Carroll’s Seahawks were fortunate Leon Washington was able to return two kick-offs for touchdowns in last week’s 27-20 home win over San Diego. Bolts QB Phillip Rivers dissected the Seattle secondary for 455 yards. They better watch out because they’re in the Gateway City facing an improved Rams team with a gun-slinger at QB. How about the Rams and top overall pick Sam Bradford! They broke a 14-game losing streak taking care of Washington, 30-16 last week. RB Steven Jackson’s questionable because of a pulled groin. Kenneth Darby did well replacing the all-pro with 49 yards on 14 carries and a score. Seahawks have won nine straight against the Rams. The Rams could easily be 3-0 with their two losses by a combined five points. Let’s keep that MOJO going. Bradford’s going to have a big day. RAMS (20-3, RAMS)
CAROLINA (0-3) +13.5 @ NEW ORLEANS (2-1) 44 pts
-If it weren’t for Saints kicker Garrett Hartley’s missed 29 yard field goal in overtime, the Saints would be 3-0. New Orleans brought back 22-year veteran kicker John Carney who could replace Hartley as soon as Sunday. Both were on last season’s roster. Carolina’s working Notre Dame rookie QB Jimmy Clausen into the offense so this is an extended “pre-season” going into the next season. This could be ugly. SAINTS (16-14, SAINTS)
BALTIMORE (2-1) +1.5 @ PITTSBURGH (3-0) 34.5 pts
-This has got to be the game of the day. An AFC North Clash of Titans. Both with monster defenses. Without QB Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have rediscovered the running game with Rashard Mendenhall moving the chains. That defense, led by Troy Palomalu, is awesome. Same with Baltimore’s led by Ray Lewis. QB Joe Flacco tossed three touchdowns to new toy Anquan Bouldin in last week‘s 24-17 win at Cleveland. Ravens, also, have a solid ground attack with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. This is a pick ’em game and I’d lean to the home team in this home-and-home series. I’m going to go with Flacco and the Birds in a close one only because this is where the Steelers will miss Big Ben. RAVENS (17-14, RAVENS)
HOUSTON (2-1) -3 @ OAKLAND (1-2) 43 pts
-Are you kidding me, Sebastian Janikowski!!!! If it weren’t for your three missed field goals, including a 32-yard “chippie” as time expired, you and the Raiders would be 2-1. Wasted effort by new starting QB Bruce Gradkowski and that third-ranked Raider Defense in that 24-23 loss at Arizona. Are you kidding me Texans!!! You had a 3-0 start in your sites and laid an egg at home to previously winless Dallas last week, 27-13. QB Matt Schaub and that number one offense stopped dead by the Dallas defense. Meanwhile, Dallas QB Tony Romo sliced and diced that worst passing defense in the league. Won’t get any easier for the Texans in the black hole, especially, with WR Andre Johnson still hobbled by the bad wheel. Gradkowki licking his chops to get at that Houston pass defense. Don’t let me down again, Janikowski!! RAIDERS (31-24, TEXANS)
Fitting Houston’s at Oakland. Hall-of-Famer George Blanda played in both cities (Oilers & Raiders) as well as in Chicago with the Bears during his remarkable 26 year NFL/AFL career. Blanda passed away this past week at 83. Here’s a tribute to one of the most amazing players ever courtesy of the NFL Network. R.I.P George Blanda.
INDIANAPOLIS (2-1) -7 @ JACKSONVILLE (1-2) 46 pts
-Only way Jacksonville has a shot against Indy is if RB Maurice Jones-Drew has a big day against that Colts defense, which he’s done in the past. Also, that Jags defense has to find a way to stop Peyton Manning. No way. COLTS (31-28, JAGUARS)
WASHINGTON (1-2) +5.5 @ PHILADELPHIA (2-1) 43 pts
-Welcome home, Donovan McNabb!! Redskins coming off a bad 30-16 loss at St. Louis. That defense is the worst in the league adjusting to that 3-4 scheme. “Big Dog” Michael Vick has thrown for 750 yards, six TD’s, no picks, 170 rushing yards and another score since taking over for Kevin Kolb in week one. McNabb was instrumental in bringing Vick to the Eagles last year. The thanks, McNabb’s going to get bitten hard by him in the City of Brotherly Love. EAGLES (17-12, REDSKINS)
ARIZONA (2-1) +8 @ SAN DIEGO (1-2) 45.5 pts
-Chargers are playing true to form giving games away in the first five weeks of the season. QB Phillip Rivers threw for 455 yards in the loss at Seattle last week. Bolts special teams needs a wake-up call after giving up two kick-off returns for touchdowns. Cardinals should’ve given a game-ball to Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski last week, for missing three field goals including a 32-yard chippie as time ran out, gift-wrapping a 24-23 win for the Cards in Arizona. Is that correct?? Derek Anderson’s the starting QB for the Cardinals?? STILL?!?!? CHARGERS (41-10, CHARGERS)
CHICAGO (3-0) +3.5 @ NY GIANTS OF NEW JERSEY (1-2) 43.5 pts (SNF)
-The Bears and QB Jay Cutler looking very strong and improved after Monday’s 20-17 win over Green Bay at Soldier Field. As for the Giants, head coach Tom Coughlin could be on the hot-seat if his team plays the way they’ve been playing. BAD. QB Eli Manning looking like his Dad Archie, trying to create something using his opposite hand to try and throw a touchdown. Instead, a pick by the Titans in the end zone. If the Giants can get any kind of running game……………oh, snap! It’s the Bears defense with Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers. BEARS (17-3, GIANTS)
NEW ENGLAND (2-1) -1 @ MIAMI (2-1) 46.5 pts
-Patriots with a close shave with the winless and hapless Buffalo Bills last week at The Razor, winning 38-30. QB Tom Brady is his old self throwing darts to his tight ends and selection of WR’s. New England’s defense isn’t what it used to be. The Dolphins played it tough in a home loss to the Jets last week. QB Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall clicking as are running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams although the latter needs to hold on to the rock. Miami’s defense is better. A close division game. DOLPHINS (41-14, PATRIOTS)
BYE WEEK:
DALLAS (1-2)
MINNESOTA (1-2)
KANSAS CITY (3-0)
TAMPA BAY (2-1)
LOS ANGELES (15 years, 4 weeks)
On Any Given Sports Day 