Falcons @ Saints (-4)
The battle for this division will come down to these two teams. The Saints are 2-0 but haven’t looked like themselves yet. Matt Ryan has the Falcons playing great on offence, they have the more dominant backfield and their defense has improved significantly. The party in New Orleans ends this Sunday.
Spread: Falcons (+4)
Straight Up: Falcons
Niners @ Chiefs (+2.5)
The Niners have shot themselves in the foot for two weeks in a row now. They outplayed the Saints on Monday night and if not for a few blunders (David Baas snapping the ball through the uprights), they would’ve dethroned the champs. Kansas City is a mirage at 2-0 and will come crashing back down to earth this week.
Spread: Niners (-2.5)
Straight Up: Niners
Lions @ Vikings (-11.5)
Time to find out if the Vikings will be able to turn things around. Usually you can’t ask for much more than a home game against the Lions to cure a losing streak, but this year the Lions are already showing they are much improved. There’s too much at stake for this Vikings team to lose but a team with nothing to lose won’t play tentative and keeps this close.
Spread: Lions +11.5
Straight Up: Vikings
Cowboys @ Texans (-3)
The battle for Texas already has huge implications for how the season will play out. A Texans win here would push them to 3-0 and could officially shed them of the “ya, but..” title. The Cowboys need this win if they want to have any hope of staying in the hunt.
Spread: Cowboys +3
Straight Up: Cowboys
Titans @ Giants -3
Both teams are coming off big losses and need to get back in the win column. Chris Johnson needs a big game if he wants to remain on pace for 2500. Eli did not like getting shown up by his big bro last week and will want to take it out on the Titans.
Spread: Giants -3
Straight Up: Giants
Bills @ Patriots -14.5
Last week the Pats looked like they were in command over the Jets and then they completely imploded after halftime. Bill Belichick never loses back-to-back games and coming off a loss, the Pats usually win via blowout. Oh, and they’re at home. G’night Buffalo.
Spread: Pats -14.5
Straight Up: Pats
Browns @ Ravens -11
The Ravens have had a tough start to the schedule playing the Jets and Bengals. Now they get to play the AFC North whipping boy Browns. The Ravens should have a breakout game on offence and remember, their defense hasn’t allowed a TD yet in 2010.
Spread: Ravens -11
Straight Up: Ravens
Steelers @ Bucs +2.5
The Steelers have gotten to 2-0 without Big Ben and done it the old Steeler way: by playing lights out defense. The Bucs are young and a surprise at 2-0, but their offence isn’t good enough yet to play with the big boys. Steelers see an opportunity here to be 3-0 without Ben and will make sure it doesn’t slip away.
Spread: Steelers -2.5
Straight Up: Steelers
Bengals @ Panthers +3
The Bengals rebounded showed some tenacity and grit in their win over the Ravens last week. They know how difficult their division is and can’t afford to lose these types of games. Tough first test for Jimmy Clausen.
Spread: Bengals -3
Straight Up: Bengals
Redskins @ Rams +3.5
The Redskins thought they had won last week but Gary Kubiak took a ‘well-timed timeout’ and it made all the difference. The ‘Skins have looked good and McNabb has shown chemistry with Chris Cooley and Santana Moss. The Rams will shock some teams this year but not the ‘Skins. On the plus side, Bradford looks like the real deal.
Spread: Redskins -3.5
Straight Up: Redskins
Eagles @ Jags +3
The Andy Reid flip-flop has resulted in Mike Vick being named the starter for the immediate future. Vick has definitely earned it and has done all the right things since his return from suspension. The Jags secondary fell apart last week and the Eagles have numerous weapons on offence.
Spread: Eagles -3
Straight Up: Eagles
Colts @ Broncos +5.5
Peyton showed last week that he is still the master of the family. Expect a lot of carries for the Moreno and the Broncos backfield, but ultimately Peyton will have his way with Denver.
Spread: Colts -5.5
Straight Up: Colts
Chargers @ Seahawks +5.5
The Chargers got back on track last week by destroying the Jaguars and the Seahawks let Kyle Orton throw all over them. With Phil Rivers coming to town, things won’t get an easier for the Seahawks.
Spread: Chargers -5.5
Straight Up: Chargers
I’ve been wanting the Raiders to give Bruce Gradkowski a shot since the start of last season. He plays with heart and his energy is infectious. Larry Fitzgerald matches up against Asomugha and Cards don’t have the same talent on offence they did last year.
Spread: Raiders +4.5
Straight Up: Raiders
A Divisional game between two teams that love to run the ball and play good defense. Should be a war. The Jets have gotten most of the attention but the Dolphins played well in a road win over the Vikings. What Sanchez do we see this week? I’m leaning toward the Sanchise.
Spread: Jets +2
Straight Up: Jets
Also a divisional game between 2-0 teams. Cutler seems to be blossoming under Mike Martz and I expect this to be a shootout. It’s a statement game and whoever comes out with the win has an early, but sizeable lead in the race for the NFC North crown.
Spread: Packers -3
Straight Up: Packers
Season vs Spread: 11-17-4
Season Straight Up: 20-12
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