Originally Posted by
Razz
NFL Overall (7-6-0, -6.80*)
NFL Sides (4-3-0, -5.20*)
7* Panthers +3 vs. Patriots
We’re not big fans of betting against the Patriots, but here we go for the second week in a row. This was a surprising line to us, as we expected the much-hyped Panthers to be favored, or, more likely, that the line would be around pick. Carolina has plenty of motivation this week. They feel as if they need to win this game to avoid getting off to a similar start as last year, and they would like a measure of revenge from heartbreaking Super Bowl loss two years ago.
The Panthers have been one of the most amazing underdogs in NFL history the last two years, going 14-2 as a dog in that span. Meanwhile, the Patriots have been only average ATS on road grass (8-8-1) the past three years. The Panthers running game should roll over the weakened Patriots LBing corps. Despite the 10-point win over the defenseless Raiders, the Pats did show chinks in the armor, having a punt and XP blocked, as well as giving up their longest defensive play in five years.
Prediction: Panthers 34, Patriots 20
5* Bears +1.5 vs. Lions
The Lions D looked good in Week 1, but Detroit has been a terrible road team recently. The Lions‘ offense has been very unimpressive, despite the numerous weapons. QB Harrington did not throw a TD pass in preseason, and threw for less than 170 yards last week at home against a leaky Packers secondary. Bears rookie QB Orton accruing much praise for his composure, and he has plenty of weapons against a Lions defense that is nowhere near as capable as Redskins defense he faced last week. RB Benson should have more of an impact this weak, and if not, Jones is a satisfactory choice also. No one in the Lions secondary can handle new WR Muhammed. Lions have only been favored in 2 of their last 64 road games, and lost both of those games SU. The Bears have double revenge, and get it here.
Prediction: Bears 20, Lions 13
4* Buccaneers -2 vs. Bills
Defensive struggle that we expect the Bucs to win. They have the advantage of a veteran QB in Griese, and a game-breaking RB in Cadillac Williams. Their offense will do enough to put some points on the board, while the Buc defense confuses and frustrates new Bills QB Losman. The Bucs have covered five in a row in this series. The home crowd should propel TB to 2-0.
Prediction: TB 20, Bills 10
3* Cardinals pick vs. Rams
The home team has been dominant ATS in Cardinals games, to the tune of 23-9 last 32 games. The Cardinals are simply the better team, as last week’s final did not at all tell the story of the game (Giants ran kickoff and punt back for touchdown). St. Louis continues to be a road favorite (line is down to pick at time of post), and we aren‘t sure why. They are 3-14 their last 17 in that role. Martz is one of the worst coaches in the league, and Green will be able to lead his team to the win here.
Prediction: Cardinals 27, Rams 21
3* Seahawks pk vs. Falcons
The Falcons go across the country to play a Seattle team that has failed to cover last eight home games. Nonetheless, we think the odds makers have overvalued last week‘s results. We are getting a great price because of the Falcons win in what was a sloppy game against an overrated Philly team. Falcons are prone to laying eggs on the road; witness last year’s 56-10 blowout at the hands of a KC team that missed the playoffs.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Falcons 17
NFL Totals (3-3-0, -1.60*)
4* Redskins @ Cowboys Under 36.0
This series is always tightly contested, and the Redskins have only increased the likelihood that this one goes under by benching Patrick Ramsey in favor of Mark Brunell. Ramsey has more big-play potential, and was more likely to turn the ball over. The Redskins will play conservatively with Brunell at the helm, and QB Portis will get the ball on numerous occasions. The Skins D is good enough to handle stone-footed Drew Bledsoe and the Cowboys running game.
3* Buffalo @ Tampa Bay Under 35.5
These are two very stout defenses, and have already impressed us this season. The Buccaneers dominated the Texans offense last week, and check Tampa holding the Vikings without an offensive touchdown in Minnesota. Losman will struggle in his first road start, and the Bills can at least keep the Bucs offense to a reasonable number.
2* Dolphins @ Jets Under 37.0
Plenty of good teams have gone to KC and gotten blown away. Still the Jets have deeper problems offensively, as QB Pennington appears to be a shell of himself after his surgery. The Dolphins looked impressive on offense last week at home against a poorly coached, overvalued Broncos team. Their defense will still keep them in this one, but they will struggle on offense.