Sunday 1:00
Panthers @ Atlanta(-6)
Decent amount of points, but the Panthers didn’t look good at all last week and the Falcons proved they could win through the air. I’ll give the points.

Vikings @ Lions(+10)
The Lions are still terrible, plus a rookie quarterback (which maybe doesn’t mean much anymore?), whatever. I’ll give the 10 even if all they do is give the Peterson on every play.

Saints @ Philadelphia(+1)
I like the Saints to run up the score on this one. Even with a cipher defense, will Philly be able to keep up?

Bengals @ Green Bay(-9)
I don’t like the number. I think this game will be closer simply due to the Bengals defense, which is underrated. I’ll take the points.

Cardinals @ Jacksonville(-3)
Last year the Cardinals struggled mightily in East Coast games. I think I like Jacksonville! I don’t like the Cardinals pass defense as much and I expect Garrard to have a better game today.

Raiders @ Kansas City(-3)
There is no way I’m going to lay points with the Chiefs. Go Raiders!

Patriots @ New Jersey Jets(+3.5)
Ryan will scheme well against a gimpy Brady and Belichick will scheme well against a rookie Franchez. Personell-wise, the Pats are just better. I don’t think it will be all that close. Pats.

Texans @ Tennessee(-7)
So the Texans did nothing and Tennessee played great but lost a tough emotional game. I feel like I’m being goaded into laying these points. I will take the touchdown and see if the Texans can bounce back. They certainly have something to prove…

Rams @ Washington(-10)
Bulger has looked terrible. If he does so again, I think it’s time for a switch. The gameplan for the Rams is Stephen Jackson over and over again. I think the Redskins will win, but can they muster a double digit victory. The Rams beat them last year. Not happy about it, but I’ll give the 10.

Sunday ~4:10
Buccaneers @ Buffalo(-4.5)
I just don’t think the Bucs can play with anyone. I’m tempted, especially after the Bills heartbreaker last week, but I’ll give the points.

Seahawks @ San Francisco(-1)
This is a HUGE game for San Francisco, but Seattle is likely thinking ahead to the Bears and the Colts. I like the Niners, despite the resurgent (healthy) Seahawk air attack.

Steelers @ Chicago(+3)
Cutler looked bad and Urlacher is out. I see no reason to pick Chicago. I expect a big win for the Steelers.

Browns @ Broncos(-3)
Browns, I guess. Meh.

Ravens @ Chargers(-3)
This looks like it’s going to be fun game. LT is dinged up, so that’s a factor. Also, Rivers got a lot of pressure against the Raiders. The Ravens are a lot better at that sort of thing. I like the Ravens by a field goal. Take the points.

SNF
Giants @ Cowboys(-3)
Huge expectations for the Cowboys, based on their recent history of doing well early and the opening day of the MonsterDome. Look for the Giants to spoil the house party. Jacobs and Bradshaw will just keep running it up the middle. The Cowboys won’t be able to stop it because Manning and his receivers are more than capable of completing short third downs. I love getting points in this game.

MNF
Colts @ Miami(+3)
Based on what I saw last week, the Colts should be able to answer anything Miami will muster offensively. If Miami runs the ball more and doesn’t turn it over, maybe they’ll keep it close, otherwise, this should be a big game for Manning. I’ll give the points.