Sunday 1:00
Chargers @ St. Louis (+9)
That’s a lot of points. The Rams seem a lot better at home, and the Chargers really haven’t shown any consistency this year. I’ll take the points.
Ravens @ New England (-2.5)
I hate spreads like this, because I think Baltimore is clearly the better team… so why is New England favored? I don’t get it, and it makes me suspicious that people in Vegas know something I don’t. Ah, screw it, I’m taking the Ravens.
Falcons @ Philadelphia (-2)
Man, I hate this one, too. Second game in a row where I think the wrong team is favored. I have no faith in Kolb, so I’ll take the points again.
Browns @ Pittsburgh (-14)
Colt McCoy vs. the most QB-aggressive defense in the league, plus the Steelers will be looking to prove that Big Ben is healthy, and finally, the Steelers hate the Browns. I’d give 20 easily here.
Saints @ Tampa Bay (+4.5)
There is something deeply wrong with the Saints this season. They might win this game, but if they do it’ll be by a couple points at best. They’re reeling, and the Bucs have something going this year, somehow. I’m taking the points!
Seabags @ Chicago (-6.5)
Seattle is not good. On the road, they’re really awful. Bears.
Lions @ New Jersey Giants (-19)
Holy crap that’s a big number. That’s a college football number there; this should be the spread for the Steelers game. I know that the Lions are terrible and the Giants have been on fire lately, but 19? My natural inclination is to just not give that big a number, but again, this suggests Vegas knows something, and I’ve gone against that too many times already. I will <gulp> give the 19. Yow.
Dolphins @ Green Bay (-3)
I have to pick a slight favorite sometime, right? They say Rodgers is supposed to play, so they should be OK, right?
Chiefs @ Houston (-4.5)
The Texans started out on fire, but they’ve played like ass the last three games, even though they didn’t lose them all. (Quality play is not necessary to beat the Raiders, unsurprisingly.) Also, André Johnson is still not 100% and the Chefs have been playing inspired defense. I’ll take the points, again. I will, however, be at the game and actively cheering against my own pick!
Raiders @ San Francisco (-7)
Exactly how many games have the Niners won, much less won by a full TD? This is again one of those spreads that makes me worry that I don’t know something I’m supposed to. Again, against my better judgment, I’ll take the points.
Sunday ~4:10
Jets @ Denver (+3.5)
Rex’s boys are just plain better, and should win this handily.
Cowboys @ Minnesota (-1.5)
Despite what happened in the playoffs last year, this is the kind of game the Dallas franchise wins and the Vikings always lose. Again, I’ll take the points.
SNF
Colts @ Washington (+3)
While I will most definitely be rooting for the Skins, I’m picking the Colts. I just don’t see the Colts as a .500 team, and the way to beat the Colts is to run the ball, and the Skins aren’t really a running team, particularly without Portis.
MNF
Titans @ Jacksonville (+3)
Not only are both teams 3-2, but they’re both 3-2 against the spread. I haven’t seen much of either team, but my sense is that the Titans are better, if only a little. Just for a change of pace, I’ll give the points.
oops! The Giants spread is 10, not 19!! Amazed you picked it with that spread! But yeah, it’s 10, so that should make you feel better about it. (mode from USAToday odds page)
San Diego at St. Louis (+9)
Bradford was clearly missing Clayton last week and they got dogged by the Lions. I think Bradford will be fine, especially considering how Jason Campbell torched the Chargers in the second half last week. I think the Rams can hang. I’ll take the points.
Baltimore at New England (-2.5)
The Ravens are better. The Patriots are one-dimensional and the Ravens can cover the pass. I love getting points.
Atlanta at Philadelphia (-2)
The Eagles can be run on, and Atlanta can run the ball. I think that’s the real key. I’ll take the points and the Falcons.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh (-14)
Should be a 3 TD spread. Take the Steelers. Colt McCoy will be starting for the Browns.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay (+4.5)
The Saints are clearly not the same team this year. That should be ok, though, because Tampa is really reeling from injuries, especially in the secondary. Brees will have a big game. Give the points and take the Saints.
Seattle at Chicago (-6.5)
The Seahawks with no running game and on the road. I’ll take Chicago even without Cutler. Give the points. Bears.
Detroit at New York(NYG) (-10)
Calvin Johnson is out. They won’t be able to keep up. I’ll give the big number and take the Giants at home.
Miami at Green Bay (-3)
Despite the injuries on defense, I like the Packers to bounce back and handle Miami. Aaron Rodgers will start. Give the points.
Kansas City at Houston (-4.5)
The Texans will bounce back this week – Johnson and Foster should be healthier. They’ll be ready after an ugly loss. On the other hand, KC gave everything they had and just missed beating the Colts. Its asking a lot for another performance like that on the road. I’ll give the points and take Houston.
Oakland at San Francisco (-7)
An 0-5 team favored by a touchdown. Really? I’ll take that bet. Give me the points and the Raiders.
New York(NYJ) at Denver (+3.5)
Orton is playing out of his mind and Revis is out, but I don’t think you can beat the Jets as a one-dimensional team. The Pats couldn’t do it and neither will Denver. I’ll give the points and take the Jets.
Dallas at Minnesota (-1.5)
I think this is a pick-em game, so I’ll take Dallas because I think they’re a little better.
Indianapolis at Washington (+3)
The Redskins had their big game last week. Don’t know if they’ll be up for this one. Plus they give up a lot of passing yards. Indy, on the other hand, gives up a lot of rushing yards, but Portis is out. Give the points and take the Colts.
Tennessee at Jacksonville (+3)
Breather factor for the Titans after their big win last week. Plus the Jaguars play their best against division opponents. Jones-Drew will be able to run against the Titans small front which will negate the Titans pass rush. I’ll take the points and the Jaguars.